Throughout the last several years the season has held an experimental title since the WDNR was in the process of figuring out effects the early season would have on the trout. The early season has been a hotly debated topic among trout anglers for the last several decades and only within the last three years has the WDNR implemented the experimental season. Those who oppose the season are concerned with the added stress the season may put on the fish.
Trout are perhaps the most sensitive of all Wisconsin fish.
And even though the early season is catch and release, mortality rates are likely to be higher with the added fishing pressure. Some also feel that the early season could put a damper on the fishing quality during the regular season since the fish will become more wary of anglers. Trout can be very challenging to catch in many situations because of their keen senses and those who disagree with the early season feel that extending the fishing period in a year will only cause the fish to become more sensitive to anglers later in the season. The permanent season will have a few minor changes from the experimental season of years past. Most importantly, the season will begin on Mar. 3 this year instead of the pervious starting date of Mar. 1.