Very cold water for the Wisconsin fishing opener
Cross Plains, located along the banks of Black Earth Creek in western Dane County, welcomes the start of the fishing season with its traditional Trout Days celebration Friday and Saturday. The event includes a village-wide garage sale, a carnival in Zander Park, music and a brat stand. The folks from Trout Unlimited will give a free fly-casting clinic from 9 a.m. And when you’re ready to unwind from a hard day of fishing, there’s a wine walk and a new, bright blue drink at Montag’s Pub called The Trout Stream. There’s even a scavenger hunt on the Cross Plains section of the Ice Age Trail.
“Spring has been slow to arrive across the state, and with the late ice thaw on northern lakes, the fish will be hungry and eager to bite,” said Justine Hasz, DNR Bureau Director of Fisheries, in her season opener forecast. The walleye are still spawning in the north, she said, while those in the Wisconsin River have finished spawning, so the fishing should be good on Lake Wisconsin. The event is nearly 30 years old and is a true spring ritual for bargain hunters.
Scat Wanker @ScottWalker is a total phony and #liar just like the #LiarInChief ! Just like when he fished in the Wisconsin fishing opener holding his pole upside down in his photo op outing. #wipolitics #Liars https://t.co/yFbEYhjWTr
— Unionup! (@Brianc40) June 27, 2018
Running from the first Saturday in January through the first Friday in May, Wisconsin’s early trout fishing season gives anglers the ability to fish thousands of Class 1, 2 and 3 streams across the state. Keep in mind that all trout caught during this early season must be immediately released – the daily bag limit is 0. Also, you’ll need to save your live bait presentations for another time – trout must be landed on artificial lures, though you are not required to use barbless hooks.
They’ll be hosting a “Season opener” of a different kind at the Riley Tavern, which is near the headwaters of the Sugar River between Verona and Mount Horeb. Saturday marks the opening of the Riley Yard, with live music and drinks and food served outside. The Castle Rock Lutheran Church hosts its traditional opening morning fishermen’s breakfast right near the banks of Castle Rock Creek. Saturday at the church hall, Crow Valley Road, which is in northern Grant County between Boscobel and Montfort.
This year, travel writers can not only get out fishing, but also experience fun attractions, delicious restaurants, and explore more of what the area has to offer. It is a great way to showcase the host community and the surrounding area. But, no matter your reason, Mont du Lac is the place to make your memories. From birthdays, weddings, anniversary parties, club events to school field trips, work meetings, and conferences, Mont du Lac offers a variety of customizable packages. Contact our Guest Services desk to start planning your event today, and our professional staff will help you plan the event. Accommodations can be made for various group sizes and budgets, and Mont du Lac’s professional chefs will work with you to customize your dining experiences for all occasions.
Dion Liriano is a 51-year-old American zookeeper who has retired from the business. He was once a highly successful director of the Zoo and Aquarium, but he has since hung up his gloves and moved on to other ventures. Dion's passion for animals began at a young age, when he would help his father care for their family pets. This love grew exponentially when he started working at the zoo; Dion quickly became one of the most experienced keepers in the business. He credits his success to the relationships he built with both staff and animals over the years.