Fishing at 0.3 Reservoir, Sauk County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  0.3 Reservoir lies in Sauk County, Wisconsin. It lies 1,073 feet above sea level. At 3 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Most waters listed here for Sauk County are larger. The closest town, Hillsboro, is 7 miles away. Madison is the closest city, 55 miles away. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on 0.3 Reservoir

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. County-wide records name brown trout, rainbow trout and common carp. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. At this water the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 71°F in July and bottom out at 14°F in January. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early April. Ice clears near early April and comes back about early December in a typical year. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. This water fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Overnight stays are possible half a mile away. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Some banks are open only from a marked point. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try 0.37 Reservoir, 2 miles away. Confirm before you fish this water.