WELCOME TO YOUR DRIFTLESS FLY FISHING ADVENTURE

Established in 2009, and with the experience of over 700 client days under my belt, I cater to vacationers and day visitors to the Driftless Region of Western Wisconsin, NE Iowa, and SE Minnesota. I am a multi-disciplined guide service offering both traditional western (rod and reel) and/or Tenkara (fixed line) methods. My primary vision is to provide a relaxed, friendly, and non-intimidating fly fishing experience based on your desires. No two days with me are the same. I consider your physical ability and fishing background to tailor-make a day expressly for you. I also enjoy sharing information on the area's history, current events, and the overall beauty of "THE DRIFTLESS."

For the NOVICE or first-timer who wants to learn a few skills, I offer experiences that provide the patience, assistance, and equipment needed to have a great DRIFTLESS day. I will share some "how-to" fly fishing basics, including the fly casting basics, understanding and reading water, and fly selection, all while visiting a comfortable access stream. Then, as our day progresses, I will offer some helpful suggestions while providing the same level of client services and benefits that our more experienced clients have come to expect. 

For the more SEASONED fly angler, I offer my extensive local knowledge, clean, reliable transportation, a tasty tailgate, or stream-side lunch while delivering you to the harder-to-find Driftless "honey holes." I will assist with fly selection, help to land fish, and take a picture or two. But, unlike some, our first goal is to offer the friendship of a fellow local angler and promise not to be critical, try to coach, or press an unwanted "lesson." 

TENKARA: As a long-time practitioner and Tenkara USA certified guide, I offer introductions to Tenkara angling to those new to the sport seeking a simple, easy-to-learn method of fly fishing. For the experienced fly angler, Tenkara may expand one's horizons. Check out the TENKARA header for more information on this rapidly growing fly fishing sector! 

Mike, now 64, has been a resident of the Driftless Region for 50+ years, but his fishing adventure started in central Idaho, where he caught his first trout as a youngster growing up on the Hagerman National Fish Hatchery, where his father worked as a regional fisheries pathologist. 

Mike started fly fishing "the Driftless"  with an Orvis Rocky Mountain 5wt in the early 80s, long before the region's notoriety as a world-class fishery kicked in. Today, Mike either guides or fishes about 150 days a year throughout the tri-state area, be it Western Wisconsin, SE Minnesota, or NE Iowa. If he's not guiding, he's seeking new secluded spots or learning every curve, rock, or log and the subtle nuances of his favorite streams to visit with clients. 

Now retired from his career as a sales and management consultant in the golf industry, on the days he's not knee-deep in a stream, he might be camping, playing golf with friends, or sitting by the fire pit at the home he and his wife Donna have shared for over 36 years on the south side of La Crosse, WI.