I floated the river with Bill Heart, president of the Wild Rivers Chapter in Ashland Wisconsin. We launched Bill’s canoe about half way between the river’s source and its mouth at Lake Superior. By the launch, the Brule is low gradient and narrow. We found a few brook trout near boulders and logs.

A few miles downstream, Bill pointed out numerous large spring heads. The springs maintain circles of clean sand that stand out from the dark green river bottom. The augmented flow improved the fishing and we encountered brilliantly-colored brookies and browns. I threw woolly buggers and a local pattern called the Pass Lake while Bill negotiated the canoe around the large glacial rocks and the downed logs. Trout always like structure and most of the fish we caught were holding tight to the fly-snagging debris.

While we floated, Bill told me about area’s tremendous fisheries. The Brule and other local waters offer a hexagenia hatch in late June and early July. Anglers from all over the state come to the area to catch 20”+ brown trout on large mayfly imitations. Many anglers also visit during the spring and fall steelhead and salmon runs. Throughout the rest of the season, the fishing for resident browns and brook trout can be very good. The river holds some big brown and brook trout and every fish is strong and beautiful (see the ).

Bill has almost single-handedly rejuvenated the Wild Rivers Chapter. He has unified his chapter with regular meetings and events, involvement in coaster brook trout restoration, as well as increased participation in Wisconsin state council projects. I encountered TUers all over Wisconsin, and even in Minnesota and Michigan, who praised the great work Bill has done for his chapter and TU as a whole.

Bill’s reputation across the region is well deserved. Quiet and modest by nature, Bill lets his actions speak for themselves. It is obvious that he truly cares about coldwater resources and has been willing to invest his time to help his local fisheries. Trout Unlimited is entirely dependent on active volunteers like Bill Heart. We always need more involved members, so if you haven’t already, please contact your chapter president to find out what you can do to help!

Click here to see a beautiful northern brookie and other worthwhile photos.