Wednesday was my day off of work, and I was determined to spend as much time as I could trying to end my slump. I planned on fishing in the Menomonee for rough fish, possible late steelhead and whatever warm water species might be in there. I got a new reel for my 9wt and I'm yet to break it in.
I picked up my little girl and started for the river just after 9:00. It wasn't long before it was raining, but we continued. As we got closer to the river, it became apparent that the crews were working at the improvements again. And they were working right where we usually find access. The rain really started to fall, and we were forced to seek shelter under the Wisconsin Avenue bridge over the valley. The Menomonee would not be fished today.
The storm really raged. Thunder and lightning, hail, and a raging torrent where the Menomonee flowed calmly minutes before.
With my morning plans ruined, I dropped off Cleo for her nap and made for the Cafe Hollander for lunch. I had a wild boar sandwich with ginger sriracha barbecue sauce, sweet potato fries, and a Chimay White. Truly a world class beer and a great meal all around.
Round two, we headed out to Oconomowoc for some trout fishing. All I could do was hope that all the streams in Southeast Wisconsin weren't totally blown out by the storm. I know this stream rebounds quick, but how quick? We were going to find out.
The stream flowed clearly, but the surrounding land was swamped. Walking along the stream was a miserable experience. I was ankle deep in muck much of the time as spot after spot failed to yield any fish.
Finally, the stretch above gave up one trout. Cleo said "I love that brook trout."
