WHAT MAKES GOOD MOUSING WATER?

At first thought, many of us envision the largest, deepest bend for miles or the plunge pool below a bridge. And sure, when depth, cover, and forage come together, you have the recipe for prime holding water. But does that necessarily make it good mousing water? We don’t think it does.

There’s a lot that could be said about what makes good mousing water, but one type of water that keeps proving itself—regardless of where we fish in Wisconsin—are meadow sections.

Depending on the climate, these may range from sedge dominated cutbanks to alder lined corridors, but one key factor remains the same for this water type, a sand dominated bottom. No matter where you find yourself in the Midwest, and even out to the Rockies and beyond, sand bottom means the river has slowed upon a geological plateau. These sections are evident on aerials by their sinuous pattern. There are many meadows out there, and many other factors that make them prime targets, both ecologically and logistically speaking.

Meadow sections provide good habitat for mice, frogs, crickets, and grasshoppers to name a few. Cooling nighttime temperatures mark a period of transition and get many of these critters moving. And what better place to accidentally plop into a river and get eaten by a trout than a meadow?

Conditions are shaping up nicely over the coming weeks, making it a great time to sharpen your night game and learn more about finding a special meadow of your own.