Fennimore is located in south western Wisconsin in the driftless area untouched by recent glaciers. It is hilly and contains many small streams which the state of Wisconsin stocks with trout with the cooperation of local farmers. The streams are extremely small and generally flow through pastures which are occupied by beef and dairy cattle. So when you fish there, you have company.
Paul explained the streams are marked with a opening in the fence consisting of three boards, with a large space between the upper and lower boards. This allows a person to get through the fence, while keeping the cattle inside. Most also have a sign indicating DNR cooperation, but in many places the signs are missing. He said the cooperative agreement would let us walk the streams, but did not include walking through the pasture.
Don and I decided to give it a try. Paul said there were few trees so that meant Don could fly fish. I was going to try trout lures. I still had several from our original Smoky's trip years ago. I had even made some soft rubber worms similar to the ones our Smoky's guide had given us.
We loaded up all of our gear with the intent of wading the streams and spending two days fishing. I had recently started brewing beer, so I brought along plenty of home brew.
Our first stop was a hotel recommended by Paul. After a long drive, we decided we might get in some late afternoon fishing. When we arrived we mentioned to the clerk that Paul had recommended the place. "Ah, Paul O. is a great man. We love to have him stay here. He is a great guest." We asked for help with directions for fishing. "We will show you where we recommended fishing to Paul."
Fortunately they provided us a map, as the roads wound around in multiple directions and were not all clearly marked. We did locate one and put all of our waders, vests, and other gear on intending to wade in deep water. After crawling through the fence opening and carrying all of gear through the pasture, we found a stream so small it was basically a drainage ditch less than 15 feet across from the top of the bank to the other. We could easily stand on the bank and reach the entire stream. The stream was smaller than a waterway like those used by farmers.
I wondered how trout could survive in so little water. We had experienced trout populations in small streams in the mountains, but they were high elevation and rapidly moving. These streams were none of that.
The cattle had provided paths along the streams so walking down was easy. Unfortunately it was warm and our rubber waders were designed for cool weather. I quickly realized I was removing mine as soon as possible.
We didn't find any trout in the first stream. We returned to the car, removed our heavy waders and proceeded to drive to the next location the hotel folks had marked.
The weather turned cool, as evening was approaching so upon arriving we went back to waders. The streams was also much wider and located near a bridge. There were plenty of Angus cattle there, but we decided to try some more fishing before returning to the hotel.
Don moved upstream and began to fly fish. Frustrated with the lack of success with spinners, I tried one of my home made rubber worms. I floated it towards the bridge, when I had a strike. I was a huge rainbow. Fortunately I was able to bring it to shore.
Don was so far away, he couldn't hear when I shouted about the fish. I really wanted a photo, but he was far away. I was trying to decide whether to release the fish without a picture or walk to Don, when Don saw me wave. He started towards me as I walked towards him. Fortunately the weather was cool and the fish was not out of the water too long.
Don took this picture as soon as we got together. the trout was released immediately after, and swam away.
We returned to the hotel, and polished off much of my home brew. We headed for a meal, but couldn't remember which place Paul had told us to avoid. We found a bar/restaurant outside of town and concluded this would be a safer place.
The next day we fished another stream and had little luck.
