6 best fly fishing spots in Wisconsin

Fly fishing is a popular technique—and pastime—for many anglers in the Badger State. Here are six of the best fly fishing spots in Wisconsin.

According to DriftHook, Wisconsin’s trout streams have grown “from 2,677 and 9,500 miles in 1980 to now more than 2,989 stretching across 13,000 miles,” making it a paradise for anglers. With so many fishing spots available, how can you possibly narrow down the options to find a handful you want to try? Don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you and determined six of the best fly fishing locations in the state.

It’s important to note that certain guidelines are in place throughout Wisconsin stating which fish you can catch, and how many, at any given time. You’ll also need to get a fishing license in advance to make sure you’re hitting up all of these spots legally. The Department of Natural Resources’ fishing regulations can be found here—these guides are available in English, Spanish, Hmong, and large print. To learn how to get a fishing license as a resident or nonresident, click here and follow the instructions provided by the DNR.

In addition to those regulations (and needing a license), you have to stick to the 2025-2026 fishing season dates before you head out on your next adventure. As of writing, the General Inland Trout and General Inland Fishing seasons are in effect, as are the Largemouth Bass Northern Zone and Southern Zone Harvest, Large and Smallmouth Bass Catch and Release, Musky Northern and Southern Zone Harvest, Northern Pike, and Walleye.

Here’s a complete list of the fishing season dates, as well as which species you can expect to see when you’re fly fishing at these six dream locations. Free Fishing Weekends will be held June 7-8, 2025, which you can learn more about at the link listing the season dates.

Now, let’s talk about some of the best places to cast your fly fishing line.

1. Wolf River

Wolf River is located west of New London in the Mukwa Township of eastern Waupaca County. It’s a tributary of the Fox River that stretches approximately 225 miles, and it’s one of only two designated National Scenic Rivers in Wisconsin. Wolf, along with Fox River, is known for its sturgeon spawning, which takes place every spring.

This fly fishing spot is beautiful, and you can catch brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout here, in addition to sturgeon. Please note that, per The Perfect Fly Store, “the uppermost thirty-four miles [of Wolf River] are available for the general public, but the lower mileage is reserved for the Menominee Indians.” Respecting these guidelines is necessary if you want to cast your line here. For more details on the area’s history and to grab a few maps of the area before your trip, click here.

To make the most of your experience and keep yourself safe, The Perfect Fly Store notes that the water at Wolf River is difficult to wade through during the spring. They recommend fishing from a rubber raft during this time. As the season progresses, the water will settle down and become wadable again, but use a wading staff regardless for optimal safety. There are also some deep holes you’ll need to keep an eye out for so you don’t step into one while you’re fishing.

This is a good source for even more helpful tips and tricks when it comes to fly fishing at this scenic (though sometimes challenging) location.

2. Kickapoo River

Kickapoo River—which is named after the Kickapoo Native Americans who occupied this area in the 19th century—runs between Mill Bluff State Park and Wilton. Its West Fork, in particular, is regarded as a great spot for both wet and dry fly fishing. Brook and brown trout are found here, and the fishing season typically runs from spring through fall.

You’re going to find the most success by using streamers, like sculpin, baitfish, and minnows, at Kickapoo River due to its off-colored water and low light conditions. The area has an abundance of terrestrial insects as well, like hoppers, beetles, and ants, which you can use throughout the season to help attract fish. You can wade in the water here, but you might scare the trout off in the process, so it’s recommended that you fly fish from the banks as often as possible.

Want to learn more about what to expect when fly fishing at Kickapoo? Click here.

3. Bois Brule River

Located in Douglas County, Bois Brule River stretches for nearly 44 miles and is well known by local fly fishermen for its stonefly and mayfly hatches. Steelhead is the most popular species here, but you’ll also see coho salmon, brown trout, Atlantic salmon, pink salmon, and Chinook salmon, among others. For river regulations, and to find the best access points prior to your visit, read through this Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources guide.

Trout flies, steelhead flies, and salmon flies are your best options, particularly during July through September when trout and salmon are most common in Bois Brule River.

4. Peshtigo River

The stretch of Peshtigo River found below Johnson Falls Dam is one of the best fly fishing spots in all of Wisconsin. The area is breathtaking, the water is free flowing, and rainbow and brown trout abound. Walleye, Northern Pike, and Musky are common here, too, if you want to catch a variety of species during your trip.

This area is designated as a Category 5 Regulated Trout Water, so you’ll need to stick to certain regulations if you’re planning to fish for trout, which you can read through here.

5. Rush River

Rush River is considered one of the greatest for trout fishing, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The nearby Kinnickinnic River is also good for trout, though Rush often has larger fish due to its warmer water temperatures.

It’s this feature that ultimately impacts what species you’ll find where. For example, there’s a bridge located to the south of Martell, and from that point you’ll find more suckers than anything else. Upstream of the bridge, you’ll find trout. The last stretch of the stream is home to smallmouth bass and other medium-temperature species, so you’ll just need to figure out what you want to catch and then position yourself accordingly.

6. Lake Redstone Waterfall 

Rounding out our list of the six best fly fishing spots in Wisconsin is Lake Redstone Waterfall in Sauk County. The opportunities here are more limited compared to the other options, but the area is beautiful. Plus, it’s Reddit-approved for anglers who are interested in multi-species fly fishing and prefer to stick to spots that are quieter and less populated.

Like everywhere else in the state, specific regulations are in place for anglers at Lake Redstone, which you can find here. That guide will give you basic information, like the fishing seasons for each species, daily bag limits, minimum length, and more.

Happy casting!