Black Earth Creek

County: Dane County

DeLorme Page: 35 D-6, C-6, and C-5

Wisconsin Trout Regulations Page: 23

Black Earth is a real gem of a trout stream, especially considering how close it is to Madison. It is rebounding from a troubled past of fish kills from runoff of farmers fields and siltation was a problem but care and improvements from local organizations have helped. The communities of Cross Plains and Black Earth have taken great pride in the creek and have resisted development along its banks. Thanks to the efforts of many the natural reproduction has increased. 

Since it is so close to Madison, the stream is rarely empty but I have had a lot of afternoons in relative solitude. The Hex hatch is an especially busy time on Black Earth Creek. Don't look to be alone on Black Earth Creek, but it can be spectacular fishing when it all works out.