Richland County Ice and Trout Fishing Report
By Wayne Morgenthaler
The weather finally took a swing to much warmer temperatures. Trout fishermen were out in numbers and enjoying getting those first casts in. I am not much on the fly fishing but I usually notice small hatches during the warmth of the day. Spinner action is excellent with Panther Martins in gold or silver being the best colors. Remember to always fish upstream for the best results. Snow is just about gone but the streams are very clear. Make sure to stay low and make long casts. Remember that it is catch and release now. Try to release the trout as fast as possible as they are a very sensitive fish.
Ice fishing is okay with most of the bites just below the bottom of the ice. The Wisconsin backwaters are frozen for a little while longer. The crappies are starting to pick up with white jigs tipped with a wax worm bringing good results. As you get to the middle of the day, the fish are about four to five feet down. Be careful on the shoreline edges as the days start to warm up.
Robbie Wilson, Ryan Bartels and Kevin Mogenthaler reap the rewards of a day on the Wisconsin River backwaters of Richland County Sunday with OWO writer Wayne Morgenthaler.