Central Wisconsin Outdoor Report
March madness it is, and not just in basketball. Here in central Wisconsin we have dramatically changed gears and everything has gone topsy-turvy. The recent heavy downpours have completely diminished the ice and opened up area lakes. The drastic amount of rain has charged rivers to flood levels only seen 4 times in the last 100 years. With that said there are still plenty of things to do in the great outdoors.
We have been hitting up the Lake Michigan feeder streams in search of stream run rainbows and the bite has been very good. With the recent rain some rivers are high and dirty but others are clear and at perfect levels. You have to do some searching to find the right river, but when you do the fish are there and they are ready to eat. We have been using spawn sacks on light line for our bait presentation but a few guys are going with yarn flies and even small jigs in green, orange, or yellow. For action target the narrows that flow into a trough or pool. Target both the trough at the narrows and both ends of the pool as fish will move up through these areas as they prepare to migrate up-stream.
Speaking of fishing, now is the perfect time stop in at Amherst Marine and check out a new boat or pontoon. Stop in and see Jerry for all you’re boating needs. http://amherstmarine.com/ Also check out the new line-up of great rods from our good friends at Elk River Rods. http://www.elkrivercustomrods.com/ the guys (Marc and Chris) have come up with some exciting new innovations in fishing rods that will be sure to please. I will be personally running all Elk River Rods in my boat this season!
With the local river system unfishable due to high water we will have to wait until next week for a report on the walleye fishing. On a positive note this high water should get those big walleyes moving in the right direction and headed towards traditional spawning grounds. We could be in for a banner spring walleye run if things continue on this track!
Turkey hunting is right around the corner and with the recent weather we should have a great upcoming season. The snow is just about completely gone and the turkeys will have no problem finding ample feeding grounds. Scouting-scouting-scouting, it is the most important factor when it comes to turkey hunting at this time of the year. At this time of the year the birds will be headed to known feeding locations and if you know where they are you will be able to put yourself in a perfect location to bag your tom. Dan Small has a great one-hour special coming up called Wild Turkeys in Wisconsin. It is a TV special to air in April.
Wild Turkeys in Wisconsin is a one-hour special produced by Mark LaBarbera and hosted by Dan Small, will air statewide in April. The attached release tells you all about the show. If you have questions or want more information, don't hesitate to contact Mark or Dan – Their contact info is at the end of the release.
By the way, DNR upland wildlife ecologist Mark Witecha and Dan will be guests on The Larry Meiller Show on Wed., Mar. 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 to discuss the program and field questions from Larry's listeners. We suspect Mark will also be ready to discuss Go Wild and leftover permits (which, as you know are slated to go on sale next Monday).
Dan Small Outdoors, LLC
http://dansmalloutdoors.com
dansmalloutdoors@gmail.com
Blog: http://blogtheroad.dansmalloutdoors.com
Twitter: dsoradio
Facebook: dsoradio
608-634-4082
414-588-4082 (cell)
Watch Outdoor Wisconsin every Thursday night on Milwaukee Public TV, Wisconsin Public TV and other stations around the Midwest. For information, go to www.mptv.org. Listen to Outdoors Radio with Dan Small on 11 stations in WI, including Newstalk 1130 WISN, Milwaukee at 6:00 a.m. Saturdays and 24/7 @www.lake-link.com/radio, @www.itunes.com, www.hardwater-angler.com or www.dansmalloutdoors.com. Outdoors Radio is also streamed twice daily @www.theradiofactory.com
Have a great week,
Phil Schweik
Licensed Wisconsin Hunting and Fishing Guide
Hooksetters Guide Service
Web: www.hooksetters.biz
Phone: 715-693-5843