West Fork Kickapoo River Fishing Report Updated 10/28/24
(Bottom Of Page)
Fly and Gear ordering and delivery: We can get flies to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Please see the bottom of this column for ordering options.
We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. They make excellent gifts. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com.
Species
Brown Trout
Brook Trout (Few)
Rainbow Trout (Few)
(Wild and Stocked)
Size
Small
Location
Southwestern Wisconsin
Nearest Towns
Avalanche
LaCrosse
Season
Regular season, January to Oct.
15th.
Special Regulations
Catch and Release Seasons
Access:
Good
Non-Resident License
State of Wisconsin
Weather
National Weather Service Link
Stream Flow Data:
Real Time USGS Data
Seasons:
A general season and early catch and release season.
Spring:
Spring is great provided the water levels are not high.
Summer:
Summer fishing is usually very good.
Fall:
Fall may be the best time for fly fishing the Kickapoo River for its large brown trout.
Recommended Tackle & Gear
Fly Line:
4, 5 or 6 weight
Leaders:
Dry fly: 9 to 12 ft., 5 or 6X Nymphing:
71/2 ft., 3 or 4X, Streamers 0-2X
Tippets:
Dry fly: 5 or 6X, Nymphing: 3 or 4X,
Streamer 0-2X
Best Fly Rods:
Perfect Fly Supreme Four, Superb Five
or Ultimate Six
Fly Reels:
For 4/5/6 fly line
Fly Floatants and Misc Items:
Floatants, KISS Strike Indicators
Tools & Accessories:
Nippers, forceps, retractors, etc.
Fly and Gear ordering and delivery:
Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail.
Copyright 2016 James Marsh
Fly Fishing The West Fork of the Kickapoo River, Wisconsin
The West Fork of the Kickapoo is a part of the Driftless Region that takes in four states and over 600 spring creeks. This stream has a tremendous amount of work that has been done by people willing to spend time and money for the stream’s restoration. It contains some very nice brown trout. Trout over twelve inches are common and those going up to eighteen inches are not uncommon.
The Little town of Avalanche lies in the middle of a nine mile long section of “catch and release only” water. Its population of trout has been greatly improved with the rules set forth. Other areas of the stream also have a very good population of trout.
Much of the stream lies in open pasture land that’s directly exposed to the sun. There are some undercut banks and some areas with tree cover. Because it is fed from limestone springs, the creeks ideal pH level provides an perfect habitat for many species of aquatic insects that the trout can fed on year-round. The constant water temperature keeps the streams from freezing over in the coldest winter days and cool during the hot summer.
Most of the small river flows at a fairly steady rate of flow but heavy rain can create high water levels. It can also dingy the water and at times. There are a few areas of slow to moderate riffles and runs but the stream consist mostly of smooth, slow to moderate flowing water.
Fly Fishing Guide to the West Fork of the Kickapoo River
The West Fork requires good presentations and a stealthy approach. It is best to fish from the banks wherever it is possible to reach the area of water you need to get your fly to. Wading just adds to your chances of spooking the trout, although it may be necessary just to get the fly to many places the brown trout may be hiding or feeding.
There are a few rainbow and a few brook trout but most all of the trout are brown trout. Brown trout are not prone to be out in open water unless it is very overcast or cloudy. They stay hidden most of the day and you must get your fly in just the right spot or you want be successful.
Knowing when and what is hatching, and how to go about imitating it the right way, is going to greatly increase you odds. Just as important as the actual hatch is the insects that are about to hatch. That is when mayflies, caddisflies and midges are most exposed to the trout. They cannot stay hidden and hatch. Fishing a mayfly nymph, or imitation of a caddis or midge larva at the right time prior to a hatch often brings success. The hatches section will provide the information on the hatches and most plentiful insects in the Kickapoo.
