Brown Trout

While not a premier destination, Fairwater, Wisconsin, offers some opportunities for brown trout fishing in nearby streams. Small, spring-fed creeks flowing into the larger lakes and rivers can hold surprisingly good populations of wild and stocked browns. The best time to target them is during the spring and fall, when water temperatures are cooler. Look for areas with good cover, such as undercut banks, log jams, and overhanging vegetation. Small spinners, nymphs, and dry flies can all be effective. A local tip is to focus on the smaller, less-pressured streams. Many of these streams are on private land, so be sure to obtain permission before fishing. Also, be aware that the water can be quite cold, even in the summer months, so dress accordingly. Don't expect huge fish; most browns in these streams are in the 8-12 inch range, but the chance to catch wild trout in a beautiful setting makes it worthwhile.