Wisconsin

Big Green River Fishing Forecast

Driftless spring creek with designated catch-and-release section and strong wild brown population

Season ClosedHigh confidence

Opens First Sat in May

Inland trout stream season. Early C&R season Jan first Sat - Fri before May opener (selected waters)

Limit: 3-5 trout (check county regs)Gear: Check if early season C&R applies
View full regulations

Today's Fishing Conditions

6/10

Good

Updated 4:41 AM

Water Temp

58°F

Flow Rate

--

Best Time

2 AM - 4 AM

Top Fly

Cress Bug

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Quick Facts

Species

Brown Trout

River Type

spring creek

March Water Temp

36°F - 45°F

March Fishing Tactics

Primary Targets

Brown Trout

Recommended Tactics

Early BWOsQuill Gordon nymphs

Season opens. Early BWO activity begins.

March Hatches

BWO

Mayfly

Primary
42-58°FPeak: 1PM

All season BWO. Peaks spring and FALL (best).

Scud

Crustacean

Primary
42-58°FPeak: 10AM

Year-round scuds. Wild brown trout fishery.

Midge

Midge

32-48°FPeak: 12PM

Winter midges.

Year-Round Fishing Guide

MonthWater TempTactics
January32-38°FMidges, Deep nymphs
February32-40°FMidges, Small nymphs
March(Now)36-45°FEarly BWOs, Quill Gordon nymphs
April42-52°FHendrickson, BWOs, Quill Gordon
May50-60°FSulphurs, March Browns, Caddis
June55-68°FGreen Drakes, Sulphurs, Slate Drakes
July60-72°FTricos, Terrestrials, Light Cahills
August60-74°FTricos, Terrestrials, White Fly
September55-65°FBWOs, Slate Drakes, Terrestrials
October48-58°FBWOs, Slate Drakes, Streamers
November40-48°FBWOs, Streamers, Egg patterns
December32-40°FMidges, Deep nymphs

Spawning Seasons

Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.

Brown Trout

Spawn months: October, November

Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.

Access Points & Parking for Big Green River

Brodhead

Town access to quality water.

Facilities:Parking, Town Services
Best for:Convenient access

Albany

Upper river access.

Facilities:Parking
Best for:Remote fishing

Decatur Lake

Access near the lake.

Facilities:Parking
Best for:Lake-influenced fishing

How to Fish Big Green River: Tips & Tactics

The Big Green River is a quality Wisconsin spring creek offering excellent fishing for brown trout in a pastoral setting.

Best Times of Day

Morning and evening are most productive. Spring and fall offer best conditions. Summer fishing requires early hours.

Recommended Techniques

Spring creek techniques work well. Match the hatches when active. Light tippets essential.

Water Conditions

Spring-fed water creates stable temperatures. Clear water demands careful approach. Beautiful farm country setting.

Fly Selection

Sulphur and BWO patterns work well. Scuds for subsurface. Terrestrials in summer.

Local Knowledge

The Big Green is a quality alternative to the Driftless Area. Less crowded than famous spring creeks. Brodhead provides services.

Local Tips

The Big Green offers quality spring creek fishing. Less pressure than famous streams. Beautiful pastoral setting.

When is the Best Time to Fish Big Green River?

Spring

Excellent hatches begin. Prime season.

Summer

Fish early morning. Terrestrials important.

Fall

Brown trout become active. Great fishing.

Winter

Spring-fed water fishable. Midge patterns.

Recommended Equipment for Big Green River

Rod

8 to 9-foot, 4 or 5-weight.

Line

Floating line for dry flies.

Leader & Tippet

9-12 foot leaders, 5X-6X tippet.

Waders

Breathable waders. Light approach.

Essential Flies

SulphurBWOScudBeetleAnt

Big Green River Fishing Regulations

Season

Check Wisconsin DNR for current regulations.

Limits

Trout limits apply.

Special Regulations

Special regulations in some sections.

Bait Restrictions

Artificial only in some areas.

Notes

Quality spring creek - practice catch-and-release.

Always verify current regulations with Wisconsin fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.

Fly Shops & Guides Near Big Green River

Local Fly Shops

  • Fontana Sports - Madison
  • Driftless Angler - Viroqua
  • Spring Creek Fly Shop

Guide Services

  • Big Green River Guides
  • Wisconsin Fly Fishing
  • Driftless Area Guides

Optimal Fishing Conditions

Optimal Flow

50 - 150 CFS

Best fishing conditions

Optimal Water Temperature

50° - 65°F

Ideal for active trout

Other Wisconsin Trout Rivers

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