Fly Fishing

Try Your Hand at Fly Fishing in Wisconsin

Fly Fishing with Kinni Creek Lodge & Outfitters

We Have More Miles of Trout Streams Than Montana.

We are a fortunate lot here in western Wisconsin. We have more miles of trout stream in Wisconsin than does Montana, many of which are within an hour drive of Kinni Creek Lodge and Outfitters.

Yes, that's right. It's often overlooked that Wisconsin has more miles of trout streams than Montana. Kinni Creek Lodge and Outfitters is located in the Northern Driftless Area of Wisconsin, which has the most productive trout streams in the Midwest.

The Kinnickinnic River is Wisconsin's premiere Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. Its water runs cold and, most of the time, clear even during hot summer months—making it a tremendous river for brown trout. The trout in this fabulous river average over 6,000 per mile.

It is sometimes hard to believe the incredibly productive fishing right in the city limits of River Falls, and the amount of wildlife and great fishing within a stone's throw of the residences that line much of the river. And it's right out our front door!

Whatever your adventure, Kinni Creek Lodge and Outfitters takes pride in offering the very best in spring creek fly fishing. No matter beginner, expert, or somewhere in-between, we go the extra mile to ensure your experience is memorable. For beginners and advance fly fishers alike, we offer high-quality fly fishing classes and schools to get you started, a top-line fly shop, and the best fly fishing guides the area has to offer.

Guides

Now that you’ve chosen a Class I river, you need an outstanding guide service. Kinni Creek Lodge and Outfitters guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. Our years of experience are at your service. We are here to teach you how to catch our wild trout, and whether you are a beginner or an expert, our stream-savvy guides can get help you the job done.

Fly Shop

Our resort fly shop caters to our lodge guests and fly fishing guests and guides. You'll find terminal gear including flies, leader, tippet, floatant, nippers, forceps, eye cheaters, hats & visors, croakies, sunglasses, rental waders and boots, rental rods and reels, maps and priceless advice!

Fly Fishing Private Lessons

We offer the only fly fishing private lessons in the area specializing in fishing the spring creeks of the Northern Driftless Area. Our private lessons are known for top-quality instruction for beginners as well as experts. Our private lessons are taught by professional guides and certified casting instructors.

Price is $75/hour 1-2 people & $75/hour for additional 1-2 people. *2 hour minimum up to 8 hours per day.

Kinni Creek Fly Shop

A Great Tradition Continues at Our Vintage Streamside Fly Shop.

We have a fully stocked, full-service "destination" fly shop! Serving our guests, guides, and reservations. The public is welcome to stop in, though we may be occupied with our reservations on the river.

*As of the start of the 2023 season, our 24th season, we have served guests from 50 countries from all over the world that we have confirmed! Several countries many times over!

(Shop Closed mid October through Mid April. Open by appointment during the winter off season.)

a wooden shelf filled with paraphernalia

Serving the fly fishing community since the turn of the century, we are situated on the banks of the Kinnickinnic River in the Northern Driftless Area of western Wisconsin. We are dedicated to supplying fly fishermen with high-quality products essential to success on the river! Kinni Outfitters Fly Shop not only provides you with great products but great services as well. Lodging, guides, rental kayaks, shuttles, casting instruction, fly fishing private lessons, and free retail demos right outside the fly shop on the stream! We do it all.

Our friendly staff can help every angler find exceptional places to fly fish. We also strive to inspire and grow the fly fishing community by providing outstanding fly fishing classes, fly tying lessons, and summer youth camps. Check out our classes, guide service, destination trips, up-to-date fishing reports, and more!

Best Customer Service

Customer service is the cornerstone of our business, and you can be confident that you'll get the best help and the right information at Kinni Creek Lodge and Outfitters.
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Kinni Outfitters Fly Shop at our resort caters to our lodge guests and fly fishing guests and guides. You'll find terminal gear including flies, leader, tippet, floatant, nippers, forceps, eye cheaters, hats & visors, croakies, sungalsses, rental waders and boots, rental rods and reels, maps and priceless advice! A valid Wisconsin Fishing License and Trout Stamp are required for every fisherman. You must purchase your license online in advance before you arrive by simply go online to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and saving your license information to your phone.

