Fishing Report

Current information about fishing conditions on major Driftless Area streams. For the latest information, give us a call in the shop at (608) 637-8779 during regular business hours or shoot us an email.

General Driftless Area Conditions

Current Status: EXCELLENT
Reported: July 3, 2009 at 08:08 AM

Sunnier today than the past couple of days which means much tougher fishing when the sun is out. Expect fish to feed well early and late, and throughout the mid day be in the shade, underneath the banks, or on the bottom of the pools.
Fish are feeding very well despite the sun as water temperatures and air temperatures are great right now.
Fish are keying in on terrestrials (ants, beetles and small hoppers) as most of the mayfly activity has ended. There are some lighter colored flies hatching in the evening, and egg laying tan caddis.
Sub surface is dominated by nymphs with movement and smaller scuds. Thin bodied nymphs and midge larvae are also doing quite well.

Timber Coulee (and tributaries)

Current Status: EXCELLENT
Reported: July 3, 2009 at 05:43 AM

Sunnier today, but the water is still in prime shape cool and clear.
Fish will feed in the riffles in the mornings and evenings. In the sunny part of the day you will find them on the leading edge of the holes feeding and tucked under lunker structures looking to pick off terrestrials.
There are still some cream midges and lighter colored mayflies around, with a few caddis too. However, terrestrials are the main food right now.
Sub surface scuds are very active (especially under cloud cover again) as are tiny thin bodied nymphs.

West Fork of the Kickapoo (and tributaries)

Current Status: EXCELLENT
Reported: July 3, 2009 at 05:51 AM

Sunny, but a normal summer day (the temperatures are comfortable and the sun is not blazing). Water is cool and clear and fishing is great. Look for fish to be in the shade and underneath the banks during the day looking to ambush passing by food. In the morning and evening look for them to be feeding in the riffles as well.
Terrestrials are working well on the surface and our guide trips have been doing quite well with ants, yellow and brown grasshoppers, and beetles. Fish them with a small bead head nymph below and you will be able to catch fish. Just remember to cast gently and sneak up on the fish as they can be quite spooky when the skies are clear.

Stations Reporting
KICKAPOO RIVER AT LA FARGE
2.77 CFS Reported at 14:00 PM

KICKAPOO RIVER AT STATE HIGHWAY 33 AT ONTARIO
8.48 CFS Reported at 14:00 PM