Trout Angling in the Kickapoo Valley Trout Angling is the primary focus of the WSFC and its members. Mud banks start to get bigger...still scenic. The river begins midway between Wilton, Wisconsin and Mill Bluff State Park and flows south through a deep valley cut into the hilly Driftless Zone of southwest Wisconsin. While popular with … West Fork Kickapoo River, WI Latitude: 43.4652535 Longitude: -90.7451303 County: Vernon Area: Sugar Grove Elevation: 223 meters - 732 feet. Trout: Brown, Brook, Rainbow. The 8 miles of catch and release water is centered on the town of Avalanche. You still have good current and nice vistas of the driftless hills, but no more rock outcrops and the mud banks start to get huge. Upper Catch: 24 inches . Chatwith customer service M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. © Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources | Site requirements | Accessibility | Legal | Privacy | Employee resources, West Fork of the Kickapoo River Fishery Area is a, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This is a good option, too. Two bald eagles, trout (some decent-sized ones), trout fishermen (also some decent-sized ones), a snapper doing a belly flop off a log 4 feet high, a frog crossing the river that I almost ran over, some painted turtles, a green heron, some goslings going over class 1 rapids, and massive cliff swallow flocks swarming over me like a scene from “The Birds”. It was once one of the best streams in the state and with the recent improvements it may once again be one of the state’s best streams. Of the 15 watersheds in the Kickapoo Region, four hold the highest densities of brown trout: the Bad Axe River, Coon Creek, Tainter Creek and the West Fork of the Kickapoo River. There are hot water bathrooms complete with coin operated showers for the Mrs. too! 608-799-4920. The West Fork Kickapoo River Watershed is a federally assisted action authorized for planning under Public Law 83-566, the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. It empties into the Wisconsin River just south of Wauzeka, Wisconsin. Support WisconsinRiverTrips.com With a Donation! La Crosse, WI 54601 There actually used to be a canoe livery and resort on this very section, but I think they went bankrupt. This made for some tough trout fishing in the early season and on opening weekend. Water Level: Kickapoo River @ Ontario 75 CFS or 8.46' The “West Fork” is the more obscure, westerly sibling to the famous Kickapoo River. Area: 15.9 mile - 25.6 km radius. Its hard being the bearer of bad news, but it is bad out there! Founded in 1966 and turning its focus on cold water environmental conservation in the late 1980’s, has participated in, lead, and supported stream conservation, education and … But by putting in at the upstream bridge, you can enjoy some additional riffles and a nice scenic vista of exposed sandstone outcrops in the distance. Current fly fishing conditions are terrible. Wow! There is shoulder parking here used by fishermen and it is much closer to the water. Call 1-888-936-7463 (TTY Access via relay - 711) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hwy S (Avalanche) to Hwy S (Serendipity):  (2.75 miles)  More open but still with good current and driftless scenery. West Fork of the Kickapoo River Fishery Area is managed to protect the public trust, enhance coldwater fishery (game and non-game), and provide outdoor recreational opportunities. When trout season is over, which it is now, can any fishing be done on the Kickapoo? USDA-NRCS Wisconsin State Conservation Engineer Steve Becker has announced that an engineering firm has been engaged, and that public scoping meetings will be scheduled in the two watersheds in the next 60-90 days. While not as grand as those on the main branch of the Kickapoo (or Billings Creek), they were still very nice and I counted six, plus one limestone outcrop in the first four miles. And portages? The main branch of the Kickapoo River is one of the premier destinations in Wisconsin, if not the Midwest and it was a joy to, along with Rick, shine a light on and explore a lesser-known fork of this river. The West Fork Sportsman Club is located on the banks of the river just south of the town, this is a place where all the local experts hang out, and is a good place to gain some insight into fishing the river. Join us as we discuss the Wisconsin Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. 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