Bois Brule River
Brule · Northern Wisconsin
N Wisconsin, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brook, Brown, Steelhead, and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 04025500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
At 121 cfs the Brule is running below typical summer levels, creating excellent wading conditions for targeting browns in the fly-only upper sections. Peak Hexagenia season is upon us — these massive mayflies (#4-8) emerge at dusk through June, triggering explosive surface feeding. With warm afternoons forecast (77-83°F) but cool nights, expect strong evening hatches complemented by consistent caddis activity during daylight hours.
- Flow: 121 cfs — below typical summer range, providing ideal wading access to pocket water and undercut banks throughout upper sections
- Hatches: Peak Hex season with dusk emergences #4-8. Consistent caddis activity #14-16 during daylight. Soft hackles deadly in current
- Water Temp: Spring-fed stability keeps water cool despite warm air temps — perfect for extended trout activity through midday
- Best Window: Caddis action all day, but magic hour starts 8pm when Hex begin emerging. Plan to fish until full dark for biggest browns
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: May–Sept (resident); Sept–Oct (steelhead)
The Bois Brule River — known simply as the Brule — in northern Wisconsin is one of America's most storied trout streams. Five US Presidents have fished here. The river runs from Solon Springs north through the Brule River State Forest to Lake Superior, supporting wild brown trout in the upper reaches and migratory rainbow (steelhead) and brown trout from Lake Superior in the lower river. The upper Brule is a classic Wisconsin freestone in dense Northern Forest setting.
Five US Presidents have fished the Brule — Grant, Cleveland, Coolidge, Hoover, and Eisenhower — making it the most presidentially-fished trout stream in American history.
January Outlook
January on the Brule is deep northern Wisconsin winter. The river may be partially frozen in the upper sections. Winter steelhead from Lake Superior are available in the lower river near the lake. A solitary winter experience for dedicated anglers.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Stonefly Nymph
- Midge Nymph
- Streamer
Tips
January steelhead in the lower Brule are available but require proper cold weather preparation. Cleated waders are essential on icy banks. The lower river near the Lake Superior outlet holds fish throughout winter. Few anglers brave the northwoods winter.
Water Notes
Low winter flows. Water 34–42°F. Winter steelhead in lower river. Cold northwoods conditions.
February Outlook
February winter steelhead continue in the lower Brule near Lake Superior. Cold northwoods conditions but fresh fish from the big lake are present.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Nymph
- Soft Hackle
- Small Streamer
Tips
February is one of the quietest months on the Brule. The lower river below Highway 2 holds winter steelhead. Dress for severe cold — Douglas County Wisconsin in February is brutal. The rewards are fresh steelhead from Lake Superior.
Water Notes
Low winter flows. Water 34–42°F. Winter steelhead possible in lower river. Dress for extreme cold.
March Outlook
March brings the first signs of spring steelhead movement on the Brule. Fish begin moving from Lake Superior into the lower river. Ice-out in the upper river begins in late March.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Stonefly Nymph
- Soft Hackle
- Pink Worm
Tips
March marks the beginning of the spring steelhead season on the Brule. Fish are moving from Lake Superior. The lower river near the Brule River State Forest trailhead is the most accessible. Spring break-up can be dramatic.
Water Notes
Low to moderate flows. Water 36–46°F. Spring steelhead beginning to move. Ice-out in progress.
April Outlook
April is the prime spring steelhead month on the Brule. Fresh Lake Superior steelhead surge through the lower river. The 'Presidents' Stream' earns its reputation in April with large numbers of fish.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Stonefly Nymph
- Soft Hackle
- Flesh Fly
Tips
April is the Brule's finest steelhead month. Steelhead stack in the lower river below the first falls and in the reaches accessible via the fly fishing only upper river. The upper Brule requires special regulations — check DNR rules carefully.
Water Notes
300–800 cfs. Water 40–50°F. Peak spring steelhead. The Brule's most celebrated season.
May Outlook
The Bois Brule River in Wisconsin is a President's stream — Coolidge, Eisenhower, and others fished here. Steelhead and brown trout in a beautiful northwoods setting.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Stonefly Nymph
- Soft Hackle
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
The Brule's spring steelhead run peaks in late April and May. The upper river near Winneboujou is excellent wild trout water. The lower river fishes for steelhead near Lake Superior.