Be sure and bring a good fly fishing story when you stop in. And don't forget our fly selection—we carry one of the largest selections in Western WI.

Bring your own gear or reserve rental gear at Kinni Creek Lodge & Outfitters Fly Shop. Fly rods/reel combos are $35 each per day and wader/boots combos are $35 each per day.

Choose Kinni Creek Lodge and Outfitters for Your Next Adventure.

When you choose Kinni Creek Lodge & Outfitters to help you plan and enjoy your vacation adventure, you are gaining generations of experience and knowledge, unquestioned skill and dedication, and a remarkable opportunity to fully enjoy the tradition and excitement of the North Woods unique wild resources.

For many people, the outfitted trip is the only practical means of enjoying the rich heritage and timeless beauty of the Northern Driftless Area. Most of all, we are committed to the highest possible quality of outdoor adventure.

By leaving the details and most of the day-to-day work to Kinni Creek Lodge and Outfitters, you have time to relax and really enjoy your back-country vacation.

The success of any outdoor adventure is part planning, part proper equipment, part knowledge, and just a small part luck! When you use Kinni Creek Outfitters or guide for your excursion, you have lengthened the odds greatly for success.

We'll be adding many adventures in the near future. Make sure to stop back often to see which adventure is in store for you!

It’s a matter of perspective.

Sigurd Olson wrote, “Wilderness to the people of America is a spiritual necessity, an antidote to the high pressure of modern life, a means of regaining serenity and equilibrium ... I have found that people go to the wilderness for many things, but the most important of these is perspective. They may think they go for the fishing, or the scenery or companionship, but in reality it is something far deeper. They go for the wilderness for the good of their souls.

Guided Fly Fishing

Our Guide Staff Is Comprised of Patient, Hard-Working Professionals That Fish These Same Local Waters.

Now that you’ve chosen one of our Class I spring creeks, you'll need an outstanding guide service. Our select staff of professional guides can ensure a quality experience while fishing on our local spring creeks for truly wild trout.

The Kinni Creek Lodge guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. Our years of experience are at your service. Their ability to work with you and share information makes them a wonderful resource. More importantly, our guide staff is comprised of patient instructors who can help make a fantastic day on the water for anglers of all skill levels and experience.

We are here to teach you how to catch our wild trout, and whether you are a beginner or an expert, our stream-savvy guides can get the job done. We cater to the experienced as well as the intermediate or novice angler.

A Guided Day on the Kinni and Other Spring Creeks in the Area.

Our guided trips begin by meeting here at Kinni Outfitters Fly Shop on the morning of the trip. Depending on the time of year, we vary the meet times to put you on the water during the most productive times of the day.

Mornings are an exciting time here at Kinni Creek Lodge, with excitement for the day’s fishing and the activity of getting ready for the fly fishermen.

Guides often arrive early to trade stories from the day before, exchange information, and pick out the flies they have the most confidence in. Once you’ve met your guide in the morning, they’ll check your licenses and ask to see your fly boxes.

Most likely, they’ll make some recommendations based on what’s been working for them lately. They don’t want to load you down with flies you already have or don’t need, but they will want to make sure that you have enough of whatever’s working.

"All of our local trips begin with an early rendezvous at Kinni Outfitters Fly Shop. You can pick up whatever terminal tackle and flies you might need for the day before you hit the road. The guide will help you pick out flies you'll need for your trip, and remember to stock up on your leader, tippet, and other supplies."

Every angler needs to have a current Wisconsin fishing license and trout stamp. Both are mandatory for fishing Wisconsin trout streams. Purchase online before you arrive at: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/outreach/FishingLicenses

Early Trout season, catch and release, is the first Saturday in January through the first days of May. The Regular Trout season begins the first Saturday in May and goes until October 15th. These trout seasons are state wide in Wisconsin.

Bring your own gear or reserve rental gear at Kinni Creek Lodge & Outfitters Fly Shop. Fly rod/reel combo is $35 each per day and wader/boot combo is $35 each per day.
We will hold your guided trip reservation with a Visa or Master Card, however we prefer cash as to avoid Credit/Debit card fees.

Guided Fly Fishing Rates

If you are interested in obtaining the services of one of Kinni Creeks’ excellent guides, please give us a call at (715) 425-7378

Gratuity is not included in rates, as any service job 15%–20% is usual, add-on for exceptional guiding.

