Dave and I headed for the hills of southwest Wisconsin yesterday hoping that the rain had stirred up some bugs, and in turn making easy prey of hungry trout. The morning started slow with just a couple fish nipping the tail end of my large streamer, but as the clouds gave way and the hot sun shined through the bugs started popping. Usually, you don’t see caddis like this until late April into May, but this year obviously has thrown everyone a curve ball, trout included. When the hatch first broke loose I watched a dozen or more trout in one riffle go airborne chasing the caddis that were laying eggs in surface film. When caddis lay eggs they sort of bounce along the surface of the water making a moving target for trout. Trout feed very aggressive when feeding on these egg laying caddis not wanting to miss their meal. A size 14 or 16 deer hair caddis was working as long as you made a good presentation. Adding a caddis emerger or small pheasant tail dropper 10-20 inches below you dry fly will also help keep a bend in your rod throughout the day. If you’re headed to fish Wisconsin’s spring creeks this weekend don’t forget to bring a variety of caddis just in case.
Best looking adipose fin you'll see all day!
The colors of a wild trout are unparalleled by any other fish in fresh water.
This happy trout seems excited to be released back to his home
Your basic deer hair caddis. Don't be caught in driftless without some caddis imitations the next few weeks.