Twenty years of trout guiding has taught me a couple of things. The majority of clients fall into two categories: beginning fly anglers and experienced anglers who are new to the area. In each instance, a long day on the river usually isn’t required. I offer a 5- to 6-hour tutorial for beginners or a “show-and-tell” for experienced fly anglers. In either instance, I can supply rods, leaders, tippets, flies, and (in most situations) waders and boots. The client(s) are on their own for lunch and the outing is catch-and-release fly fishing only.
Trout Fishing Trip Cost*
$350
*Price includes up to two anglers / A percentage of proceeds from every trip benefit the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust and/or the Eau Galle Rush River Sportsman's Club
About St. Croix Valley Trout Fishing Trips
Western Wisconsin has a number of small streams that either flow into the St.Croix River or occupy neighboring valleys. Two of the more well known are the Rush and Kinnickinnic Rivers. The setting is wonderfully rural with miles of accessible water. While being different in character, they both offer excellent opportunities for trout anglers of all abilities to catch naturally reproducing trout on flys. I have been guiding the aforementioned rivers since 1997 and whether you’re a first time fly angler who is looking for instruction or a seasoned expert who is looking for a place to go I can customize a trip for you.
Among the myriad of great things I can say about this style of fishing is that it begins in April when most lakes in the region are covered with ice. In fact, this is my favorite time to work with newcomers to the sport because the fish are simply easier to catch. The shoreline vegetation is down making casting less challenging and the only bugs that are present are the kind that Trout feed on. May and June also provide excellent fishing with reliable Caddis and Sulfur hatches. Lastly, there is nothing like witnessing the return of spring to a landscape that has otherwise been shrouded in the drab brown of winter for months.
The Rush and Kinnickinnic Rivers are small in comparison to the St.Croix and are accessed by walking in and wading. Depending on the situation and ones level of fitness, there can be some considerable walking in order to reach the best stretches of river. These rivers are accessible to anybody and they receive a fair amount of fishing pressure from skilled anglers, all the more reason to hire an experienced guide who is familiar with the more subtle nuances of each river.
