Brown Trout

If you're chasing brown trout near Windsor, Wisconsin, your focus should be the Yahara River and its tributaries. While not known as a trophy brown trout destination, the Yahara offers a surprising number of access points and holds a decent population of wild and stocked browns, especially in the spring and fall. Spring (April-May) is prime time as the browns are actively feeding after the winter, and fall (September-October) sees pre-spawn activity. Try fishing the deeper pools and undercut banks with spinners, small crankbaits, or even nymphs under a strike indicator. A key tip is to focus on areas with structure – downed trees, rock piles, or even bridge pilings. Public access is available at several county parks along the Yahara, but be prepared to wade as bank fishing can be limited in some sections. The browns in this area tend to be smaller, averaging 10-14 inches, but a dedicated angler can certainly find larger individuals. Remember to check the Wisconsin DNR regulations for specific size and bag limits.