
COME SEE WHAT ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT
Lower Wisconisn Smallmouth Bass
ABOUT THE TRIP
The Lower Wisconsin River is a bucket list fishing destination for many anglers. It runs 92.3 miles un-dammed from Prairie Du Sac to the Mississippi, making it the longest free flowing section of river in the Midwest. It is one of the most ecologically diverse river systems in the country, providing a home for 98 species of fish, and is a migratory flyway for many protected species of bird.
The Lower Wisconsin River is a wide river that rarely gets over 10 feet deep, and is often less than 4 feet in depth. This makes navigation nearly impossible with large power boats, unless the water is high. We at Black Earth Angling Co. run the river with jet-powered jon boats so we don’t have to worry about skinny water. On a hot day, you can expect to make numerous stops to get out and wet wade on the golden sand.
Our main focus on the Wisconsin River varies by season. Spring is pre/post-spawn smallmouth bass, post-spawn pike, and the white bass run. Summer is when the river is at its peak—during this time "The Crash" occurs. When Fall rolls around, we begin to chase pike/musky and will often pick up our biggest bass of the season.





WHEN’S THE BEST TIME?

I make a trip to Wisconsin from the west every summer to fish with Black Earth Angling Co. Book as many days as you can because it's always a good time! Kyle is so knowledgeable about the river and flows and know how to navigate the intricacies of the river so well. Never a dull moment! Lunch is home made and delicious too!
—Heidi Lewis, Utah
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
FULL & HALF DAY GUIDED TRIPS
Full days are 8 hours with lunch and half days are 4 hours.
FAMOUS CUISINE
Full day trips include a freshly prepared lunch.
TERMINAL TACKLE
Leaders, tippets, and flies. Additional equipment may be available upon request.
A GOSH DARN GOOD TIME!
We can’t control the conditions, but we can control our attitudes!
RATES*
*Rates subject to change. Prices are based per guide—two anglers per guide. For lessons and group trips, please call or email.
GROUP SIZE
3-4
5+
HALF DAY
1-2
$375
$750
Contact us
FULL DAY
$575
$1,150
Contact us
WISCONSIN RIVER SMALLMOUTH FAQs
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This trip combines fishing from our jet boat with wet-wading, and it can be customized to suit your preferences. If you enjoy wet-wading, we can often fish from sandbars and shallow water. If wet-wading is not your preference, that's perfectly fine; we can fish from the boat all day. Just let us know what you prefer.
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YES! Being a proficient caster never hurts but we pride ourselves on teaching. You’re not alone—we’ve all got to start somewhere, right? The bass trips offer many advantages to a beginner: no vegetation in your back cast, plenty of action, and very visual fishing.
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One of the most magical parts of the Lower Wisconsin River is that it’s mostly sand. For shoes, we recommend something you can get wet, but allows the sand to rinse off. Chaco sandals, Teva water sandals, and Crocs are our favorites when the weather is warm. We’re also known to kick off our shoes and go barefoot if the mood strikes.
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ASAP! The sooner you get it in your calendar the sooner you can begin looking forward to your trip with us. Our smallmouth schedule fills up the fastest and most prime dates are taken by the end April. Don’t be afraid to book a year out if your schedule permits.
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If your kids are interested in being outside, we want to help you make that happen! We love to take families out for full day and half day adventures on the river. Get in touch with us and let us know the age(s) in your group so we can help with the planning.
DRIVE TIMES
MADISON
30m (19 Miles)
DUBUQUE
1h 20m (78 Miles)
MILWAUKEE
1h 50m (106 Miles)
GREEN BAY
2h 45m (156 Miles)
CHICAGO
3h 15m (170 Miles)
INDIANAPOLIS
5h (350 Miles)
MINNEAPOLIS
4h (260 Miles)
ST. LOUIS
5h 40m (380 Miles)
NEAREST AIRPORT
DANE COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT (MSN)
4000 International Ln, Madison, WI 53704
https://www.msnairport.com/