Rainbow Trout

While not a renowned trout destination, North Fond du Lac offers some opportunities for rainbow trout fishing if you know where to look. The Sheboygan River, though further east, has a stocking program that spills over into some smaller tributaries closer to Fond du Lac. These smaller streams, often overlooked, can hold surprisingly good numbers of trout, including rainbows. Spring and fall are the best times to target them, with the cooler water temperatures making the trout more active. Focus on areas with deeper pools, undercut banks, and riffles. Small spinners, worms, or fly fishing with nymphs can be effective. Remember to check the Wisconsin DNR's stocking reports to see where trout have been recently released. Public access can be limited, so be sure to respect private property and look for designated fishing easements. The rainbows in these smaller streams are typically smaller, but the challenge of finding and catching them makes it a rewarding experience.