Ready to hit the sweet spots on the legendary Brule River? Grab your gear and join Guide Cory for a half-day fishing adventure that'll have you hooked. This afternoon trip is your ticket to some of the best trout and salmon action in the Midwest. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we've got the know-how to put you on fish and send you home with stories to tell.
Picture this: You're standing in the crystal-clear waters of the Brule, surrounded by lush forest, with your line slicing through the air. That's what you're in for on this 4-hour afternoon trip. We kick off at 1:30 PM, giving you plenty of time to caffeine up and get ready for some serious fishing. Guide Cory and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're all about getting you into the thick of the action. We're talking prime spots for brook trout, brown trout, coho salmon, and the mighty steelhead. The best part? You just need to show up with your fishing license, and we'll hook you up with all the gear you need. It's perfect for two anglers, but if you've got a bigger crew, no worries – we can add more folks for a hundred bucks a pop.
Alright, let's break it down. We're not just aimlessly chucking lines here – this is strategic fishing at its finest. Depending on the season and what's biting, we might have you wading in the riffles, casting into deep pools, or working the seams where fish love to hide. We use a mix of techniques, from fly fishing to spin casting, always adapting to what the river's giving us that day. You'll learn how to read the water, spot the telltale signs of fish, and present your bait or fly just right. And hey, if you're new to this, don't sweat it. Guide Cory's got the patience of a saint and will have you casting like a pro in no time.
There's a reason the Brule River is a top-rated fishing destination, and it's not just the fish. It's the whole package. The scenery here is straight out of a postcard – towering pines, rocky outcrops, and water so clear you can count the pebbles on the bottom. But let's be real, you're here for the fish, and boy, do we have fish. The Brule's got a rep for producing some hefty trout and salmon, and when you hook into one of these beauties, you'll see why anglers come from all over to wet a line here. Plus, with our afternoon trips, you get to fish during that golden hour when the light's just right and the fish are getting active again after laying low during the heat of the day.
Brook Trout: These native beauties are the jewels of the Brule. Known for their vibrant colors and spunky attitude, brookies put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. They love cold, clean water and you'll often find them in the faster runs and around structure. Fall is prime time for big brook trout as they get ready to spawn, sporting their most vivid colors.
Brown Trout: The Brule's brown trout are the stuff of legends. These cunning predators can grow to impressive sizes and are known for their selective feeding habits. Catching a big brown is often the highlight of an angler's trip. They're most active during low light conditions, making our afternoon trips perfect for targeting them. Look for them lurking in undercut banks and deep pools.
Coho Salmon: When the coho run hits the Brule, it's game on. These silver bullets provide some of the most exciting fishing of the year. They're fast, strong, and will test your gear and skills to the max. Cohos typically start running up the river in late summer and peak in September to October. Hooking into a fresh coho is an experience you won't forget – they're all muscle and determination.
Steelhead: The Brule's steelhead are the ultimate prize for many anglers. These sea-run rainbow trout are known for their acrobatic fights and sheer power. Spring and fall are the prime times to target these chrome-bright beauties as they make their way upstream. Steelhead fishing can be challenging, but that's what makes landing one so rewarding. When a steelhead takes your line, hold on tight – you're in for a wild ride.
Let me tell you, this season's been one for the books. We've been seeing some monster browns coming out of the deeper holes, especially on cloudy days. One guy last week – I kid you not – landed a 24-inch brown that put up a fight like you wouldn't believe. The coho run's been strong too, with lots of fish in the 8 to 12-pound range. And for you brook trout enthusiasts, we've been finding some absolute stunners in the 14 to 16-inch range, which is trophy-size for these parts. The key's been knowing where to look and having the right presentation – that's where our guides really shine.
Alright, here's the deal – if you're itching to get out on the Brule and tangle with some world-class fish, this is your chance. Our afternoon trips are filling up fast, especially as we hit peak seasons for different species. Whether you're looking to check "catch a steelhead" off your bucket list or just want to spend a few hours in one of the most beautiful rivers around, we've got you covered. Remember, all you need is your license and a good attitude – we'll take care of the rest. So what are you waiting for? Give us a shout, and let's get you on the water. Trust me, once you feel that tug on your line and see the Brule in all its glory, you'll be planning your next trip before you even get off the river.
Brook trout are the native char of the Brule, typically 8-12 inches but sometimes reaching 20 inches in the right habitat. These beautiful fish have distinctive blue halos around red spots on their sides. Look for them in the cooler, cleaner headwaters and tributaries, especially around fallen trees and boulders. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are ideal. Brookies are often eager takers, making them great for beginners, but larger fish can be surprisingly selective. I love targeting them with dry flies like Adams or Elk Hair Caddis. For spin fishing, small inline spinners or tiny jigs tipped with worms work well. Their flesh turns bright orange when cooked and tastes fantastic. My favorite trick: On sunny days, try dapping a fly into shaded pockets under overhanging vegetation. That's often where the biggest brookies hide.
Brown trout in the Brule average 8-24 inches, but trophy fish over 30 inches aren't unheard of. They're wary and cunning, making them a fun challenge. You'll find them holding in deep pools, near undercut banks, and around woody cover. Browns feed aggressively in fall, especially at night, as they prepare to spawn. They're known for their selective feeding habits, so matching the hatch is crucial. I like using small nymphs or terrestrial patterns. For spin fishing, try small spinners or crankbaits that imitate baitfish. Browns put up a great fight and taste delicious too. My go-to setup is a 9-foot 5-weight fly rod. Pro tip: Focus on the seams between fast and slow water - that's where browns often lurk, waiting to ambush prey.
Coho salmon are a prized catch on the Brule, typically running 8-12 pounds. These acrobatic fighters put on quite a show when hooked. Look for them in calm pools and near debris as they move upriver to spawn in fall. Their rich orange meat makes for excellent eating too. Cohos can be picky, so matching the hatch is key. I like using bright pink or chartreuse flies to catch their attention. For spin fishing, try swinging spinners through fast water or twitching jigs in deeper holes. Float fishing with roe can also be deadly. The fall run is prime time, but you might catch some stragglers into early winter. Bring a 7-weight rod to handle their power. These fish can jump 6 feet in the air, so keep your rod tip up and be ready for some acrobatics!
Steelhead are the ocean-going cousins of rainbow trout, averaging 24 inches but sometimes pushing 45 inches and 55 pounds. They're sleek, silver rockets that put up an incredible fight. Look for them in the Brule from fall through spring as they run upstream to spawn. They love hanging around boulders and woody cover in faster water. Steelhead fishing can be challenging, but that's what makes landing one so rewarding. I prefer swinging flies with a 13-foot Spey rod, but drifting nymphs or back-trolling plugs work great too. Try purple or black flies like the Skunk or Brad's Brat. The best action is usually mid-fall through spring. Bring your A-game - these fish will test your skills and your gear. My tip: Cover lots of water and be persistent. Steelhead fishing is often a game of numbers.