Stealth is of utmost importance. You cannot catch a large brown trout if it is aware of your presence unless maybe it is protecting its redd. Brown trout spawn in the fall and become much easier to catch. You should alway stay low (keep a low profile) and conceal yourself as best you can by dressing in clothing that’s the same color of the background.
Long, light leaders and tippets should be used. Heavy leaders and tippets will alert the trout in any of the smoother sections of water. It also helps to have more realistic flies. Attractor flies may work every once in a while in the riffles but not in the smooth water. Our Perfect Flies are perfect for catching spring creek trout.
West Fork Kickapoo River Hatches and Trout Flies:
Our information on aquatic insects is based on our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, not guess work. We base fly suggestions on imitating the most plentiful and most available insects and other foods at the particular time you are fishing. Unlike the generic fly shop trout flies, we have specific imitations of all the insects in the West Fork of the Kickapoo River and in all stages of life that are applicable to fishing. If you want to fish better, more realistic trout flies, have a much higher degree of success, give us a call. We not only will help you with selections, you will learn why, after trying Perfect Flies, 92% of the thousands of our customers will use nothing else. 1-800-594-4726.
The relatively high pH and excellent water chemistry for aquatic insects insures the trout grow and stay healthy and also that anglers who can imitate the insects well enough can catch plenty of trout.
The first insects to hatch are the Blue-winged Olives. The start in April and hatch through the first week or two of June. They hatch again in late August through September. These consist of several different species ranging from baetis species that’s a hook size 16 or 18 down to small BWOs size 20.
Hendricksons and Red Quills hatch in April and May but are not very plentiful This is strictly a hit or miss hatch. From about the middle of May through July you will find plenty of Sulphurs. These are a hook size 16 and one of the better hatches. From late May all the way through June, wherever you find some faster moving water you’ll likely find American March Browns. These are around a hook size 12.From about the middle of July through the month of September is Trico time. These are very plentiful and in all the slow to moderate waters.
There’s several species of caddisflies but the most plentiful are as follows. Little Black Caddis or the Brachycentrus species called American Grannoms hatch starting in April and last for about a month depending on the location.
Cinnamon Caddis of several species are most plentiful and hatch from May through September. Spotted Sedges are also present and hatch from the first of June through July.
There’s a few Little Yellow Stoneflies, hook size 14. They are found mostly in the faster water. They start hatching in May and extend through about half of the month of June.
The Kickapoo River has tons of terrestrial insects. Beetles, Ants and hoppers are plentiful. We recommend using imitations of them starting in mid June through September. July and August are best for these insects.
The river also has a population of scuds. Don’t overlook them. Also, there’s plenty of baitfish, minnows and sculpin. We suggest streamers anytime there’s low light or off colored water.
West Fork Kickapoo River Fly Fishing Report:
02/26/2020 The stream levels are a little
high and the water mostly clear. There are
hatches of Midges and little BWOs and
sculpin streamers and scuds are working.
03/22/2020 Stream levels are a little high.
Midgges, and Little BWOs are hatching.
You can fish this stream and it a little high.
Water color can actually help.
04/17/20 Stream levels are still high, and
the water stained. It should be dropping
and clearing very soon.
05/12/20 The stream levels are high,
otherwise the creek is in good shape. You
can fish from the bank in places.
05/29/29 The stream levels are currently
high and the water stained. There are
some good hatches. Fish when it drops.
06/11/20 The stream levels are high but
falling. It should be back in good shape in
a couple or three days.
06/24/20 The stream is still high but can be
fished from the bank in many places. Trout
are being caught.
07/06/20 The stream levels are still high
but some are catching trout from the
banks. It will improve when it drops.
07/20/20 Recent rain has the stream
levels a little high now but it is falling fast.
There are some good hatches and our
customers are sending in good reports.
08/01/20 Stream levels are still a little high
but trout are being caught by our
customers where the can cast from the
banks or wade in a a few areas.
08/22/20 The stream levels are a little
higher than normal and in good shape. We
are getting some very good reports from
customers. Good hatches are taking place.