*extra person for trout wading add $75.00 per person.

**Late Season fishing on one of the fabulous warm water fisheries:
September 1st–30th Sturgeon fishing on the St. Croix.
St. Croix, Willow River, & Apple River: we fish bass till mid‑November.

Guided Fly Fishing Trips	1 person	2 person
Wading Trout Half Day*	$300	$400
Wading Trout Full Day*	$425	$525
Drift Boat Smallmouth/Musky Full Day**	$650	$650

Note:

Due to our intimate size and location, any cancellation affects us significantly. Consequently, we adhere to a strict cancellation policy.

Cancellation notice is required at least 7 days in advance by telephone if you cannot attend the guided trip that you have reserved for a full refund.

Any cancellations inside of 7 days will be refunded 50% of the guide fee.
Any cancellations inside of 48 hours are 100% nonrefundable.

Mike Dvorak | Trout

I grew up on the banks of the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers just outside Dillon, Montana. I hiked many miles of rivers and climbed thousands of feet of high mountain trails to named and unnamed alpine lakes—all in search of trout. In 1992, I moved to Minneapolis to study photography and was introduced to the streams of western Wisconsin.

For 22 years, I've been fly fishing the Kinnickinnic River and surrounding streams. It's an amazing fishery with great May fly and Caddis hatches in the spring and early summer that graduate into early morning Tricos in July and great terrestrial and streamer fishing into the late summer and early fall.

I've pursued trout around the world, from Patagonia to Alaska, and I still love to explore western rivers and high mountain lakes. But this is my home water now, and I consider it some of the best.

On and off the river, I am an award-winning and nationally published working photographer. So, be assured that when you land a nice trout, I'll be there with my net AND my camera.

No matter your skill level, I'll make sure to provide you with a memorable day on the water and a killer cup of streamside coffee. See you on the river.

Nick Altringer | Trout & Smallmouth Guide

Every since I first set my eyes on a fly fishing magazine in a Montana gas station at the age of twelve I have been hooked. Twenty or more years later I hope to share my passion and experience with you.

Trout fishing in the Kinni Creek area is a very rewarding and enjoyable experience everyone should take an opportunity to enjoy. I have been working with Paige and Kinni Creek Lodge and Outfitters for over a dozen years...

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Recently, I have begun working on getting a master's degree in my other passion teaching in particular middle school science. Youth are very important to our future and especially to the sport of fishing and stewardship of our land and water. I have been teaching youth how to fly fish for over ten years.

When I am not fishing for trout, I can be found fishing for smallmouth bass during summer and into the fall on my Clackacraft Headhunter Skiff Drift Boat. Like many guides I enjoy tying fly patterns that fit a particular niche I want to fill beyond the commercial ties. I also enjoy fishing for northern pike, muskie, carp, panfish, and largemouth bass.

My goal on every guide trip is to give every client the best chance to achieve their goals and have fun while doing it. It would be my pleasure to share a day on the water with you.

Bruce Maher | Trout & Tenkara Guide

I’ve been fly fishing the streams in Western Wisconsin and Southeastern Minnesota for nearly 20 years. I love fly fishing and I love teaching! I’m also a history buff and like to share stories about the areas I guide.

Several years ago, Patagonia Clothing published an interesting article about a Japanese style of fishing called Tenkara (meaning "from heaven", or "from the skies"). Tenkara fly fishing originated in the mountain streams of Japan about two hundred years ago and was used by commercial fisherman.

I was drawn to the simplicity and minimalist nature of the equipment. After purchasing a Tenkara rod, line, and flies I started out fishing my favorite spots. Little did I know how simple, effective and fun Tenkara fishing is on our local streams. Now Tenkara is my go-to style of fly fishing and want to share it with others.

Whether you are a beginner or know of someone interested in trying fly fishing, or you are a seasoned angler interested in trying out Tenkara, let’s set up some time on the water!

“The appeal of Tenkara is its elegant simplicity.”

Tom Carlson | Trout Guide

My love and passion for fishing started at the very young age of 2. By the age of 11, I was fly fishing already. When I was a little older I lived within walking distance from a great trout and smallmouth stream. That experience of growing up and fishing on the river taught me vast amounts about fly fishing.

