Greetings. My name is P..J. Smith and I am an Orvis-endorsed guide who has been fly fishing the clear, spring creeks in the Driftless Area for more than 20 years. It is truly my passion to share these beautiful and unique waters with my clients. In addition to trout, I guide for warm water species on some of Wisconsin's finest rivers from the comfort and safety of a drift boat. During your time with me, I promise to put you on the most productive water, learn about the area, build your skills and become a better angler.
Experience The Driftless
There are hundreds of miles of quiet waters to explore and we'll take our time to find the best stretches as you enjoy the beauty of the Driftless. We offer both walk-and-wade and float boat trips - full day and half day - throughout the year. Our drift boat is a roomy 15 ft. StealthCraft where we target smallmouth, largemouth, pike and musky on the Chippewa or Wisconsin Rivers. While in the Driftless, we invite guests to enjoy the peace and serenity of the region and stay at our well-maintained home in Westby known as the "Smith Schoolhouse."
Lodging
While fly fishing the Driftless, we offer lodging at our Smith Schoolhouse in Westby. The original structure was built as a one room schoolhouse in 1890 and moved to this property where is was lovingly restored. The upstairs includes three bedrooms that can sleep five and a full bathroom, WiFi, stocked kitchen, appliances, wrap-around-deck and fridge for your favorite beverages. The walkout lower level is the owner's suite complete with a fly tying room. The large property includes plenty of parking, room to hang and dry your waders, BBQ grill and a fire pit to enjoy after a memorable day on the water.
2025- Special Dates & Events
Check out PJ's Social Media pages for announcements of upcoming presentations at Fishing Clubs in IL, MN and WI this Winter/Spring.
February 21-23 - Wisconsin Fishing Expo, Madison, WI - Come out and see the Stealthcraft Houligan Raft, Show Special Available!
March 1 - May 31 - Spring Float Trips for trout in the Houligan raft, one or two people
March 8 & 9 - Visit PJ & Donna in the Stealthcraft Boats booth at the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo in Warren Michigan
March 21-23 - Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo - PJ will be among the featured tyers at the show. Donna will be an instructor with other Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructors
April 25-27 SKILL BUILDING WEEKEND - Learn new techniques to advance your fly fishing skills - for anglers with basic fly fishing skills
May 2-4 BEGINNER TROUT SCHOOL - For new anglers
May 3 - Wisconsin fishing season opens
May 12-14 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday WOMEN'S FLY FISHING RETREAT - Sign up for 3-days of fishing and skill building with other women
May 15 - October 30 - Small mouth, pike and musky float trips
August 8-10 HOPPER/DROPPER & MOUSING WEEKEND - Up your game with some new techniques to go after the big trout!
October 15 - Trout season closes
September to October 30 - Schedule your float trips for trout, smallies and musky
WANT TO SET UP YOUR OWN TROUT SCHOOL DATES? Contact us for availability to set up a date. Minimum of 2 people for private schools.
Take a trip with PJ and Donna
We are planning a trip to Montana this fall. Join PJ and Donna at Linehan Outfitters in Yaak, Montana September 27-October 3. The Linehan's have been guiding the Kootenai River for over 30 years. Join us for a week of fall fishing in the green, lush, mountainous northwest corner of Montana. Contact us for more information.