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Dick Ellis Blog:
7/15/2024
Black, minority Trump supporters censored by Gannett, other media at 2020 RNC Convention. Expect the same as Milwaukee hosts 2024 RNC Convention. Look back four years Wisconsin, to compare and contrast Gannett’s corrupt coverage of the 2020 Republican and Democratic National Conventions to know what to expect July 15-18 when the nation’s eyes rest on Milwaukee, home of the 2024 RNC convention.  The DNC will showcase its conventi...
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Waukesha Truck Accessory store and service, truck bed covers, hitches, latter racks, truck caps

Waukesha Truck Accessory store and service, truck bed covers, hitches, latter racks, truck caps

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Waukesha Truck Accessory store and service, truck bed covers, hitches, latter racks, truck caps

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OWO and Kwik Trip

OWO and Kwik Trip

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OWO and Kwik Trip

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Bob's Bear Bait

OWO and Kwik Trip

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OWO and Kwik Trip

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The Cold Facts...This Fishing is Hot

By Jim Olsson

When you wake up on January 15th the first thought that comes to mind probably doesn't relate to getting your boat out or going fishing in it.  Maybe it should, right here in our wonderful state of Wisconsin we have one of the premier Brown trout fisheries in the entire world, The Milwaukee Harbor.  Even if you can only hit the water for a couple of hours, as was the case for me today, or if you can spend an entire day you have an excellent chance for success.

Brown Trout Milwaukee Harbor

Milwaukee Harbor angler Jim Olsson often finds the brown trout and other Great Lakes fish willing to cooperate on a cold winter day.

Your quarry will be a voracious predator that can be taken with nearly any lure that you choose.  My favorites are crankbaits, spoons, gulp and spawn sacs.  Each type of lure will give you the ability to fish at a different level in the water column.  Once you find out where the active fish are, stay put and hold on.

These fish are ultra-aggressive and can produce some spectacular strikes very near the boat as they pursue your lures.

It's not uncommon to drop a lure back down and have a pursue fish strike it.  On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is the very delicate hits you receive as you drift spawn sacs right near the bottom.

My preferred rig for spawn is the wolf river rig.  I use a #2 or 4 circle hook with a 1/2 ounce weight on a dropper.  Regardless of your preferred method of tackle once hooked these fish fight like no other.  Landing the common two to four pounders isn't too tough but when you tie into one of the numerous fish over ten pounds you are in for a treat.

Brown Trout Fishing Milwaukee Harbor

Although browns in quantity and quality make fishing the Milwaukee Harbor more than worthwhile, rainbows and lake trout (season closed) can also be frequent visitors.

If you want to come out and fish the Milwaukee Harbor at this time of year please use all the precautions and safety gear available to you.  While it is a very safe activity you are still in a boat in sub-freezing conditions and bad things can happen if you are unprepared.

Bring a bag of salt and a bag of sand to the boat launch in case it is icy.  Bring a dry set of clothes and a towel in case the unthinkable happens and you fall in.  Make sure you have all the required safety devices for Lake Michigan; this list can be found on the Coast Guard website.  Above all, don't go alone, fishing is more fun when you’re with friends any way.

Jim Olsson,
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