09/12/20 Stream levels are very high right
now but should fall out fast. Fish as soon
as it drops. We have been getting good
reports from customers.
10/02/20 Stream levels are still a little high
but it can be waded with caution in some
places. We are still getting good reports
from customers.
10/23/20 The stream is turning out a lot of
good catches for our customers. There are
still some good hatches. It is now catch and
release season only.
11/16/20 The river is in okay shape. We
are getting a few good reports from
customers. Midges, BWOs and streamers.
12/18/20 We are getting good customer
reports from the c and r section. Stream
levels are a little high but fine from the
banks.
12/29/20 The stream is a little high but fine
for fishing from the banks. Midges and
Winter stoneflies are hatching.
01/17/21 Stream levels are not know but its
a little high with lots of snow and ice. We
didn’t receive any reports this past week.
03/17/21 The regular season begins the
first weekend in March. Shoot us an email
and let us help you plan the next trip.
sales@perfectflystore.com
04/16/21 The stream was getting warm fast until this last cold front. It is still mostly midges and little BWOs hatching but get ready for Quill Gordons, blue Quills, Little Black Caddis, and other insects to hatch very soon.
05/05/21 The stream if flowing slightly above a normal level and clear. There are good hatches taking place and we are getting good reports.
05/16/21 The river is still just a little above normal but in good shape and very wadable. We are getting good reports from customers. There are some excellent hatches taking place. Call or send us an email for a recommended fly and gear list.
05/22/21 The river is still flowing above normal level but is okay and can be waded in a few places. We received one good report this past week.
05/30/21 The river is a little above level and falling. You should be able to wade many places. There are lots of insects hatching and dry fly fishing is good. Call or write us for recommended flies to use.
06/08/21 The stream levels are down and we are getting good reports. Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations.
06/20/21 The stream is a little above normal level and in good shape. The water is still cool enough to catch plenty trout. We are getting some good reports. Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response.
07/03/21 The stream is in good shape and turning out good numbers of trout for our customers. There are good hatches and terrestrials are also working good.
07/14/21 The stream level is just a little above normal level and in good shape. We have been getting good reports due to good hatches taking place.
97/20/21 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. There are good hatches taking place. Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations.
07/28/21 The stream is a little high right now but should fall back down fast. We have been getting very good reports. Good hatches continue.
08/05/21 The stream is down to a normal level and in good shape. We are getting some very good reports from customers.
08/15/21 The river is still high but we are getting a few good reports. There are some areas you can wade safely. Good hatches continue to take place.
08/23/21 Two good reports came in from customers fishing this past weekend. There are some good BWO, Cinnamon Caddis, Slate Drake and other insect hatches taking place.
08/31/21 The stream is flowing at 308 cfs which is a little above normal. There is still some good wading water. Good hatches continue to take place.
09/09/21 Stream levels are a little above normal but there is still some good wading water. Levels remain about the same as last week. We received two good reports from customers.
09/18/21 The stream is flowing just a little above normal but in good shape. Excellent hatches are taking place.
09/27/21 The stream is flowing a little above normal in good shape. We are getting good reports from customers. There are good hatches continuing to occur.
10/07/21 The stream is in good shape. We continue to get good reports from customers. Good fall hatches are taking place.
10/18/21 Stream levels are a little above normal but in good shape. We received three good reports from customers fishing this past week. The season ended the 15th.
10/29/21 The stream is still in good shape with okay levels. There are still some good hatches. It is now catch and release season only.
11/23/21 The C and R season is underway. We didn’t receive any reports from anyone this past two weeks but conditions have been less that desirable. They are good now.
12/04/21 The stream is a little above normal. We didn’t receive any reports this past week but conditions are okay and you should be able to catch some.
12/13/21 Stream levels are okay we think but the gauge has ice in it and we are not sure.
12/21/21 The stream levels are near normal and the water colder the farther you fish from springs. Midges are hatching good. We still didn’t receive any reports. Let us hear from you.
