Late April through May and sometimes into June is backwater exploration season as we watch the world come to life. The biggest fish of the season are typically found during this time.

Mid-June and July are mulberry season, which means fishing on and near the surface to carp (and catfish!) that are eagerly looking up. If conditions are poor for mulberries, "standard" carp fishing is always a viable alternative. You truly can not go wrong during these months.

Low water conditions in late July and August allow some of the best sight-fishing/casting opportunities. For the angler that wants to improve their presentation skills in fishing for carp, this is your time!

If you are looking to do a mulberry trip during peak berry season, book as far in advance as you can. Last-minute trips are typically only available for late July and August.

April and early May bring the best opportunities for big fish, and doing trips based on conditions is the best way to do this. Contact me if you would like to be on a call list for exploring backwaters for pre-spawn carp.

You will need:

• a valid Wisconsin fishing license

• clothing for warm weather and sun exposure (light weight long sleeves and pants, and a hat)

• polarized sunglasses for seeing fish (I do have extras just in case)

• if you have a rod set up you'd like to use, a 6-8 weight set up is recommended

• That's it! I try to keep an uncluttered boat, so only bring whatever other necessities you might need (rain jacket if it's looking like rain is possible)

I will provide:

• flies, leaders, and terminal tackle

• rod set ups if needed (Usually 7 or 8 weight fiberglass rods - you can feel free to use both yours and mine as well).

• clean water bottle to use for the day

• lunch and snacks

• sunscreen

You might be surprised to hear that carp are a great introductory species for fishing with a fly rod. Because casting and presenting can be so much different than normal fly casting, the learning curve lets you spend more time learning how to present a fly to carp, and less time on the finer points of casting mechanics.

Day 1 of carp fly fishing for any angler consists of learning where to present a fly relative to a carp's field of vision, usually at very close distances (within two rod lengths). While, beginning fly casters should have no question about their ability to catch carp from the outset, refining these presentation skills at a distance will truly challenge your skill set and lead to more fish.

Carp fishing in a light rain can actually be quite excellent, so come prepared to fish regardless of the conditions and dress appropriately. We will fish as long as it is safe to do so (no lightning), and will generally wait out heavy rainstorms from a sheltered area.

Rain jackets/pants will keep you dry (and warm) in the event of a summer storm, and good sun gear will keep you cool and ready to fish all day if it's a hot summer day.

If you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, cancellations made 10 days or more in advance of the trip will receive a refunded deposit. Cancellations made within 10 days of the trip will forfeit the deposit amount.

Yes! There are several bed and breakfasts and independently owned inns, as well as larger, conventional hotels and motels in the immediate area. Some accommodations are even close enough you can wander to the river in the evening to watch tailing carp!

Freshwater Flats guided trips are close to both Madison and Milwaukee, with an abundance of restaurants, breweries, music venues, and shopping areas.

Other outdoor activities in the area include biking the Glacial Drumlin trail (or the extensive backroads in the area), hiking and exploring the state parks in the area (Aztalan State Park, Kettle Morain State Park, etc.).