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Since those early days I have fished in many places including: wilderness rivers of Alaska, the famed Skagit and various other rivers in Washington, the scenic brooks of the Black Hills in South Dakota, the crystal clear streams of Smoky Mountains National Park, the cool waters of Lake Superior, and countless rivers and lakes of Wisconsin.

I am a student at University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in Biology with a medical emphasis and minoring in Outdoor Education. In the summers I guide in Alaska at Talaheim Lodge for all five Pacific Salmon species, Dolly Varden, Rainbow Trout, and Grayling. In the spring of the year you can find me on the Kinni chasing big browns and brook trout.

I have the fly fishing knowledge to help people of many skill levels, from beginners to the seasoned angler. I spend enough time on the Kinnickinnic to know and understand the conditions of river and fish. There are not many experiences that can provide the experiential education of fly fishing on rivers such as the Kinnickinnic. Fly fishing is truly a great passion for me and I hope you let me share my passion with you.

Andy Roth | Trout Guide

No matter what your age or occupation, a day on the water with me will be a memorable affair. For me, the chance to meet new people and teach fly fishing is an opportunity of fortune.

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In life, it is the relationships you forge and what you learn from those interactions that bring meaning. Adding to that, an understanding of the trout and the trees, the water and the wind, will enable you to unlock the wisdom of fly fishing. These thing I share willingly to those who wish to learn.

Andy was formerly the manager of Bentley's Outfitters in Bloomington Minnesota, and has spent years mentoring students through the fine arts of Fly Fishing. His tying and casting classes have continued to fill year after year. A busy guide schedule allows him to teach in the best classroom possible. Andy, his wife Martha, their goats, horses, and dog live just to the east of the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers on a small trout stream.

Kip Vieth | Drift Boat Guide Smallmouth Bass

My passion for the outdoors is something I love to share. I have spent the last 20+ years pursuing both fin and fowl. It can be the strike of a bass, the beauty of a river, or the flush of a Ruffed Grouse in the dazzling autumn woods. Sharing with people the gift of the outdoors is something I truly cherish. It is always my goal to pass on some of those experiences and skills to my clients.

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Float Trips
Beautiful summers and the magnificent beauty of the rivers I float provide the back drop for our day. The sheer excitement that a Smallmouth provides for the fisherman is second to none. Their reckless strikes and fight are legendary. The large rivers of the Upper Midwest offer the finest mallmouth Bass fishing in the world. I offer a "western style" fly fishing experience in the comfort of a Clackacraft drift boat. We can cater to each parties needs.

I am a fully insured and licensed guide, who offers expert instruction, and use of premium equipment. All float trips include food and beverages. Float trips can be taken on the Upper Mississippi, St. Croix, and Chippewa Rivers.

Grouse and Woodcock Hunts
Another passion of mine is exploring woodland coverts in search of the king of all game birds, the Ruffed Grouse. There is nothing like spending a day in the field hunting these majestic birds over classic English Setters. If you would like to spend a day chasing the Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock in the north woods I can strive to provide a day that you won't forget.

"Big Pike Mike" Thomas | Trout, Muskie, Northern, Walleye, Sturgeon, Catfish Guide

I'll guide you in comfort from my 18" Alumacraft Tournament Pro, powered by a fast, quiet and reliable Yamaha Vmax 150HPDI outboard, my Yamaha T8 Kicker motor handles the trolling duties. If the musky bite is off, we can also chase walleye and smallmouth bass for a full St Croix mixed bag. If there's a new technique or species on the river you'd like to chase, we'll discuss it and customize a trip of your liking.

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I'm “Big Pike Mike” Thomas, fishing guide operating out of the St. Croix Valley of Western WI. I'm one of a lucky few who has taken the leap of faith and is making a living doing what I love most, and do best, teaching folks to fish and enjoy the outdoors right in their own back yard. I offer a true Multi species experience, utilizing a wide variety of techniques & modes to stay on the hot bite. Fly Fishing Wisconsin’s amazing spring creeks, we can do that. How about chasing big fall Sturgeon on the St. Croix? We can do that too, and everything in between. Every season is special, I design trips based on the best available opportunity, information and instinct. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or beginning angler, I’ll craft a day which will be informative, memorable and most of all FUN!