12/29/21 The stream is in okay shape but we still didn’t get any reports from anyone probably due to the Christmas holiday.
01/07/22 We still didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing this past week. i guess we can blame that on the New Year holiday. Let us hear from you.
01/14/22 The stream is in okay condition but we still didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing. Good blood midges and winter stonefly hatches are taking place.
01/22/22 The stream is in okay condition but we still didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing. Good blood midges and winter stonefly hatches are taking place.
01/30/22 We still didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing. Conditions are okay and you should be able to catch trout. Let us hear from you.
02/07/22 We received one good report from a customer this past week. Conditions are okay. The stream is a little high but that doesn’t hurt it much and the stain can help.
02/15/22 We didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing this past week.
02/23/22 The water is very cold except very near springs. We still didn’t receive any reports. You should be able to catch trout if you fish the warmer water areas near springs.
03/03/22 Fish the upper sections near spring outlets where the water is warmer. We still didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing but you should be able to catch trout.
03/11/22 We still didn’t get any reports from anyone fishing this past week. Conditions are not that bad. Good hatches continue to take place – midges, winter stoneflies and BWOs.
03/19/22 The stream is high and stained right now but should clear soon. Good hatches continue to take place and you should be able to catch trout.
03/27/22 The stream is in okay shape. Good blood midge and, Blue-winged olive hatches are taking place. You should do good this coming week.
04/04/22 The stream is still flowing at a normal level and clear. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout. Good hatches continue to take place.
04/20/22 Conditions are good and we have been getting some good reports. Good hatches continue to take place. Give us a call or write us and we will send you a list of recommended flies.
04/28/22 More good report came in this past week. The warm spring water keeps the trout active enough to feed and there are good Blue-winged olive and little Black caddis hatches.
05/06/22 The stream is in good shape with levels near normal and clear water. We are getting good reports from customers. There are good hatches taking place.
05/14/22 Conditions are good. A little stain in the water only helps the “catching”. Good hatches are taking place and we continue to get a few good reports.
05/22/22 The stream is down to just a little above normal level in good shape. We are getting good reports. Dry fly fishing is getting good thanks to the good hatches.
05/29/22 The stream is just a little above normal level and clear. We are getting good reports from customers fishing it. Very good hatches are coming off.
06/06/22 Stream levels are fine and the water in good shape with multiple hatches taking place. We are getting very good reports from customers. This coming week should be another good one.
06/13/22 Stream levels are up high and the water stained due to recent rain. Give is some time to drop and clear. We have been getting good reports from customers prior to the higher levels. Good hatches are taking place.
06/20/22 Stream levels are in good shape and the water mostly clear. We received two good reports from customers fishing yesterday. Good hatches continue to take place and terrestrials are beginning to work good.
06/27/22 We received two more good reports the past week. Stream levels are okay and the water clear. Very good hatches are taking place.
07/03/22 The stream is flowing a little above a normal level and mostly clear. We received two good report from customers fishing it last week. Good hatches continue to take place.
07/11/22 The stream is flowing near a normal level and mostly clear. We received three good reports from customers fishing the past week. This coming week should be a good one.
07/18/22 The stream is flowing just a little below a normal level and in good shape. We received three more good reports this past week. Good hatches continue to take place and our hoppers, carpenter ants and Japanese beetles are working.
07/25/22 The stream is flowing a little below normal and clear. We received one good report from a customer fishing this past week. The water is staying cool in spite of the heat.
08/08/22 The stream is flowing above normal level but falling. We have been getting very good reports from customers this past week. There are multiple hatches taking place.
08/15/22 Stream levels are just a little above normal level and falling. We have been getting good reports from customers when the levels are okay. Good hatches continue to take place.
08/29/22 Sorry for the missed report. Stream levels are a little high but falling. Give it a day or two. Good late summer hatches continue to take place.
