Driftless Roots. Destination-Worthy Waters.
Scroll left and right through our current offerings. You can click on any of the cards below to skip directly to that adventure. Or you can scroll down to read about all of our trip offerings.
Brown Trout
Golden shadows. Explosive eats. Pure Driftless Browns
Discover the Heart of Trout Fishing in Madison, WI:
From City to Stream in Minutes
Our cornerstone fishery is the spring-fed trout streams of southwest Wisconsin with lots of cold water and over 850 trout/stream mile. Come experience one of the best walk/wade trout fisheries in the country. It’s like the Midwest’s Montana.
Half Day trips are a great way to get your feet wet so to speak and experience the streams that are closest to the Madison area.
Three Quarter day trips allow us to travel farther out, adjust our fishing time to the peak fishing periods of the day, and maximize our best water temperature window during the heat of summer. This is also a good option for anglers who want more than a half day trip but can’t do a full day.
Full Day trips provide full immersion into the Driftless trout fishery by giving us the time to go to the best streams, and for the angler to learn and practice new skills. Time goes by fast on the stream so 8 hours of fishing gives you time to learn new skills and maximize your opportunities to catch fish.
Smallmouth Bass
Hook into the Driftless’ most aggressive fish.
Dive into the Thrill:
Beyond Trout in the Driftless Region’s Warm Waters
Break away from trout during the Dog Days of Summer and chase hard-fighting smallmouth bass that stay active in the heat and smash flies with reckless abandon. Our bass trips offer two dynamic options: walk/wade warmwater streams in the Driftless or float the wild and scenic Lower Wisconsin River.
This is high-octane fly fishing at its finest—explosive takes, acrobatic jumps, and intense fights on your 7-weight rod. Enjoy the freedom of casting in open water, wet-wading in shorts and sandals, and targeting fish in broad daylight.
Float in style aboard our Kevlar Wenonah Spirit II canoe, outfitted with stabilizers and a rowing frame for stability and comfort. Fish from the boat or step out and explore shallow sandbars and bank structure on foot.
Just a short drive from Madison, this fishery offers wild beauty, solitude, and epic bass, all under the watchful eye of soaring eagles. Anglers who’ve fished the Driftless call it the “Yellowstone River of the Midwest.” Come see why.
🎯 Book your bass adventure today—before the season cools off.
Casting Lessons
Personal, One-to-one lessons help you learn to cast like a pro from an IFF certified instructor
Ready to take your fly fishing game to the next level? Whether you’re diving into this exciting hobby for the first time, gearing up for a corporate fishing retreat, or simply eager to refine your casting technique, Craig has you covered.
Never picked up a fly rod before? No problem. In just two hours, Craig will have you casting with confidence, reaching fishable distances in no time.
Looking to finesse your technique for trout fishing? Let him guide you through specialized casts designed for tight spring creek situations, maximizing your effectiveness on the water.
Venturing into saltwater or warm water fly fishing and craving more distance and efficiency? Craig will teach you the art of the double haul, unlocking the potential for long-distance casting with minimal exertion.
Not sure which rod, reel, and line combination suits your style best? With over 25 years of experience, Craig will help you navigate the options, ensuring you’re equipped with the perfect gear for your casting style and fishing goals.
As a certified Fly Fishers International Fly Casting Instructor, Craig dedicated to providing top-notch instruction tailored to your needs. Let’s embark on this casting journey together and elevate your fly fishing prowess to new heights.
Salmon Rodeo
November and December bring a unique opportunity to the Lake Michigan tributary streams
Grab the Bull (Salmon) by the Tail:
Take on the Salmon Rodeo
When the leaves have fallen and winter winds start to bite, the rivers feeding Lake Michigan come alive with raw power. This is the season of the Salmon Rodeo—your chance to hook into the biggest, hardest-fighting fish of your life on a fly rod. Lake-run brown trout, chrome steelhead, and even coho salmon surge upstream, and each fish is a trophy waiting to test your skill, your tackle, and your nerve.
The colder the air and water, the better your odds. These migrating giants thrive in late-fall conditions, and their runs offer heart-pounding battles that no angler ever forgets. Imagine the jolt as a twenty-pound steelhead takes your fly and rockets downstream, peeling line from your reel faster than you thought possible. This isn’t just fishing—it’s adrenaline, grit, and pure excitement rolled into one unforgettable trip.
Every outing is a full-day adventure, dedicated to chasing these powerful fish during their peak runs. From icy mornings to afternoon highs, you’ll be on the water with an experienced guide who knows where the fish hold, how they move, and what it takes to put you in the right place at the right time. With the right mix of patience and persistence, you’ll have a shot at the kind of fish that makes lifelong memories—and wall-worthy photos.
But opportunities like this don’t last. The Salmon Rodeo is a narrow window each year, and prime dates fill quickly. If you’ve ever dreamed of catching the biggest trout of your life—or battling a chrome steelhead in the chill of a Midwest river—this is your chance. Book your Salmon Rodeo trip today and experience the raw, unmatched thrill of chasing lake-run giants.
Steelhead & Lake-run Brown Trout Excursions
Chase Giants in Cold Water: Lake-Run Trout Trips
As fall fades into winter, a new chapter of fly fishing begins—one that rewards grit, patience, and persistence. When the temperatures drop and the crowds disappear, Lake-Run steelhead and brown trout make their annual migration from Lake Michigan into nearby tributary streams. These powerful fish have spent years growing big in the lake, and when they return to spawn, they offer fly anglers a thrilling opportunity to connect with the trout of a lifetime.
Expect cold mornings, icy guides, and hard-earned hook-ups. This isn’t casual fishing—it’s a test of commitment, but the payoff is immense. When a chrome-bright steelhead explodes from the water or a thick-shouldered brown rolls in slow current, every frozen toe and long cast suddenly becomes worth it. These fish demand sharp skills and steady nerves, but the adrenaline rush is unmatched.
Just two hours from Madison, this fishery is both accessible and wild. Whether you’re swinging flies through deep runs or nymphing seams in icy riffles, you’re not just fishing—you’re entering a rugged, beautiful, and unforgettable part of the fly fishing season. If you’re serious about trout, this is the trip that will stay with you.
Wisconsin Winter Trout Season
Quiet winter streams in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region.
Winter Water, Willing Trout:
Start the Season Early
Winter doesn’t mean the fly rods go away. Each year, Wisconsin’s Early Trout Season opens a quiet, underrated window to fish the Driftless Region at its most peaceful. From January 22 through February 28, join Madison Fly Fishing for a half-day guided experience targeting trout during one of the most unique times to be on the water.
These cold-weather outings reward anglers willing to brave crisp air and snow-dusted banks. With fewer people around and trout holding in predictable winter lies, early season fishing offers a calm, technical, and deeply rewarding experience. Expect clear water, intimate stretches of stream, and the satisfaction of fooling trout when conditions demand thoughtful presentations and patience.
Your guide will handle everything from location selection to fly choice and winter-specific techniques, helping you stay comfortable and confident throughout the outing. Whether you’re new to winter fly fishing or looking to extend your season, this trip is a great way to sharpen your skills and experience the Driftless in a whole new light.
Spots for Early Trout Season are limited and conditions-dependent, making each trip feel like a small victory over winter itself. If you’re itching to get back on the water and start the year with tight lines, this half-day experience is the perfect way to kick off your fly fishing season.
What’s your fly fishing experience include?
Fly casting and fishing instruction
Terminal tackle
Use of an appropriate rod and reel
Lunch (full-day trip)/ snacks (half-day) and refreshments