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.
2022 - Special Dates & Events
Jan. 1 - Early trout season opens (catch and release only)
Jan. 1 - Feb. 28 - Winter half-day "Walk & Wade" (11 a.m.- 3 p.m.)
Feb. 18-20 - PJ's Winter Workshop - Fly tying & fishing
March 1 - April 28 - Early Spring Driftboat and "Walk & Wade" (trout)
April 29 - May 1 - PJ's "On-the-Water Trout Skills and Tactics" class
May 1 - Regular fishing season opens
May 12-15 - PJ and Donna's "Women's Fly Fishing Retreat" (beginners and up)
May 20-22 - PJ's "Fly Fishing School for Beginners"
Aug. 19-21 - PJ's "Hopper/Dropper and Mousing Techniques Workshop"
Oct. 15 - Trout season closes