BRAINERD, MINN. - It's no secret central Minnesota presents many options for a versatile angler. Perhaps the least exploited alternative is stream trout fishing.

"I'd be awfully surprised if we see another trout angler, especially now that walleye season is open," said Mickey Johnson of Brainerd as we walked with fly rods in hand along a faint woodland trail earlier this week.

That suits Mickey just fine.

As a fly fisherman, Mickey is somewhat of an anomaly in this part of the state where the walleye is king, and trout streams few.

We proceeded upstream, sometimes fishing side by side, other times taking turns when the stream narrowed. Mickey executed short but accurate casts to undercut banks and deep mid-stream holes.

Ultimately, though, the trout proved elusive.

Later, Mickey and I stopped by a boat channel along a nearby lake, hoping the water had warmed enough to draw a few panfish. Within minutes, we were both hauling in scrappy sunfish.

Bluegills, pumpkinseeds and crappies fell for our nymphs and streamers. We secured enough keepers before calling it quits.

Bill Marchel, a wildlife photographer and outdoors columnist, lives near Brainerd, Minn.