September 30th every year small stream trout season closes. It does not open again until the first Saturday in March. Those 5 months of closed season seem endless for the diehard trout anglers. I have found a way to ease your pain.
Right after Wisconsin's deer season I start scouting and asking permission for the 2013 trout season. The weeds are down and it makes it much easier to walk. The trout have not been pestered for at least 2 months and are less shy. The bottom vegetation has also died off and you can see some hidden lays. Scouting on overcast days are better than sunny days due to the sun making trout weary and feeling exposed.
This is also a good time to ask farmers permission to fish in the Spring. Showing up on a door step in full waders can put a land owner out. Showing up in December with your young daughter or son to ask permission in is less in your face and your permission receiving will sky rocket. If you don't have a young child to take with you borrow one from a friend. Land owners are much less likely to say "NO" when you have a young kid standing beside you when you ask. Remember to be courteous if you are told "NO" because that landowner will remember you when you ask the next year.
Get off the couch and go scout. Make sure you take your camera along and a neighbor kid if you have none of your own when asking for new permission.