Water Notes
300–800 cfs. Water 44–52°F. Spring-fed northwoods river — cold and clear year-round.
June Outlook
Excellent brown trout fishing on the Brule after the steelhead season. Caddis and PMD hatches produce good dry fly action.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD
- Stimulator
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The upper Brule is fly-fishing only and produces excellent brown trout. The river flows through a pristine northern Wisconsin landscape. Canoe access is available for the long meadow stretches.
Water Notes
250–600 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Cold spring-fed river. Good summer conditions.
July Outlook
Summer brown trout fishing on the Brule is excellent in the upper river. The fly fishing only section produces wild fish on caddis and Hex hatches. Canoe trips through the cedar-lined upper river are a northwoods classic.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hexagenia
- Hopper
- Parachute Adams
Tips
July evenings on the Brule's upper river can produce spectacular Hexagenia hatches. The massive size 4–6 flies bring the largest brown trout to the surface. Fish the evening hatch from a canoe in the upper meadow sections for the most memorable experience.
Water Notes
200–500 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Spring-fed — cool even in summer. Hex hatch in July evenings.
August Outlook
August on the Brule continues with summer brown trout fishing. The spring-fed river stays cool and productive even in late summer heat. Caddis and terrestrials are most effective.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hopper
- Beetle
- PMD Cripple
Tips
August fishing on the Brule's upper sections produces consistent results in the cool spring-fed water. The canoe camping experience through the State Forest is excellent. Fish the bank edges and root wads for the largest brown trout.
Water Notes
150–400 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Spring-fed coolness maintained through August. Good summer conditions.
September Outlook
Excellent fall fishing on the Brule with coho and Chinook salmon running from Lake Superior.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Streamer
- Flesh Fly
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The Brule's fall salmon run brings large fish from Lake Superior. Coho and Chinook salmon can be taken on flies in the lower reaches. The upper river produces good brown trout in fall.
Water Notes
300–800 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Fall salmon and steelhead seasons beginning.
October Outlook
October brings coho, Chinook salmon, and the first fall steelhead to the lower Brule. One of the Great Lakes region's finest multi-species fall fisheries.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Flesh Fly
- Coho Streamer
- Spey Fly
Tips
October on the Brule is exceptional — coho and Chinook from Lake Superior plus early steelhead. The lower river is the focus for salmon. The upper fly fishing only section holds fall brown trout in spawning colors. A remarkable variety of species in one river.
Water Notes
300–800 cfs. Water 46–54°F. Peak fall salmon and early steelhead. Upper river fall brown trout.
November Outlook
November steelhead dominate the Brule as salmon runs conclude. Fresh Lake Superior steelhead push upriver. Cold northwoods conditions but excellent fishing for dedicated anglers.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Stonefly Nymph
- Spey Fly
- Streamer
Tips
November steelhead on the Brule are excellent. The salmon crowds have thinned and the focus shifts to steelhead in both the lower and middle sections. Cold northern Wisconsin November conditions require proper preparation. The fishing quality can be outstanding.
Water Notes
300–800 cfs. Water 40–50°F. Fall steelhead season. Cold northwoods conditions.
December Outlook
December steelhead are possible in the lower Brule near Lake Superior. The river is heading into winter — cold conditions and the first ice on the upper sections. Final month before the river goes into winter mode.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Nymph
- Stonefly Nymph
- Small Streamer
Tips
December steelhead fishing on the lower Brule requires cold weather preparation. Fresh fish are still entering from Lake Superior. Ice begins forming on the upper sections. The lower river near Lake Superior remains open through December in most years.
Water Notes
Low flows. Water 36–44°F. Early winter. Steelhead in lower river near Lake Superior.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrickson Ephemerella subvaria |
May | May | #12–14 |
|
| Hexagenia Hexagenia limbata |
Jun | Jun, Jul | #4–8 |
|
| Caddis Brachycentrus spp. |
May | Apr, May, Jun | #14–16 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
May, Sep | Apr, May, Sep, Oct | #18–20 |
|
Access & Approach
Brule, WI is the primary base. Brule River State Forest provides extensive public access. Wisconsin fishing license + trout stamp required.
Regulations & License
Fishing in Wisconsin requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Wisconsin fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Bois Brule River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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