Wisconsin

Bois Brule Fishing Forecast

Lake Superior tributary

Check RegsHigh confidence

Complex season — varies by section

Lake Superior tributary - special seasons. Some sections Mar 29 - Nov 15. Others follow general inland (May - Oct 15)

Limit: 3 trout (LS tributary rules)Gear: Check section-specific regs
View full regulations

Today's Fishing Conditions

4/10

Challenging

Updated 6:40 AM

Water Temp

33°F

Flow Rate

--

Best Time

2 AM - 4 AM

Top Fly

Zebra Midge

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Quick Facts

Species

Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Steelhead

River Type

freestone

March Water Temp

36°F - 46°F

March Fishing Tactics

Primary Targets

Brook TroutBrown TroutRainbow Trout

Recommended Tactics

Dry FliesHendricksonsCaddis

Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.

March Hatches

Midge

Midge

35-50°FPeak: 12PM

Winter midge fishing

Year-Round Fishing Guide

MonthWater TempTactics
January32-38°FNymphing, Streamers, Limited
February32-40°FNymphing, Streamers, Limited
March(Now)36-46°FDry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis
April44-54°FDry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis
May52-62°FDry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis
June58-68°FHex, Terrestrials, Tricos
July62-70°FHex, Terrestrials, Tricos
August62-68°FHex, Terrestrials, Tricos
September54-64°FStreamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs
October46-56°FStreamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs
November38-46°FStreamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs
December32-38°FNymphing, Streamers, Limited

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.

Rainbow Trout

Spawn months: March, April

Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.

Brook Trout

Spawn months: September, October

Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning. Early fall spawners.

Steelhead

Spawn months: March, April, May

Spring-run steelhead are particularly vulnerable during spawning. Avoid wading in gravel runs during March-May. Anadromous form of rainbow trout.

Access Points & Parking for Bois Brule

Brule River State Forest

Multiple access points in state forest.

Facilities:Parking, Camping, Restrooms
Best for:Diverse fishing

Stone's Bridge

Popular access to productive water.

Facilities:Parking
Best for:Wade fishing

Cedar Island

Upper river access.

Facilities:Parking
Best for:Native brook trout

Highway 2

Access near Lake Superior.

Facilities:Parking
Best for:Steelhead

How to Fish Bois Brule: Tips & Tactics

The Bois Brule is Wisconsin's most famous trout stream, flowing into Lake Superior and offering native brook trout, brown trout, and migratory steelhead.

Best Times of Day

Spring steelhead runs are legendary. Summer offers resident trout fishing. Fall brings additional steelhead and salmon.

Recommended Techniques

Indicator nymphing for steelhead. Dry flies for resident trout. Match hatches when active.

Water Conditions

Cold, clear water from Lake Superior influence. Upper river holds native brook trout. Presidents have fished here.

Fly Selection

Egg patterns for steelhead. Adams and caddis for resident trout. Streamers for larger fish.

Local Knowledge

The Brule is Wisconsin's premier trout stream. Multiple presidents have fished here. Steelhead runs draw anglers from across the Midwest.

Local Tips

The Brule has presidential fishing history. Steelhead runs draw anglers from afar. Upper river holds native brookies.

When is the Best Time to Fish Bois Brule?

Spring

Steelhead runs are legendary. Prime season.

Summer

Resident trout fishing. Fish early and late.

Fall

Additional steelhead runs. Browns active.

Winter

Limited - some open water steelhead.

Recommended Equipment for Bois Brule

Rod

9-foot, 5-weight for trout. 7-8 weight for steelhead.

Line

Floating for trout. Sink-tip for steelhead.

Leader & Tippet

Varies by target species.

Waders

Breathable waders. Insulated for steelhead.

Essential Flies

Egg PatternAdamsElk Hair CaddisWoolly BuggerPheasant Tail

Bois Brule Fishing Regulations

Season

Check Wisconsin DNR for current regulations.

Limits

Varies by section and species.

Special Regulations

Special regulations in some areas.

Bait Restrictions

Check by section.

Notes

Wisconsin's most famous trout stream.

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

Fly Shops & Guides Near Bois Brule

Local Fly Shops

  • Superior Fly Angler - Duluth
  • Brule River Classics
  • Lake Superior Fly Shop

Guide Services

  • Brule River Guides
  • Wisconsin Steelhead Guides
  • Lake Superior Anglers

Optimal Fishing Conditions

Optimal Flow

200 - 500 CFS

Best fishing conditions

Optimal Water Temperature

48° - 62°F

Ideal for active trout

Other Wisconsin Trout Rivers

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