It might be a bit too risky for ice fishing on some lakes or ponds in the Northland. Some anglers, however, are getting ready for Wisconsin’s Early Catch and Release Inland Trout Season Opener. Any trout caught during this season needs to immediately be released.

Bradd Sims, is a Stream and River Systems Biologist with the Wisconsin DNR. He says, it’s never too late to get your fishing license or trout stamps.

“Just dress appropriate for the weather and make sure your gear is clean. If they have too much oil in them, that cold weather can have them seize up as well,” Sims said. “Be prepared for the cold weather and go out and enjoy the resources. We have just over 13,700 miles of trout streams in the state. It doesn’t include tributaries to Lake Superior, Green Bay or Lake Michigan. And it also does not include spring ponds or lakes. So it’s just inland streams only.

Sims also said around the end of march you’ll need to register for a 2025 fishing license. But even if you have all your artificial lures, waders, and tackle box ready, are the trout biting this early?

Matt Paulson, the owner of the Superior Fly Angler, says it might be a good idea to wait until we see spring temperatures.

“You don’t see a lot of traffic on the stream a lot of the rivers right now are still. The shelf ice and the ice coverage would almost eliminate some of the fishing opportunities for us with the early opener,” Paulson said. “If you’re going to fish some of our northern streams, water temps are going to be low and I’d recommend fishing smaller flies.”

Paulson also says the trout just aren’t moving around as much, so they just aren’t really biting for anglers trying to fish this early.

“The metabolism of the trout is low during the winter, so they’re not looking for a big meal. They’re generally looking more for, let’s say, a snack. So keep the size of the flies a little bit smaller,” Paulson said. “You call the shop for information or any updates on conditions, but the next month or two is for northern Wisconsin, inland trout fishing is pretty tough.”

One piece of advice anglers should know if they go fishing with their waders. It’s important to clean off the soles and boots to prevent the spread of invasive species in the different trout streams. Wisconsin DNR has an official map of classified trout streams, which contains 292 miles of streams throughout the state.