Welcome to PJ Guide Service
Hi, I’m P.J. Smith—an Orvis-Endorsed fly fishing guide with more than two decades of experience on the spring-fed creeks of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. These waters have shaped my life, and it’s my passion to share their quiet magic, challenging currents, and hidden beauty with anglers of all backgrounds.
Whether we’re chasing wild trout through rolling valleys or floating the Chippewa and Wisconsin Rivers in search of smallmouth, pike, and musky, I’m here to guide you to the most productive water, help you build confidence on the rod, and create a day that’s as fun as it is rewarding.
To expand our access into more remote waters, we now also run a Hooligan XL raft by StealthCraft, perfect for floating the tighter, trout-rich rivers of the Driftless in spring. This nimble, low-profile craft opens up unique opportunities for early-season trout in areas you can’t reach by foot.
My wife Donna is an experienced fly fisher and skilled casting instructor, offering private lessons to help you refine your technique or take your first steps into the sport. Together, we’re committed to providing a personalized, low-pressure experience that focuses on growth, learning, and connection—to the fish, the water, and each other.
Since 2020
Experience the Driftless & Beyond
With hundreds of miles of peaceful water to explore, we offer both walk-and-wade and float trips designed to suit your interests and the season. From the intimate spring creeks of the Driftless to the wide, meandering waters of the Chippewa and Wisconsin Rivers, we’ll tailor your trip to match your goals and experience level.
In addition to our 15’ StealthCraft drift boat—ideal for targeting warmwater species like smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, pike, and musky—we also now offer spring float trips for trout in the Driftless using our Hooligan XL raft, built to navigate tighter, more technical water with ease.
Full-day trips are available throughout the year, and we’ll always take the time to find the best water, based on conditions and your preferences.
While in the Driftless, we invite you to take in the serenity of the region, cast into its hidden corners, and let the rhythm of the water slow everything down.
Stay at the Smith Schoolhouse
While fishing in the Driftless, make yourself at home in our lovingly restored Smith Schoolhouse—located in Westby, just minutes from some of the region’s best trout water.
Originally built in 1890 as a one-room schoolhouse and relocated to this property, the structure has been thoughtfully renovated into a cozy, fully-equipped guest space. The upstairs includes three bedrooms (sleeps five), a full bathroom, WiFi, a stocked kitchen, and a wraparound deck perfect for relaxing after a day on the water.
Downstairs, the walkout lower level is our personal suite, complete with a fly tying room and space to talk fishing long into the night. The large property features ample parking, a BBQ grill, wader drying area, and a fire pit for swapping stories under the stars.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or an extended stay, we hope the Smith Schoolhouse becomes your Driftless home away from home.
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.