Cold weather slows down panfish Richland County
By Wayne Morgenthaler
Fishing for panfish took a turn for the worst with the cold frosty mornings. The backwaters might be slow for the panfish but the northern pike are hitting on all lakes. My favorite lure seems to be a pink and white jig. I am really trying to find crappies but the northerns for some reason just love this bait. They put up a great fight on light tackle.
The trout streams are clearing up and are at about the right water level. The morel mushrooms are coming out but the cold temperatures has seemed to dampen their growth. With all the green vegetation starting to show up on the forest floor, they will be tough to spot.
The hen turkeys are on the nests, and I came upon a nest that had 20 eggs. A good place to get information for outdoor activities for Richland County is to stop in at the Visitor Center located in Richland Center at the railroad station which is currently open from 8 to 4, Monday through Friday. They have some outstanding maps to help you navigate. They can also line you up with local guides. They are located on Hwy 14 in the middle of town and just look for the railroad car and station. There is a stop light at the intersection that you will need to turn on.
For information on lodging, dining, entertainment and more outdoors in the Richland Center Area, call the Richland Chamber at 608-647-6205 or connect with www.richlandchamber.com.