Fishing the North Woods
A Polk County introduction
Peter Kwong
Whether it’s small panfish ponds or mighty rivers holding muskies, walleyes, bass and so much more, Polk County and the northwoods of Wisconsin is waiting for you this summer.
I always enjoy fishing, but never had many opportunities to get on the water; the curse like so many of us of just being too busy working. That’s not really an excuse; it doesn’t cost a lot for the equipment, and the fee for a seasonal long license is minimal. All you need is a fishing pole, a can of worms, and even wearing a shirt is optional (wearing shorts is mandatory). As long as there is a lake or river nearby, one can claim his spot and fish all he wants. What a way to spend the day – enjoying the sunshine, fresh air, the whistling wind, and the geese or ducks flying above, either greeting or warning you. Ahh…that’s life…with the extra bonus of being able to catch a few keepers for dinner. And all that pleasure for free! Imagine that?
It has been almost six years since we moved up to the Northwoods, and oh, how we wish we would have come sooner. A totally different kind of lifestyle awaited us; no hustle and bustle, and folks are incredibly friendly. We love the four seasons, and even the winter can be charming …sometimes (I kick myself for saying that). We are lucky enough to live right by the lake. Even though I’m spoiled and catching sunfish and other panfish is great fun, I envy those lucky fishermen with more expertise with a rod who catch a few 2-3 pounders. What a thrill it must be!
The good Lord must have heard me! He sent me Earl Duckett, an avid fisherman, who also is affiliated with the Polk County Information Center, where my good friend Colleen Foxwell works. Knowing of my love for fishing, Colleen introduced me to Earl, and that was the beginning of a beautiful friendship!
Earl pulls his boat and travels everywhere to fish. Our first adventure on the water began at 6:30 a.m. (Goodness, do the fish get up that early? I guess I would find out soon) with our destination set on the St. Croix River at Hudson. Although I was so happy to be a part of this trip, I also had no idea what river he was talking about. I am known to have no sense of directions. After two years living in our home, I’m usually still uncertain whether to trun left or right when I leave the house. Being a city boy all my life, there is so much to learn about living in the country. But I digress! After a 45 minutes’ drive, we ended up in Hudson on the Minnesota border. It took Earl less than five minutes to land the boat and park the truck and trailer. Then it was time for fun!
I was so proud that I own two fishing rods with the two tackle boxes holding different lures and the basics for catching fish. I was speechless, though, when Earl showed me his collection; more than 15 different rods with special reels in the storage compartment that I had only read about previously in sports magazines. And the tackle boxes, with more accessories than I could have ever imagined for a day on the river.
I was used to fishing brooks and streams, but the St. Croix was a new experience, wide, beautiful and generous. My first cast led to a tangle with Sheephead which I had never before seen; over a foot long, and weighing in at about two pounds. It was my first catch with the exception of panfish, and as far as I was concerned the fight and the fish was more than enough in itself to send me home happy. Earl just smiled and said, “No, my dear friend…we just started. Better things await.”
With each spots, Earl already knew what lure or bait we should use; and of course, he knew we would catch more fish – largemouth bass and catfish of various sizes…. all in my first fishing trip. I was elated.
Right after the trip, I was contemplating buying a fishing boat of my own. But knowing my driving skills, a vision of hauling a trailer and launching a boat led to a more sensible (and maybe life-saving) decision. Earl and I made a deal ; I will give him cooking lessons, and he will take me fishing and teach me new skills.
Oh, how I love Polk County and living in Northwoods! And now I am actually doing some real fishing! I hope to see you on the waters of northwest Wisconsin very soon. Just don’t ask directions!
For more information on fishing Polk County and surrounding areas, please connect with:
Polk County Information Center
710 Hwy 35 S.
St. Croix Falls WI 54024
715-483-1410