Richland County Fishing Report
By Wayne Morgenthaler
Early morning or late evening for the best pan fishing.
The day time temperature was in the 50’s and not much warmer in early evening the last evening in May but the water was like a mirror. It had rained the night before and knocked many types of insects down on to the water. These conditions really turn the crappies on. All it took was to look for fish surfacing.
Mike Collins and I put on nice warm jackets and headed out for the backwaters of the Wisconsin River near Lone Rock. The panfish are biting on just about any type of small plastic. I like 1/32 ounce jigs in pink or green and drop them along the weed line or lily pads. Try to fish with 6-pound line or lighter if using monofilament otherwise Proline or Fire Line in 8 or 10 pound test.
The crappies have been running nice size and the bluegills are very aggressive. During the day enjoy a kayak trip down the Pine River or a canoe voyage down the Wisconsin River from Lone Rock to Gotham. There are canoe rentals in Lone Rock. The bike trail from Richland Center to Lone Rock is excellent now with all the wildlife. The best place to start the bike trail is in Richland Center as it runs through the entire town. Enjoy the summer.
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| Fishing buddies Mike Collins and Wayne Morgenthaler found great fishing the evening of May 31 on the backwaters of the Wisconsin River in Richland County. | ||
A good place to find 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, lodging, dining, entertainment and more outdoors in Richland County. Call the Richland Chamber at 608-647-6205, or connect at chamber@richlandalliance.com or www.richlandchamber.com.