Wisconsin is a fisherman’s paradise, with its vast waters, diverse landscapes, and abundant fish species. Among the most popular and productive fishing methods is fly fishing, which requires a bit more skill and finesse than other techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, Wisconsin has plenty of fly fishing opportunities that will keep you hooked for a lifetime. Here are the top 10 best fly fishing spots in Wisconsin.
Discover Wisconsin’s Best Fly Fishing Spots: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Trip
- Driftless Area Streams
The Driftless Area of Wisconsin is a unique region characterized by rugged topography, cold-water streams, and rich aquatic life. The streams here offer some of the best fly fishing opportunities in the state, with plenty of trout, including brown, rainbow, and brook. The best time to fish is from April to October, with peak season in May and June.
Tip: Match the hatch, as the fish are selective feeders and only bite on certain types of insects. Use light tackle and stealthy approach to avoid spooking the fish. - Bois Brule River
The Bois Brule River is a classic fly fishing destination in the northwestern part of Wisconsin. It’s a designated National Scenic River, famous for its crystal-clear waters, scenic beauty, and large brook trout. The river is open year-round, but the best time to fish is from June to October.
Tip: Use streamers or nymphs to imitate the insects and baitfish that the trout feed on. The river can be crowded, so try to fish early or late in the day to avoid the crowds. - Brule River State Forest
The Brule River State Forest is a vast wilderness area that offers excellent fly fishing opportunities for trout and salmon. The river runs through the forest, creating pools, riffles, and runs that attract fish and anglers alike. The best time to fish is from April to November, with peak season in October.
Tip: Use dry flies, wet flies, or streamers, depending on the water conditions and the fish behavior. Bring waders or boots, as the river can be slippery and rocky. - Lake Michigan Tributaries
Lake Michigan is a vast freshwater lake that offers some of the best fly fishing for steelhead and salmon in the region. The tributaries that flow into the lake, such as the Milwaukee, Root, and Sheboygan rivers, are hotspots for these species, especially in the fall and winter.
Tip: Use egg patterns, wooly buggers, or nymphs to imitate the baitfish and insects that the steelhead and salmon feed on. Look for deeper pools and runs, as these fish prefer cooler water temperatures. - Wisconsin River
The Wisconsin River is a major waterway that flows through central Wisconsin, offering fly fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, northern pike, and musky. The river has a mix of slow and fast water, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced anglers. The best time to fish is from May to October.
Tip: Use streamers, poppers, or crayfish patterns to target the smallmouth bass and pike. Bring a kayak or canoe to explore the river and access the best fishing spots. - Black Earth Creek
Black Earth Creek is a spring-fed stream that flows through the southwestern part of Wisconsin, offering fly fishing opportunities for trout and smallmouth bass. The creek has clear water, a gravel bottom, and plenty of insect life, making it an ideal habitat for these species. The best time to fish is from April to October.
Tip: Use dry flies, nymphs, or streamers to target the trout and bass. The creek can be crowded, so try to fish during weekdays or early in the day to avoid the crowds. - Kickapoo River
The Kickapoo River is a scenic waterway that flows through southwestern Wisconsin, offering fly fishing opportunities for trout and smallmouth bass. The river has a mix of riffles, runs, and deep pools, making it suitable for both dry fly and nymph fishing. The best time to fish is from April to October.
Tip: Use small nymphs or dry flies to target the trout, and streamers or poppers for the bass. Watch out for the logjams and fallen trees that can obstruct the river flow and hold fish. - Lake Namakagon
Lake Namakagon is a large freshwater lake in northwestern Wisconsin, offering fly fishing opportunities for musky, walleye, and smallmouth bass. The lake has clear water, rocky shores, and plenty of structure, making it an ideal habitat for these species. The best time to fish is from May to October.
Tip: Use large streamers or topwater lures to target the musky, and jigs or live bait for the walleye and bass. Look for the weed beds, drop-offs, and rock piles that hold the fish. - Fox River
The Fox River is a major waterway that flows through eastern Wisconsin, offering fly fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike. The river has a mix of slow and fast water, with plenty of structure and cover, making it an ideal habitat for these species. The best time to fish is from May to October.
Tip: Use streamers, poppers, or crayfish patterns to target the smallmouth bass and pike, and jigs or live bait for the walleye. Look for the deeper holes, undercut banks, and rocky shoals that hold the fish. - Big Green Lake
Big Green Lake is a deep, clear, and cold-water lake in central Wisconsin, offering fly fishing opportunities for lake trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. The lake has a maximum depth of 237 feet, and plenty of underwater structure and forage, making it an ideal habitat for these species. The best time to fish is from May to October.
Tip: Use streamers or trolling rigs to target the lake trout, and smallmouth bass lures for the smallmouth. Look for the drop-offs, rock piles, and weed beds that hold the fish.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to fly fishing in Wisconsin, here are some tips to get you started:
- Before you start fishing, make sure you have a valid fishing license.
- Choose a rod, reel, and line that match the fish species and water conditions. Learn the basics of casting, presentation, and knot tying before hitting the water.
- Use small and simple flies that imitate the local insects and baitfish.
- Practice catch-and-release to preserve the fish populations and habitats.
- Respect the landowners, private properties, and fishing regulations.
Tips for Professionals
If you’re an experienced angler looking for a challenge in Wisconsin, here are some tips to take your fly fishing to the next level:
- Explore new waters, techniques, and species to expand your knowledge and skills.
- Experiment with different fly patterns, sizes, and colors to match the fish behavior.
- Use advanced tactics such as Euro nymphing, dry-dropper, or streamer stripping.
- Join a local fly fishing club, tournament, or guide service to network and learn from other anglers.
- Respect the fellow anglers, guides, and local communities.
- Don’t forget to check the local regulations and restrictions as there are some areas that are off-limits for fishing.
Interesting Facts
Did you know that:
Wisconsin is home to 13 native fish species, including the musky, sturgeon, and brook trout.
The Driftless Area of Wisconsin is the only part of the state that was not glaciated during the last Ice Age, giving it unique geology and topography that supports diverse fish populations.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stocks over 1 million trout each year in more than 700 streams and 150 lakes.
The Wisconsin River is the longest river in the state, stretching for 430 miles and offering fly fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, walleye, and musky.
Wisconsin hosts several fly fishing events and festivals, such as the Driftless Area Flyathlon, the Wisconsin Musky Expo, and the Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo.
Conclusion
Wisconsin is a fly fishing paradise for anglers of all levels, with its diverse waters, fish species, and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful trout stream, a challenging musky lake, or a scenic river adventure, Wisconsin has something to offer. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can enhance your fly fishing experience in Wisconsin and discover new places and techniques. Remember to respect the fish, the land, and the fellow anglers, and enjoy the thrill of the catch!