Do not wait to book your date(s). The calendar fills up quickly so the sooner you book, the better.

Guided trips are available all year long and depend on the species and regulations. Check with George, however, the winter months are generally trout and pike. Pike fishing in the winter can be phenomenal.

No prior fly fishing experience is needed. George will guide everyone from total newbies to veteran, expert fly fisherman and your trip will be tailored to your ability. For the beginner, the trip will include an instructional session but for the experienced fly fishermen, George will get you out on the water immediately.

Yes. Wisconsin fishing license is mandatory. Inland trout stamp is required for Driftless trout trips and a Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp for Lake Michigan tributaries.

• Non-Resident Application
• Resident Application

This obviously depends on the time of year and the style of trip but here is some general guidelines to consider:

• Breathable waders with the appropriate layering for the water and air temperature.
• Wading boots with rubber soles or an old pair of gym shoes - if wet wading.
• Synthetic quick dry pants only - if wet wading.
• Synthetic quick dry tops - no cotton.
• Hat and/or buff
• Polarized sunglasses
• Raincoat

George will provide the appropriate fly rod for the species, however, if you have your own rod, you are welcome to use it. Here are some general rules of thumb for the different species:

Driftless Trout Streams

• 71/2’ - 9’ fly rod
• 3-6 weight
• Weight forward floating line
• 9 foot tapered leader
• 3x-6x tippet - George will provide

Smallmouth Bass River Trips

• 9’ fly rod
• 6-8 weight
• Weight forward floating line
• Intermediate sinking line (spare spool)
• 6 foot straight leader
• 12 lb tippet - George will provide

Pike/Musky River Trips

• 9’ fly rod
• 8-10 weight
• Intermediate sinking line
• Weight forward floating line (low water only)
• 3 foot straight leader, swivel, 1 foot 30lb bite wire - George will provide

Salmon/Steelhead/Lake Run Browns River Trips

• 9’ - 10’ fly rod
• 8-10 weight
• Weight forward floating line
• 9 foot tapered leader
• 12-16 lb tippet - George will provide
• Single-hand spey casting will be an option - George will provide

George will provide the flies, however, feel free to bring your favorites. The type of fly depends on the species, season, and water conditions. It will vary considerably but George knows what fly will produce the best results.

No, all guided trips are strictly catch and release only. All fish will be handled with care and immediately released back into the river or stream. If you want to harvest fish, then this is not the trip for you. However, photos and video can capture the memory of that fish to be remembered forever.

Generally speaking, most trips will begin between 6-9am depending on the time of year and conditions. We will have a predetermined meeting location, but for most trips, plan on a 7 am start.

Full day - 8 hours, including lunch

Half day - 4 hours (morning or afternoon), no lunch

For full day waded trips, George will pack a cold lunch consisting of a turkey sandwich, potato salad, chips, a cookie, and a drink. George has partnered with a local deli for outstanding cold lunch options.

For full day float trips, George will be grilling out while you rest or fish. Grilled options include burgers, brats, or chicken. Potato salad, chips, a cookie and a drink will also be provided.  

Vegetarian lunches can be pre-arranged, if needed.

Please notify George of any food allergies that would require a special menu.

Plan to fish regardless of the conditions. Dress appropriately and if the weather or water conditions are considered too poor for successful fishing, George will advise a reschedule.  We cannot control the weather so this will be determined beforehand, however, sometimes challenging conditions brings the best fishing.

George uses PayPal, Venmo, and personal checks for booking trips. $150 deposit will hold your date and the remaining balance must be paid within 48 hours of the trip. An invoice will be emailed to you confirming your deposit and date. You can pay directly on the website through PayPal or communicate directly with George regarding a Venmo transaction or personal check.

Driftless Trout Wade Trips

Smallmouth/Pike Wade Trips

Smallmouth Float Trips

Salmon/Steelhead/Lake Run Browns Wade Trips

Full refund of $150 deposit - 14 days prior to trip date.

Half refund of $150 deposit - 13-7 days prior to trip date.

No refund of $150 deposit - 6-1 days prior to trip date.

If weather causes a cancellation then a full refund will be provided with the hope of rescheduling on another day. However, George will determine if the weather and/or conditions will require a cancellation. Since the weather is out of our control, this can be determined up to the morning of the trip, however, cancellation is always a last resort.

George will work hard providing you with the best experience possible. This includes pre-trip planning, morning set-up, lunches, equipment maintenance, gear, and tying flies. There is a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into a successful trip so, if you feel like a gratuity is appropriate, then it will be thankfully appreciated.

George lives in Lake Geneva, which is a vacation destination so there are many options for overnight stays. If we are fishing outside of the Lake Geneva area, like the Driftless region, ask George for available options since he knows those communities well.