Fly Rods
Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod
A smooth, moderate-action rod that is forgiving for new casters and protects light tippet.
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Hundreds of miles of spring-fed limestone creeks in southwest Wisconsin with wild brown and brook trout.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Driftless Area Spring Creeks for brown trout and brook trout. The best months overall are Mar to Nov. In October, brown trout and brook trout are in season, and Parachute Adams, Blue-Winged Olive and Pheasant Tail Nymph are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles (1 fly, 11 bait and tackle); the closest is Triggers n Tackle LLC in Cashton, 9 mi away. Mississippi River (Guttenberg) is 59 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Mar to Nov
In October
Brown Trout, Brook Trout
Methods
Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Driftless Area Spring Creeks Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
9 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Woolly Bugger #2-10
FlyStreamer · Brook Trout, Brown Trout
Shop This FlyParachute Adams #12-20
FlyDry Fly · Brown Trout
Shop This FlyBlue-Winged Olive #16-22
FlyDry Fly · Brown Trout
Shop This FlyPheasant Tail Nymph #14-20
FlyNymph · Brown Trout
Shop This FlyHare's Ear Nymph #12-18
FlyNymph · Brook Trout
Shop This FlyPat's Rubber Legs #4-10
FlyNymph · Brown Trout
Shop This FlySculpin Streamer #2-6
FlyStreamer · Brown Trout · Low light and fall.
Shop This FlyInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner · Brook Trout, Brown Trout
Shop This LureSuspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Brown Trout
Shop This Lure
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Brown Trout
Fly 9 ft 5 or 6 wt rod, floating line for dries and nymphs, sink-tip with 0X to 2X for streamers.
Spin / Cast 6.5 to 7 ft light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 6 to 8 lb line. Jerkbaits and inline spinners.
Brook Trout
Fly 7 to 8 ft 3 or 4 wt rod, floating line, 7.5 ft 5X leader.
Spin / Cast 5 to 6 ft ultralight spinning rod, 1000 reel, 2 to 4 lb line.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Driftless Area Spring Creeks
Fly Rods
Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit
A complete rod, reel, and line outfit that covers most trout water and small-stream bass.
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Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.
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RIO Gold Fly Line
A trout line that casts dries delicately and turns over nymph rigs.
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Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line
A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.
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RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet
Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.
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RIO Tapered Trout Leaders
Nine foot tapered leaders in 3X to 6X for dries and nymphs.
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Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.
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Within 60 Miles
Shops Near Driftless Area Spring Creeks
Bait & Tackle
Gander Outdoors of Onalaska
Onalaska, Wisconsin· 16 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Onalaska, WI.
Bait & Tackle
Tri State Bait and Tackle
La Crescent, Minnesota· 18 mi
Bait and tackle shop in La Crescent, MN.
Bait & Tackle
Fat Cat Bait & Fishing Supply
Trempealeau, Wisconsin· 30 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Trempealeau, WI.
Bait & Tackle
Trophy Adventures Bear Bait - Eric Huseboe
Ettrick, Wisconsin· 35 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Ettrick, WI.
Make It a Trip