Lesser known than the streams found in the Driftless Region, the Central Sands are hidden gems. These streams are often referred to as the “Ice Age Streams.” They contain a mix of sand, gravel, and large granite boulders left behind by the last retreating glaciers. Meandering through forests, prairie, bottom lands, and farmland, they offer a truly authentic Wisconsin fly-fishing experience.

From early April through June, our rivers come alive with incredible dry-fly opportunities, featuring hatches like the American Grannom, Hendrickson, March Brown, Sulphur, Brown Drake, and the renowned Hex Hatch. If you’ve been thinking about booking a trip, this is the time to do it—it’s when the magic happens and it doesn’t last long.

To be clear, trout fishing in Central Wisconsin isn’t for everyone. These rivers can be hard to fish and present unique challenges that send many anglers retreating to the Driftless streams. However, if you are open to the lessons these rivers teach, they undoubtedly will make you a better angler.

If you can catch a trout here, you can catch a trout anywhere.