09/06/22 The stream is flowing just a little above normal level in good shape. We received one good report from a customer fishing yesterday. Good late summer hatches are taking place.
09/13/22 The stream is still a little above normal but that’s still good shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
09/20/22 The stream is still in good shape with good hatches still taking place. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
09/27/22 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. There are good hatches taking place and we continue to get very good catch reports from customers.
10/09/22 The stream is still in good shape with good hatches. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
01/02/23 Stream conditions are unfavorable due to ice. Good winter hatches continue.
02/04/22 The water is too cold with lots of slush ice. Wait until it warms up a little.
02/27/23 There is still a lot of slush ice and well as bank ice and snow. It should start warming up soon.
03/17/23 The stream is flowing well above normal level. It has been down and we received two good reports for a change but it will need some more time to drop again.
03/25/23 Stream levels are still a little high. Midges, and Little BWOs are hatching. You can fish this stream and it a little high. Water color can actually help.
04/05/23 The stream is in okay shape with some good hatches taking place. We haven’t received any reports from anyone yet. Let us hear from you.
04/22/23 The stream is well above normal today. We have been getting good reports from customers up until the recent higher water levels. Give it a day or two drop. Some very good hatches are taking place.
05/03/23 Stream levels are near normal level and the water mostly clear. Good hatches are taking place and you should be able to catch trout.
5/13/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level in good shape. There are lots of insects hatching. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
5/24/23 The stream is still flowing at a normal level with clear water. Good hatches are taking place. Dry fly fishing is very good right now.
06/06/23 The stream is flowing a little below normal level and clear. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
06/13/23 The stream is still flowing below normal levels and clear. The levels are just fine so this isn’t a big factor. There are several different species of insects hatching.
06/25/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. We received two good reports from customers this past week. Very good hatches are taking place.
07/02/23 Stream levels are up to just a little below normal and the water is clear. There are some very good hatches taking place.
07/13/23 The stream is up some and stained from recent rain. Give it a little time to drop and clear. It has been turning out some good catches for our customers.
07/22/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level with clear water. The stream is turning out some good fish for one of our customers. Good hatches are taking place.
08/03/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. We received three good reports from customers fishing it recently. Very good hatches are taking place and dry fly fishing good.
08/09/23 The stream is still in good shape flowing at a normal level with clear water. Good hatches continue to take place. We received one good report from a customer fishing this past week.
08/18/23 The stream is turning out some nice trout for our customers. There are good hatches taking place and our terrestrial imitations, ants, beetles and hoppers are working.
08/26/23 Conditions remain very good. We are still getting good catch reports. Good hatches are still taking place.
09/02/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. Good hatches are still coming off.
09/09/23 Conditions are very good. Good stream conditions and good hatches continue to take place. We are getting some very good reports.
09/16/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. We are still getting some good reports from customers.
09/30/23 Conditions are good. Good late season hatches are coming off. We received two good reports from customers this past week.
10/07/23 The stream is in good shape with good late season hatches taking place. The regular season ends the 15th.
10/27/23 The river is still in good shape. We have been getting a few good reports from customers. Midges, BWOs and streamers are working.
We are getting good customer reports from the c and r section.
11/02/23 The stream is still in good shape with okay levels. There are still some good hatches. It is now catch and release season only.
11/07/23 We received one good report from a customer fishing the C and R section this past week.
11/14/23 Good midge and little BWO hatches continue to take place. Stream levels are fine and you should be able to catch and release a lot of trout.
11/21/22 The stream is still in good condition with good Cream midge and little BWOs hatching.
12/07/23 The stream is still at a good level and clear. Try our cream midges with the larva and pupa rigged in tandem.
01/01/24 The stream is in good condition for a winter month but we still didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing the C and R section. Good blood midges and Winter stonefly hatches are taking place.
01/21/24 The regular season is open. You should be able to catch trout. Let us hear from you.
