Brown Trout

While Mauston isn't renowned as a brown trout mecca, determined anglers can find opportunities in some of the smaller, spring-fed streams in the surrounding Juneau County. These creeks, often overlooked, can hold surprisingly large browns. Spring and fall are your best bets, as water temperatures are cooler and trout are more active. Focus on areas with undercut banks, log jams, and deeper pools where trout can find refuge. A stealthy approach is crucial in these smaller streams. A local tactic: try using small spinners or nymphs. Be aware that many of these streams are on private land, so always obtain permission before fishing. The brown trout here aren't as numerous as in more famous Wisconsin trout streams, but the potential for a trophy-sized fish exists, and the solitude is a major draw.