FAQs

Honestly, the best time to fish with us is whenever you can get here!  The Wisconsin trout season runs from early January through October 15, so there’s a lot of great fishing to be had.

Spring offers cool, comfortable days and easier casting with less streamside vegetation.  In the fall, the Driftless comes alive with color—trees glow with red, orange, and gold, and the trout show off their vibrant spawning colors.  It’s a magical time to be on the water.

During the heat of summer (July and August), we shift gears and target smallmouth bass.  They thrive in warm weather and bring a whole different kind of fun to the trip! 

A good variety of nymphs, dry flies, and streamers will do the trick in the Driftless.  PJ ties most of the flies we use, including local favorites like the Pink Squirrel and Pass Lake.  You’ll also see Rubber Legged Stimulators, Hippy Stomps, and Slumpbusters in our boxes.

Since trout feed mostly below the surface, a solid selection of beadhead nymphs is key.  Streamers are especially productive in early season, and we see great hatches of Blue Winged Olives, Sulphurs, and Mayflies throughout the year.  Late summer is hopper season, and if you’re lucky, you might hit a morning Trico hatch.

If you want to sharpen your skills, we’re happy to teach you how to fish different fly patterns and techniques during your trip. 

We’re based in Westby, Wisconsin—a charming town in Vernon County, right in the heart of the Driftless.

• About 40 minutes east-southeast of Lacrosse
• About 2 hours from Madison (via Route 14)
• Roughly 3 hours from the Twin Cities
• Around 4–5 hours from Chicago and northern Illinois suburbs

Waders aren’t required, but they definitely make things more comfortable. We recommend stockingfoot waders with wading boots for the best stability. Bootfoot waders work too, or you can wet wade in quick-dry pants and closed-toe water shoes.

Most of our streams are easy to wade, and waist- or hip-high waders can be just fine. Studded boots are a bonus for added grip on slippery rocks.

Here’s a quick rundown of the basics:

• Rod: 3, 4, or 5 weight, 7.5 to 9 feet long
• Reel and Line: Weight-forward floating line to match your rod
• Waders and Boots (if you have them)
• Polarized Sunglasses – a must for safety and visibility
• Season-appropriate clothing
• Wisconsin Fishing License + Trout Stamp

Once you book, we’ll send you a full gear checklist.

Don’t have everything?  No worries—we have some loaner gear available.  Just let us know in advance.

(Note: we don’t currently provide boots or waders.)

• For trout, we love the Orvis Recon and Helios rods—especially the Helios F and Recons in 3 to 5 weights.
• For smallmouth bass, we recommend a Helios D in a 7 weight. You can also use 6 or 8 weight rods for bass
• Chasing musky or northern pike? You’ll want a 10–12 weight rod to handle those big bugs and strong strikes.

All our rods are paired with Orvis and Scientific Anglers fly lines.  Want to try before you buy? We’re happy to let you test some gear on the water.

The Driftless is home to beautiful brown trout and native brook trout.  For a shot at big browns, consider a night trip—they’re more active after dark.

In summer, we fish for smallmouth bass from our drift boat.  We also guide for musky and northern pike if you're up for targeting some big predators with big flies.

We’ve got you covered!  We offer lodging in a beautifully restored 1890s schoolhouse called the Smith Schoolhouse.  It’s now perched on a ridge just outside Westby, with amazing views of the Driftless.

The home includes:

• 3 bedrooms and a full bath
• Wrap-around porch
• Basement lounge and fly-tying desk
• Gas grill and outdoor fire pit

It’s reserved for our clients and their guests, so you’ll have a cozy and quiet place to relax after a day on the water.

Plenty!  Vernon County is a fantastic place to explore. Your partner can:

• Hike scenic trails at Norskedalen, Wildcat Mountain, or Kickapoo Valley Reserve
• Go biking—rentals available locally or bring your own
• Explore local shops, wineries, a coffee roaster, and a cheese shop in Viroqua and Westby
• Visit Amish farms for handmade goods and fresh bakery treats

There’s no shortage of things to do while you’re on the water.

Yes, we love introducing kids to fly fishing! We recommend kids be at least 9 or 10 years old, depending on their ability and attention span.

A half-day of fishing is often the best fit for young anglers. We can also take older kids on a float trip, though most river floats last 8 hours (some half-day options available). Let’s chat and plan the right outing for your family.

Absolutely.  Donna is a FFI Certified Casting Instructor.  Whether you want a quick 1–2 hour lesson or in-depth instruction on the water, we’ve got options for all skill levels—from beginner trout schools to advanced techniques.

A drift boat is a flat-bottomed boat with a high bow and stern—kind of like a river dory.  Its curved base makes it super stable and easy to maneuver on moving water.

Our Stealthcraft drift boat seats two anglers (one in the bow, one in the stern) and a guide in the middle.  Each angler has a casting brace and stable footing. It’s a comfortable, safe, and fun way to cover water—especially when chasing bass or pike.

Your guided trip includes about 8 hours on the water, plus a break for lunch.  We’ll teach you local techniques for casting, reading water, placing flies, and wading safely.

Expect to learn a lot, enjoy great conversation, hear some local stories, and experience the beauty of the Driftless with a knowledgeable, supportive guide.

We practice catch and release on all guided trips to help preserve our amazing fisheries for everyone to enjoy.

If you’re fishing on your own during Wisconsin’s open season, you’re welcome to keep fish in accordance with state regulations. You can find the latest rules on the Wisconsin DNR website.