Wisconsin Driftless Outing
Sept 20, 2026 – Sept 24, 2026 (5 nights)
Join us for fishing the renowned “driftless area” in western Wisconsin, approximately a 500 mile driving distance from our metro Detroit area. There are 13,000 miles of streams and creeks in the near vicinity of Viroqua, Wisconsin, offering easy wading, an abundance of native trout, and a scenic beauty that would be a photographer’s delight.
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Location:
The Driftless area refers to about 24,000 sq. miles capturing SW Wisconsin, SE Minnesota, NE Iowa, and NW Illinois. It is an area that was untouched by glacier flows that occurred thousands of years ago. It’s a topography characterized by steeply forested hills, deeply carved river valleys, spring fed waterfalls, and some of the coldest trout streams in the country. The area is not the recipient of the leveling and the typical glacier deposits (salt, clay, sand , gravel, boulders, etc.) known as “drift”…….hence the name “driftless.” An estimated 85% of the driftless area resides in Wisconsin. The central hub of the fly fishing activity lies in the vicinity of the town of Viroqua – the “Grayling” of Wisconsin.
Dates:
Sunday Sep 20, 2026 through Thurs Sept 24. Departing Friday, Sept 25. (5 nights lodging)
Lodging:
NatureNooks Retreat (www.naturenooksretreat.com)
Located about 9 miles east of Viroqua, on the West Fork of the Kickapoo River. Visit the website for a visual of the property and its amenities. Cost per person per night could vary from $50 – $70 depending on total attendees.
Transportation:
Driving distance is approximately 500 miles from metro Detroit.
Meals
Breakfasts will be provided each morning and brown bag lunches made available daily. In addition, three dinner meals will be planned. Plan to eat out for dinners on the remaining days.
Guides
Guides (for at least a half day) are encouraged and will be at your own expense. Rates are published at www.driftlessangler.com
Trip Budget:
Boarding (5 nights lodging at Nature Nooks Retreat) (no taxes)
Food (5 breakfasts, 4 brown bag lunches, 3 dinners)
TOTAL: $450 estimated (More specific cost will be forthcoming.)
Additional costs to be incurred include: Guide service, misc. meals, Wisconsin fishing license ($27.50 for first time out of state buyers), transportation costs (gas and toll charges).
Action Needed:
As we solidify lodging agreements, a deposit of $50 will soon be requested. As of now, the trip may accommodate up to 16 members, utilizing lodging in addition to Nature Nooks Retreat.
Club Contact:
Jerry Deputat 9250 N. Rushton Rd, South Lyon, MI 48178 (248)798-3089