For its entire length, the river flows through Brule River State Forest, but most of the shoreline is grandfathered in private ownership. Some lodges have stood for nearly a century. Access is provided at bridge crossings and state-owned landings. Camping is available in the state forest. Season dates and regulations vary along the river, so check the regulations booklet before you fish.

Contacts: Brule River State Forest, (715) 372-4866; Brule River Classics, (715) 372-8153, or online at www.bruleriverclassics.com.

OCONTO RIVER
The many branches of this fine river cover a large portion of the county by the same name and add up to over 100 miles of what Chris Halla calls "a spider web of prime trout water." Start anywhere on the North Branch, South Branch, First South Branch, Second South Branch or the Oconto itself where these branches finally merge, and you should find good fishing for all three trout species.

If its brookies you're after, try one of the numerous smaller tributaries. If you're into camping, you'll love the North Branch, which flows through the Nicolet National Forest where several campgrounds border the river. Bridge crossings and public fishery areas provide access, but parts of all the branches are rather hard to get to, which increases the possibility of big fish.

In 2004, DNR fisheries and U.S. Forest Service crews removed two logging dams built in the 1880s on the North Branch near Lakewood. Trout stamp revenues funded the project, which received an award from the federal government.

"This effort will improve water temperatures for native brook trout in the previously impounded reach and will benefit downstream areas for five to 10 miles," said DNR Northeast Region fisheries expert Lee Meyers.

Most of the Oconto system is Category 2 water, with a five-fish bag limit and 7-inch size limit. Portions of the South Branch and First South Branch are Category 4. The South Branch from Highway AA downstream to Highway 32 is Category 5, with a one-fish limit (brookies and rainbows, 12 inches; browns, 18 inches) and artificials only. The upper reaches and tributaries are most easily fished with spinning gear, while downstream stretches are more conducive to fly-fishing. Local fly-fishers wouldn't think of stepping into the Oconto without a Pass Lake dry fly, which is a great pattern for prospecting when there is no hatch. Halla said caddis hatches can be awesome as well.

Contacts: Tight Lines Fly-Fishing Company, De Pere, (920) 336-4106, or online at www.tightlinesflyshop.com; Oconto County Tourism, 1-800-297-4343, or www.ocontocounty.org; Nicolet National Forest, (715) 362-1300, or www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf.

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We have only cataloged a few hundred of Wisconsin's 10,000 miles of trout water. The trout regulations guide lists them all. Give Badgerland trouting a try this season and start your own list of favorite stretches!

(Editor's note: The 4-foot-by-4-foot Stream Map of Wisconsin shows over 3,000 streams and 1,000 lakes, and comes with a free guidebook detailing the top 989 select waters. The map is plastic-laminated with brass eyelets for hanging. Order online at www.dansmalloutdoors.com, or send $45.95 to Outdoor Books, P.O. Box 433, Grafton, WI 53024. Wisconsin residents should add appropriate state and county sales tax).