Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready for a slice of fishing heaven on the Brule River? Cory here from Wehrman's Fishing Adventures, and I'm itching to get you out on some of the sweetest water Wisconsin has to offer. We're talking prime salmon and trout action, set against a backdrop that'll have you thinking you've stepped into a postcard. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this half-day trip is your ticket to tight lines and big smiles.
Picture this: You're gliding along the Brule at dawn, mist rising off the water as the first rays of sunlight filter through the trees. That's how we kick off our four-hour adventures, starting bright and early at 7 AM. It's just you, a buddy, and yours truly, Cory, your guide and fishing partner for the morning. We keep it intimate with a max of two guests, but if you've got more folks itching to join, we can make it happen for an extra $100 per angler.
Don't sweat the gear – I've got you covered with everything from rods and reels to the perfect lures for whatever's biting. All you need to bring is a valid fishing license and maybe a thermos of coffee to shake off the early morning cobwebs. We'll hit all the sweet spots where the salmon and trout like to hang out, and I'll share all my local know-how to up your chances of landing the big one.
Alright, let's talk strategy. On the Brule, we mix it up depending on what's running and where they're hiding. For those feisty Coho salmon, we might do some drift fishing with roe bags or toss some spinners in the deeper pools. When we're after steelhead or brown trout, it's all about reading the water and maybe even trying some fly fishing if you're up for it.
I'll show you how to spot those tell-tale signs of fish activity – the subtle ripples, the flashes beneath the surface. We might wade out to get the perfect cast or work the banks where the big boys like to lurk. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the rush of feeling that first tug on your line. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, I'll make sure you're set up for success.
Let's break down the all-stars of the Brule River:
Coho Salmon: These silver bullets are the bread and butter of our fall runs. Typically weighing in at 5-10 pounds, Cohos are known for their acrobatic fights and delicious flesh. They start showing up in late August and peak in September and October. When a Coho hits your line, hold on tight – these guys will give you a run for your money with their powerful runs and aerial leaps.
Steelhead Trout: The rockstars of the river, steelhead are like trout on steroids. These lake-run rainbows can tip the scales at 5-15 pounds and are famous for their spectacular fights. We get two main runs – spring (March to May) and fall (October to December). Hooking into one of these chrome-bright beauties is the stuff of angling dreams. They're lightning-fast, strong as ox, and will test every bit of your fishing skills.
Brown Trout: The clever chameleons of the Brule, browns are a year-round target that'll keep you on your toes. They're wary and wise, often lurking in undercut banks or beneath fallen trees. Fall is prime time for big browns as they get aggressive before spawning. Landing a trophy brown – those 20-inch-plus monsters – is a true badge of honor for any angler.
Brook Trout: The native jewels of the Brule, brookies are a sight to behold with their vibrant colors. While they might not be the biggest fish in the river (usually 8-12 inches), what they lack in size they make up for in beauty and the challenge of catching them. These guys prefer the colder, upper stretches of the river and are most active in the spring and fall. Catching a brookie on a dry fly is pure poetry.
Look, I've been guiding on the Brule for years, and I still get a kick every time I push off from the bank. There's something special about this river that keeps folks coming back season after season. Maybe it's the way the mist clings to the water in the early morning, or how the fall colors light up the shoreline like it's on fire. Could be the heart-stopping moment when a big steelhead tail-walks across the surface, or the peaceful easy feeling of drifting along, surrounded by nothing but nature.
But I reckon it's more than just the fishing. It's about unplugging from the daily grind, swapping stories over the hum of the river, and maybe learning a thing or two about reading water or tying the perfect knot. It's about making memories that'll have you grinning long after you've hung up your waders.
So, what do you say? Ready to wet a line on one of Wisconsin's top-rated rivers? Whether you're looking to check "land a trophy salmon" off your bucket list or just want to spend a morning soaking in some world-class scenery, I've got you covered. Remember, we time these trips to hit the sweet spot for fish activity and those picture-perfect views, so you're getting the best of both worlds.
Just a heads up – spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. And that deposit? It's non-refundable, but trust me, once you're out here on the Brule, you won't be thinking about anything else but the fish and the stunning surroundings. So grab your fishing buddy, pack your sense of adventure, and let's make some ripples on the river. The Brule's calling, and the fish are waiting. See you on the water!
Native brookies are the jewels of the Brule, rarely exceeding 12 inches but making up for size with stunning colors and eager takes. You'll find them in faster riffles, pocket water, and around fallen trees. Spring and early summer offer the best action before water temps rise. Anglers love their beautiful spotted patterns and the delicate presentation needed to fool them. They're not big fighters, but their quick strikes and acrobatic jumps are a blast on light tackle. Try small dry flies like Adams or Elk Hair Caddis during a hatch, or drop a bead-head nymph off a dry fly. My favorite technique is high-sticking a small weighted nymph through pocket water. Remember to tread lightly - these guys are sensitive to pressure and habitat changes.
