There is no need to limit your fishing experience to those few streams you go to every year. It is the joy of exploring that brings anglers back for more.

“If you want big trout from 26 to 30 inches, we have them,” Jeff Hastings said. “If you want a lot of action and trout in the 12- to 16-inch range, look to the tributaries that feed the large rivers. If you want brook trout, look to the upper heads of the watersheds.”

Drive around to the different streams, and don’t judge a creek by what you see from a bridge. Water that looks too narrow or too full of obstructions can have terrific pools just upstream. One stream in particular -- which shall remain unnamed -- looks terrible at every bridge that crosses it. On a beautiful spring day, I decided to make an adventure out of exploring this creek. I went out expecting to catch nothing. I was just going to enjoy the sunshine and the singing birds. Not more than 50 yards upstream from the first bridge, I came upon a deep pool the size of an average closet. On the first cast, I had a 16-inch brown, and I caught similar trout on the next five casts. That day still remains one of my best on the water.

Pay attention to the lower stretches of these watersheds as well. There may be fewer fish, but they are worth the wait because they are trophy trout. The largest fish I ever saw on a coulee creek, I never had on. I was fishing with a No. 10 Hare’s Ear in a deep pool next to a mature willow tree. Under the knot of roots in the river, I hooked a 10-inch brown and was enjoying the fight. As he fought back, a 5- to 6-pound trout slid out from under the roots and took a swipe at the 10-incher! Now that was an experience! I quickly landed my fish, cut my 5X leader back to 2X, tied on my biggest streamer and went after the big guy. Cast after cast I coaxed the fly under the roots, but nothing came out. I have been back several times for that trout, but I never saw it again -- yet.

The best part of fishing in western Wisconsin is that every valley looks like an old-time postcard. Drive down country roads with names like Peaceful Valley, Waterfall and Irish Hollow. See the wild meanderings of a coulee stream and the picturesque pioneer churches on its banks. With high bluffs and clear streams, that big trout tugging on the end of your line will just be an added bonus.

(Editor’s Note: Author Judy Nugent owns a farm in southwestern Wisconsin, and she spends her spare time fishing for trout. You can also hear her every week on “Outdoors With Dan Small and Judy Nugent” on your local radio station or at www.lake-link.com/radio.)