Trout Fishing a Boon to Economy

The Trout Buddha is not sure if the numbers add up but a report published in the LaCrosse Tribune states that an average of 125,000 anglers annually contribute over $600 million to the local economy in the Driftless area of southwestern Wisconsin. I’m usually good for several tanks of gas, a few lunches, and my share of soft beverages on fishing days but WOW that estimated $4000 per angle seems high. The report was commissioned by Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois Trout Unlimited groups (view the full report). Even if the numbers are high, the money in the local economy can do nothing but help the local communities. Enjoy the resource, follow the regulations, leave nothing behind, and by all means spend some money in the state.

Word on the street: The word on the street is that the Avalanche General Store on the banks of the West Fork of the Kickapoo will soon be under new ownership and open for business. A new porch, plans for locally grown produce, local meats and cheeses and various items for fly anglers could make this a gem in what is already a very special place. Don’t forget to pay your membership to the West Fork Sportsman Club a local group who had done so much in the Kickapoo Valley.

Political Action



A new feature: Since the current presidential election has my stomach turning (Democrats are going out of their way to screw up what should be a slam dunk win in November). Given this, I have decided to add a little political spin of my own here at zentrout.com. From time to time I plan to feature background information and a web link to various organizations or causes that catch my eye. Naturally those that impact clean water and angling may be a point of emphasis.

Our first organization is Save the Wild UP. Save the Wild UP is a Marquette-based, grassroots organization with deep concerns about the economic, social, and environmental impacts of nonferrous mining. Check out their information on the Coaster Brook Trout.

Canoecopia

Wow - As expected the Canoecopia show did not disappoint. Looks like I have most of the drool cleaned off the chin after eyeing up plenty of new gear. The show brought to the surface my complete kayak fishing jones that, given the current ice and snow levels, will not be satisfied for some time. Oh well. Maybe on my upcoming trip to South Carolina - at least a chance to paddle! Three boats caught my eye, the Native Watercraft Ultimate Angler 12, Mad River Canoe Synergy 12, and the Wilderness Systems Tarpon Sit on Top. Any of these rigs would do the trick. Check out the video below (complements of the Orvis folks via You Tube) nice Native Watercraft boat in action.



Tight lines out there - don't let the guides ice up!
Trout Buddha

PS - Check out the Media > Tips and Techniques section of the Native Watercraft site for excellent videos.

Early Season is Here

Anyone know where this stream is? No? Good!

Just kidding. This one is in Colorado - likely on some BS private water. One thing we have in Wisconsin - nice access. Lets keep it that way. Well the official early - catch and release single barbless hook artificals only - trout season is here (isn't that the official name?). Unfortunately I still remain an arm chair angler since I decided to forgo the large snow drifts and slippery banks (I'm a total light weight). As they say - Soon Come Ya Man! I will be on the water soon enough. Reports indicate that the ever resilient trout population of southwestern Wisconsin remains in good health despite the floods of this past August. These same reports indicate that streams themselves may not be as familiar with new holes forming and old holes filling in - anglers will face something new on some of their most familiar locations.

Thanks to George Hesselberg and the Wisconsin State Journal for a nice opening day article (2/28/08 and the source for some of this info). Most helpful were the links they provided to the Wisconsin DNR site dedicated to the early season. Check out the video on Tips for the Early Season by Mike Miller DNR Stream Ecologist and avid angler. Mike is a great guy who is always willing to share his knowledge.

Trout Buddha (hoping to get out soon)

PS - Next big event! Canoecopia March 7-9 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Think fishing Kayaks! The worlds largest paddle sport expo!

Cool Video!

Well as predicted I spent time with drool on my chin this past weekend at the fly fishing show oogling bamboo rods. Since my phone did not ring with the winning raffle ticket it looks like I will be admiring from a distance for a bit longer. Oh well... The early season is around the corner - prepare for the icing of the guides! Boy I really hope warmer temps are on the way.

In the mean time I found some cool videos from the folks at MidCurrent. The clip below is a bamboo rod construction set to some nice tunes. Enjoy

Trout Buddha
Madison

Winter Marches On!

The Wisconsin winter continues to drop snow at record levels (80 inches and counting) and the accompanying cold is not conducive to much in my fly fishing world. If I was motivated I would find my way to the basement and tackle a number of rod building / refinishing projects that sit in various stages of “almost done” to “not even close”. Not to mention the countless fly patterns that swirled in my head in the late fishing season – “just wait until the dark of winter and I will crank them out at the vice”. No such luck. It is not a reflection of sloth as much as I am overcommitted in the rest of my life. Whittling down the pile and learning to say NO are on the agenda for 2008. My hope is these actions translate into a bit more control of my universe (control = more time to fish).

In the mean time, thank goodness for another fly fishing show. The Badger Fly Fishers 2008 Spring Opener is almost here just in time to brighten the gloom. Well, given today’s sunshine and the frosted evergreens out the back window - gloom is a bit over stated. This weekends show in Madison will provide a chance to touch base with friends, make contacts for my summer course, and to study up on equipment and techniques. This should be just enough to carry me until the Canoecopia show (think amazing fishing kayaks) in early March and then on to early season fishing! Once again, hope and the occasional chance to drool over equipment trumps the Wisconsin winter.

Fish Tacos (well... it's about fish anyway!)

Despite laments to the contrary, I have enjoyed some fish this winter. I am talking about the edible variety. A recent trip to San Diego brought my bride and I face to face with a quest – find the best fish tacos. Some of our Midwestern friends still cringe at the idea of the fish taco – their loss. Developed (I’m guessing here) in the Baja region of Mexico and popularized on street carts and hole in the wall shops in southern California they are simply amazing. A variety of grilled (or lightly breaded) fish (sometimes shrimp) coupled with spicy cabbage mixes and topped with “baja sauce” they may qualify as the best hand held food available. Our recent trip took us to Chronic Taco (only in California) – based on the guy behind the counter they should have called it “smoking the chronic" taco. I also had excellent fish tacos on a recent trip to the Northwest at the Steelhead Brewery in Eugene and should really give a nod to Madison’s own Tex Tubbs Taco Palace . Good eats all around. The best may be the ones you make on your own (a range of recipes are available on the web). Tacos need not be defined by ground beef and oddly colored spices poured from an envelope. Go ahead, give the fish a try.

Books

Some of my excitement for the upcoming fly fishing show is focused on the hope I might run into Madison author John Galligan. John’s two fly fishing mysteries The Nail Knot and The Blood Knot (Bleak House Books) have Wisconsin settings and are wonderful reads. With any luck his third in the series is not too far away.

Fort Atkinson native (and family friend) Sara Roahen is the author of Gumbo Tales: Finding My Place at the New Orleans Table (Norton). The reviews are wonderful and the book has so much to offer: family, food, a sense of place, and a wonderful spirit. Check it out.

Trout Buddha