02/03/04 The water is very cold except very near springs. We still didn’t receive any reports. You should be able to catch trout if you fish the warmer water areas near springs. Light green midges and red or blood midges are hatching along with Winter stoneflies.
02/16/24 The USGS steam level gauge isn’t working due to ice but the stream level is okay. We received a good report from a customer this past week. Midges and Winter stoneflies are hatching.
02/25/24 The gauge still isn’t working due to ice but the stream is flowing near a normal level. The warmer spring water does have some good hatches and you could catch trout there in this cold weather.
03/03/24 Fish the upper sections near the springs where the water is warmer. Good hatches of Light Green midges are taking place. Scuds and sculpin streamers should also work.
03/16/24 The stream is in okay shape with good midge hatches. We received one good c and r report from a customer fishing recently.
03/26/24 Conditions remain good for this time of the year. Good midge, little BWO and Winter stonefly hatches are taking place.
03/30/24 The stream is still near a normal level and clear. Good hatches continue to take place. Blue winged olives are hatching good.
04/06/24 The stream is still flowing at a normal level with clear water. Good Blue-winged olive, Little Brown stonefly, Blue Quills and Cream Midge hatches are taking place.
04/16/24 Conditions are good. The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. Good hatches continue to take place.
04/27/24 The stream is in good shape near a normal level with clear water. Good hatches are taking place.
05/04/24 The stream is flowing just a little above normal level and mostly clear. Good hatches are taking place. We received a good report from a customer fishing yesterday.
05/11/24 Good conditions exist. There are good hatches taking place and the stream is in good condition.
05/18/24 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. Good hatches continue to take place and we are getting good reports.
05/25/24 The stream is flowing at a high level and stained. Give it some time to drop and clear. We have been getting good reports prior to the high water level.
06/01/24 The stream is flowing just a little above normal and mostly clear. Good hatches are taking place.
06/08/24 The stream is still flowing above a normal level and lightly stained. In many ways, the higher stream level is good meaning the water is stained some. It should fall on down and be great very soon.
06/15/24 The stream is down flowing near a normal level and clear. Good hatch are taking place. You should be able to catch and release plenty trout.
06/22/24 The stream is flowing at a high level and stained. Give it some more time to drop and clear.
06/29/24 The stream is too high and dirty to fish well. Give it some time to drop and clear.
07/06/24 The stream is still too high to fish due to recent rain. Give it some more time.
07/15/24 The stream is completely blown out due to recent heavy rain. Give it some time to drop and clear.
07/21/24 The stream is down to near a normal level and mostly clear. Good hatches are taking place.
07/31/24 The stream is high and stained but can still be fished successfully. Good hatches continue to take place.
08/05/24 The stream is flowing well above normal level and stained. It is still fishable at this level. Terrestrials like our Carpenter ants, Sandwich hoppers and Japanese beetles should work well.
08/13/24 Conditions are good. The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. Good hatches are taking place.
08/22/24 The stream is flowing a little above a normal level and clear. Good hatches are still taking place.
09/02/24 Good conditions exist. The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. Good late season hatches are taking place.
09/08/24 The stream is flowing a little above normal and slightly stained. You should be able to catch trout as the stain helps conceal your presence from the trout.
09/15/24 Conditions are good. The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. Good late season hatches are taking place and we are getting good reports.
09/22/24 Conditions have been good up until very recently. The stream is flowing well above a normal level and stained from recent rain. Give it some time to drop and clear.
09/29/24 The stream is flowing a little below normal and clear. We received a good report from a customer fishing yesterday. Good hatches are still taking place.
10/06/24 The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. Good late season hatches are taking place. We received a good report from a customer fishing yesterday.
10/13/24 The stream is still flowing a little below a normal level and clear. Good hatches are taking place.
10/21/24 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. Good hatches are coming off. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
10/28/24 Good conditions exist. The stream is flowing a little below normal level and clear. Good hatches of BWOs and Cream Midges are taking place.
Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations.