{"id":14916,"date":"2024-02-27T10:26:12","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T15:26:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/troutandsteelhead.net\/?p=14916"},"modified":"2024-02-27T10:34:11","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T15:34:11","slug":"float-fishing-wisconsin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/troutandsteelhead.net\/float-fishing-wisconsin\/","title":{"rendered":"Float Fishing In Wisconsin: Big Brown Trout, Steelhead, Salmon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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This huge brown trout caught by our team photographer<\/a> is a result of float fishing on Wisconsin rivers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As a seasoned trout and steelhead guide, I have been teaching anglers how to effectively float fish for over twenty years. Wisconsin is renowned for its excellent steelhead, salmon, and trout rivers, and float fishing in Wisconsin is one of the top methods used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few mistakes that many anglers make that severely limit the amount of fish they catch when float fishing. I teach four fundamentals to effective float fishing and once you grasp these, I am confident you will significantly multiply your catch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Understanding Float Fishing in Wisconsin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Float fishing is a fishing technique where the bait is suspended under a specialized float or bobber that is specifically designed for river fishing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This float lets the bait naturally drift downstream with the current. Float fishing is a highly effective method for catching steelhead, salmon, and trout in various rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though it may appear simple, there are essential elements that must be mastered to maximize success. Over the years, I have determined that the four critical fundamentals of good float fishing are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Speed Control<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Depth Control<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Presentation<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Bait Selection<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Although most anglers focus on the bait when float fishing Wisconsin streams, two anglers with the exact same baits can leave the river at the end of the day with vast differences in the amount of fish they catch. As vast as 20 to none.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Simply messing up one of these fundamentals can leave an angler fishless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Navigating Wisconsin Rivers for Float Fishing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Wisconsin rivers with depths exceeding three feet are all suitable for float fishing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I adjust my setup based on the type of water I am fishing. This primarily refers to the depth and velocity of the current. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This adjustment allows me to fish virtually all Wisconsin rivers, even if it means I’m confined to the deeper pools on smaller shallow creeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Float fishing is an effective method on all types of streams, from fast to slow and deep to shallower rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I say that if the water depth ranges between three feet and 13 feet, it is ideal for float fishing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For sections less than three feet deep, especially if the water is crystal clear, the float can scare off the fish. This is why in this kind of water or in smaller pockets shorter than a few feet, I will opt for bottom bouncing methods or fly fishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Choosing Reels For Float Fishing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    When preparing for float fishing Wisconsin streams, one of the most crucial things is using the right kind of reel. There are three types used for float fishing: Centerpin reels, Spinning reels, and open-face Baitcasting reels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Centerpin Reels: The Prime Choice for Wisconsin Rivers<\/h2>\n\n\n