Brown Trout

If you're looking to tangle with some beautiful Brown Trout in northern Wisconsin, Phillips is a great place to start. The area is riddled with smaller, less-pressured streams that hold surprisingly large browns. The South Fork Flambeau River and its tributaries like Elk River and Long Lake Branch are prime targets. Spring (especially after ice-out) and fall are the peak seasons, as the browns become more active with the cooler water temperatures and spawning urges. Wading these streams is the most effective method, so be prepared with appropriate gear. A local tip: focus on the deeper pools and undercut banks, especially during the warmer parts of the day. Access can be tricky in some areas due to private land, so always check posted signs and respect property boundaries. The browns in this region tend to be opportunistic feeders, so a mix of streamers and nymphs can be effective. Expect to find a mix of wild and stocked fish, with some truly impressive specimens in the mix.