Wisconsin Spring Trout Run

What a dilemma. Spring time has come in Wisconsin and that means two things. It is time to go turkey hunting and the spring trout run is about to begin. Now I already know what dates I am going turkey hunting but the trout just seem to start coming in when they want. OK, I know it has more to do with water temps then the trout just deciding it's time. In most cases it's just a couple weeks difference one way or the other from year to year.

This past weekend I got to follow along with a couple WI youth turkey hunters. These hunts take place before the regular seasons begin. It was early but I still have a good idea of what to expect come May when I drew my five day turkey hunt. Turkey season gets me all fired up and is a great cure for cabin fever that has dug in from the long winter. Then on the other hand, I find myself missing out on some well needed beauty sleep thinking of large brown trout and steel head's stretching my line tight.

Even my kids look forward to the trout run when the time comes. Many anglers opt to float spawn sacks up and down the streams. I tend to prefer Little Cleos. This lure selection is two fold for me. The kids and myself can cover more water, but the biggest reason is they allow me to fish. You see, my kids have been casting their own lines for years. By using the lure, I can tie one on and off they go, with no need to bother dad for anything. Pretty selfish, I know. Hey, they are also very effective for us too, and no need to play with messy spawn sacks.

When the trout are at their peek, almost every other cast is capable of producing a strike. The action can be fast and furious if you time it just right and it give the kids a chance to once again out fish the ole man. Did I mention they are no slouch as far as table fare is concerned either. As I am writing this, I guess I can see only one dilemma. Not if I am going to do both this Spring, but will I have to take off more work to do it? Guess a man has to do what a man has to do.