Brown trout in the Brule average 12-20 inches, with some bruisers topping 24 inches. They're wary and often found in deeper pools, undercut banks, and woody cover. Fall is prime time as they get aggressive before spawning. Browns are known for their selectivity and challenging nature - landing a big one is a real accomplishment. They put up a stubborn fight, using the current to their advantage. Anglers prize them for both the challenge and their delicious, pink flesh. Early mornings and evenings are best, especially with a hatch on. Try a pheasant tail nymph or a small streamer that mimics a minnow. My secret weapon is a size 14 hare's ear nymph dead-drifted through deeper runs. Approach carefully - these guys spook easily.
# Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus Kisutch) Coho salmon is a famous sport and commercial fish. It is very acrobatic in nature and is a good fighter. It is also known as silver salmon. The fish is similar to Chinook salmon (but not as large), Rainbow trout and Brook trout. Wild Salmon is well-known for its tremendous taste. Coho Salmon has dark blue-green back, silversides, and white belly. Black spots are present on the back and upper sides of the tail. Mature Coho Salmon has maroon to reddish sides and dark backs. ## Coho Salmon Size and Weight Coho Salmon can be 12 to 30 inches long and weighs about 8 to 12 pounds. Silver Coho caught from the Great Lakes, weighed 33 pounds 4 ounces and so, holds the world record. ## Coho Salmon Interesting Facts • The fish, Oncorhynchus Kisutch, is anadromous in nature. • They die soon after spawning. • Silver Salmon has a bright orange/red meat. • Males have extended upper and lower jaw developing a hook (kype), making it impossible for them to close their mouths. • Coho salmon is said to live up to 5 years. • This fish can jump vertically up to 6 feet. ## Coho Salmon Habitat They tend to live in calm and quiet areas under debris and can be found in large rivers connected to the ocean. During the early stage, the juvenile Coho salmon spends its time in freshwater. After growing a bit, the fish moves to live in estuaries or brackish water (mix of fresh and saltwater) and later migrates into the ocean. ## Coho Salmon Spawning A female Oncorhynchus Kisutch is ready to spawn at age of 3. Gravel nests are made by the female and fertilized eggs are laid. Eggs hatch in 6 to 7 weeks. Depending on the temperature of the water, eggs hatch in late winter or early spring. ## Coho Salmon Food Coho Salmon can eat aquatic insects, smaller fishes, squid, herrings, pilchards, crustaceans, and sand lance. ## Salmonidae Family Coho salmon share the Salmonidae species order with trout. Other popular salmon include the Sockeye salmon (red salmon), Chinook salmon (King salmon), Atlantic salmon, Pink salmon & Chum salmon. ## Coho Salmon Fishing Salmon is a desired game fish well known for their fight. What makes the coho and all salmon unique is their migration from the river to ocean and back to the river. The Pacific Ocean salmon can be found in Alaska, Canada, Washington, Oregon and in Northern California. Katmai National Park, Alaska is famous for Coho salmon fishing. • In fast waters, swinging spinners is a popular decision. • For holding water, twitching jigs are recommended. Buy a jig with long tail for better movement in the water. • You can also use float fish roe for Coho Salmon fishing in both traveling and holding water. For this, fasten a cut roe with hook and swing it into the water. • Coho Salmon is a renowned game fish and anglers enjoy its fly fishing. As the Silver Salmon are fighters, to fly fish for them you can use a single hand rod with a strong handle for better lifting power. ## Coho Salmon Baits and Lures Fly fishing flies include leaches, various minnow patterns, or wooly buggers are good starts. Bright patterns such as chartreuse, pink and Fuchsia. Spin casting lures include plugs, spoons, trolling flies, live bait like minnows and roe. ## Coho Salmon Distribution Coho Salmon can be found in North Pacific Ocean. The fish also ranges from Alaska streams and rivers to Central California and from Southeast Alaska water bodies to Central Oregon. It is also reported in Baja California, Mexico.
Steelhead are the sea-run version of rainbow trout, spending most of their life in Lake Superior before returning to the Brule to spawn. They average 24 inches but can reach over 30 inches and 10+ pounds. Look for them in deeper pools, near boulders, and under cut banks. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they enter the river. Steelhead are prized for their hard-fighting spirit - expect long runs and acrobatic leaps. They can be challenging to hook, but that's part of the appeal. Fly anglers do well swinging streamers or drifting nymphs. For spin fishing, try drifting spawn bags or tossing small spoons. My go-to fly is a size 6 purple egg-sucking leech swung on a sink-tip line. Be ready to cover water, as these fish are always on the move.