As the ice disappears from the surface of the lakes throughout the region, trout fishing gets into gear. Most people will be trying their luck on the early season lakes that are now open, but there are other really good opportunities on year-round waters. One of the most overlooked trout waters is Banks Lake. Trout averaging 2 to 3 pounds, with some much larger, can be taken on Banks, and the early spring is good time to get them. Some anglers fish from the shore at Coulee City, or at the very north end of the lake near Coulee Playland in Electric City. Trolling is a very good way to get big trout on Banks Lake. Pulling plugs like Rapalas and Flicker shads can be very effective. Bass anglers casting plugs account for many of the biggest rainbow in the early season when looking for smallmouth that are just waking up after the winter chill. There are many big rainbow turned in during the Banks Lake Triple Fish Challenge derby that is held in April each year. The event is scheduled for April 9th and 10 in 2022. This a really fun event that you should put on the calendar for a great family weekend.
There is a lot of ice on top of the ice on Banks Lake and large areas of open water. It will be ice-free soon.