By Topf Wells

Justin Haglund, the DNR fish biologist for Iowa and Richland Counties, has just released a comprehensive assessment of trout streams in the Mineral Point Branch of the Pecatonica River Watershed or, more simply, trout streams near Mineral Point.  I think these assessments contain a wealth of current and accurate information for anglers and conservationists.  You can find this (and much more!) by Googling WI DNR trout stream assessments or use this link.

Most of us probably don’t think of this area as a hotspot for trout but the news of three streams caught my eye.  The Rock Branch has a decent trout fishery with good public access.  The two “new” trout streams are Pedlar Branch and Brewery Creek.   New in the sense of who knew.  Pedlar has an extremely strong population of wild brook trout in its headwaters.   Brewery Creek is rising from the ashes of decades of environmental devastation caused by mining wastes.  For years the creek was devoid of just about any life, much less trout.  Extensive remediation has the creek coming back.  It now supports brown trout.  Justin thinks it can become a worthwhile fishery and provide spawning habitat for Rock Branch.  If we just give our creeks a chance …