Fly Fishing is my passion, any species any time! I'm changing things up a little and will no longer be offering the lower St Croix as an option but adding other warm water fisheries and small boat excursions instead. This summer we'll have a chance to spend time on the Mpls Metro Lakes, local small river fishing and upper St Croix, from a small boat and all geared towards muskies on the fly rod.

Local cold water fishing on the Kinni and the Rush is the mainstay of my business, I have 25 years of experience on these waters and would love to show you what secrets await. Whether your a beginner or a seasoned angler, my trips offer something for everyone.

Use my gear or bring your own. Book a full day and I’ll prepare a gourmet river side lunch!

John Mowery | Trout Guide

My experience as a trout guide has made me a good listener, patient teacher and fine stream side chef. Pierce County Wisconsin is home to some of the finest spring creeks teeming with brown trout in North America. My goal is always to improve your knowledge and skill base, not to make you dependent on guides for fishing success. Of course, relaxation and fun are the ultimate outcome!

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Jeff Butler | Tenkara & Fly Fishing for Trout, Smallmouth & Musky

Our Hunt Club Upland Bird, Pheasant & Turkey Guide. For as long as I can remember I have been actively participating in many activities, sports and hobbies in the natural beauty of the Great Outdoors. Many relatives and friends have influenced those early adventures, from my first camping trip to Nova Scotia with my Grandparents to my most recent travels in Alaska. I have been recording those memories thru photography and now videography.

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The pioneers in my life that have influenced that sense of adventure would be my grandparents. As my grandfathers told me stories of their travels, one went to China in 1917 and the other worked on the railroad in Alaska in 1945, I was inspired as a young boy growing up in Minnesota to someday follow their footsteps and pursue my own dreams.

As an avid fisherman, hunter, canoe guide, cyclist and backpacker I have gained the experience and confidence to accompany you on your adventures. With my outdoor experience that ranges from desert hunting to winter camping, I am confident and comfortable in the elements that make your many outdoor activities challenging. My 15 years experience working with Youth and Families from many economic, cultural and geographic locations has been invaluable in my willingness to work with all people. I heard a saying once " do what you love and the money will follow" well I rewrote that to read "do what you love and the enjoyment will follow" Video Ventures with me- Jeff Butler, as your personal videographer, will work with you, not just for you, to record your adventures, hobbies and outdoor activities.

Dave Norling Jr. | Trout

A day on the water with me will include a study of the habitat and insect life that is part of the life cycle of our trout as well as an opportunity to see and fish some of the most beautiful water in the midwest. I will assist you in your endeavor to catch trout and enjoy our natural beauty at whatever level of development you are at, beginner to expert. Plan on a pleasant day of sharing in the rich bounty of our natural setting.

Ike Miller | Driftboat Guide: Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Musky, Walleye.

I’m Ike Miller and I guide fishing in Northwest Wisconsin. I grew up in Southwest Virginia, chasing all sorts of critters with a fly rod and spin gear. Fishing is my passion, my addiction if you will and guiding is the most fulfilling avenue I’ve found to satisfy that addiction. I guided for 5 years on Colorado’s toughest canyon river The Black Canyon of the Gunnison there I gained valuable rowing, boating, and fishing skills. Now, living next to one of the nations premier smallmouth, musky, and walleye fisheries I’ve set out to provide my clients with a unique experience chasing Wisconsin’s top freshwater predators on the fly and light tackle.

We offer trips for both fly fishermen and light tackle enthusiasts. Trips are not just geared towards catching fish, but also providing quality instruction to all levels of anglers. We also strive to provide something unique to our clients. And, one aspect that stands out from the rest is our means of fishing the river. A jet outboard-powered jon boat will take you upriver in merely a few inches of water! No need for a shuttle, then float back down river while I row the boat quietly in pursuit of smallmouth bass, northern pike, musky, walleye, and various other species of fish willing to take a fly or piece of hardware! My boat is very roomy, very stable to stand, and cast from on its custom cedar floor.

A grand slam of a pike, muskie, smallmouth bass, and walleye are all possible in one day of fly fishing the St. Croix River!

To book a trip with me, email guide@kinnicreek.com or call (715) 425-7378