Vernon County Fishing Vernon County in known for great fishing from the Mighty Mississippi to Small Lake Fishing to Class A Trout Stream! Join us daily or for our annual fishing tournaments! Like eating fish? Join us for our annual Lutefisk Dinners and Smelt Fries! Yum... Check the calendar for dates! Please Consider Catch and Release -- Respect Landowners Rights --Ask Permission on Private lands Fishing Trout Angling Vernon County and the surrounding area are host to hundred of miles of trout streams. From the novice to the expert, anglers visiting the region will find a diverse and unique combination of habitats waiting to be explored. The areas unusual geographic makeup of steep hills and deep valleys provide a seemingly endless array of limestone spring creeks. These spring creeks, high in biological nutrients, form the foundation of some of the best trout streams in the world. Somewhat small in nature near the headwaters, these streams grow in size as they progress down the valleys, collecting waters from tributaries and springs along the way. As with most streams, the smaller fish live near the headwaters and the larger fish seem to like the bigger pools and deeper waters of the downstream sections. Many of the anglers prefer to flyfish for trout; however individuals proficient in the use of spinning rods will have some excellent times as well. For the Fly Fisher, a 3-5 weight from 7-9 ft in length, coupled with various nymphs, caddis or mayfly combinations will be rewarded. For the Spin Fisher, a light action rod with 4-6 lb test, spinners or jig combinations will catch you some trout. The most rewarding element of trout fishing is the exploration and discovery aspect of the sport, therefore we are not offering much information on stream names or best places. Get out and explore, find a secret hole, enjoy the peace and serenity of a day on one of Vernon County’s World Class Trout Streams. For more info on Trout Fishing in Vernon County, Guides, Public Fishing Areas and Local Fishing Reports visit Rockin K Farms Fly Shop or the West Fork Sports Club. Walleye Fishing When most fishing enthusiasts think about Walleye and Walleye fishing, their thoughts wonder to the lakes of Northern Wisconsin. Most drive right past some of the best walleye fishing in the Midwest. That's right - the Mississippi River on Vernon County’s west coast offers exceptional Walleye fishing year around. Lock and Dam # 8 at Genoa offers anglers year-round opportunity to fish for one of the best table fair species in the upper Midwest. Local businesses provide  host services to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable trip. Local Guides, bait shops, motels and restaurants up and down the Great River Road (HWY 35) will be happy to serve your needs and provide updated fishing information to visiting anglers. Spring and fall are the two peak periods for Walleye action on the Old Miss. Spring marks the annual spawning migration and fish are abundant in the tail-water areas of the Genoa Dam downstream to De Soto. Most anglers fish with a variety of jig and minnow combinations. Fall marks the annual feeding migration and the best fishing of the season. The Walleyes are in feeding mode and will take a variety of offering from jigs to crankbaits. So, if Walleye fishing is your forte, Vernon County and the Mississippi River are sure to fill the bill. Three to 8 lb fish are common with numerous 10lb + fish taken every year. And don't be surprised if you hook into a big northern pike, small mouth bass or any of the other species lurking the waters of the Mississippi. Last spring a local anglers landed a 70+ pound catfish when walleye fishing. What a bonus! For our boat-less friends, the Clements Fishing Barge in Genoa offers a unique fishing adventure on a wonderful fishing pier strategically located on one of the best fishing spots on the river. Check it out; you won't be disappointed. For more information on Vernon County and Mississippi River Walleye, check the business directory section of this website for businesses in Genoa, Stoddard, or De Soto. Bass Fishing In the mid 1960s, the landscape of Vernon County changed as result of a Federal Flood Control project. In an effort to curb flash flooding, numerous dams where built and the result was 40 to 80 acre lakes that today are managed for quality fishing experiences. Large Mouth Bass are the result, and the fishing can be great. Trolling motors only are allowed on these lakes to insure a quality experience and regulations vary depending on the water. Watch for the big gills and crappies on these lakse as well. The Mississippi River in Western Vernon County offers excellent Large and Small Mouth Bass fishing. Anglers will find bass in a variety of habitats from backwater weedbeds to main channel rock and wood structure. Not many years ago, regulations changed and size limits have enhanced this thriving fishery and quality fish are common place today. Battle Island near the Village of DeSoto, offers modern camping facilities, local service businesses and access to some of the finest backwaters fishing areas on the Mississippi River. From more info, visit the De Soto website. Panfish The small lakes and reservoirs of Vernon County as well as the Mississippi River provide a smorgasbord of pan fishing opportunities. Most lakes offer public access with well maintained walking trails to the best spots, plus modern handicapped fishing access docks. Most lakes are surrounded by county parks, so take the opportunity to get out explore the beauty of the country while hiking the trails. Shore fishing is widespread along the shores of the Mississippi River and access is easy from Hwy 35, the Blackhawk Recreation area just north of De Soto, BadAxe River Boat Launch, Lock Dam # 8 at Genoa, Stoddard or Goose Island Park north of Stoddard. So if your bringing the kids and want to enjoy a great day a field for some family fishing fun, get out and explore the many quality pan fishing waters awaiting you in Vernon County. Ice Fishing Shortly after Thanksgiving, the waters of Vernon County begin to freeze and to many, that signals the beginning of fishing on the ice. A wise old man once said what better time to fish than when you can walk on water. Truer words where never spoken and the hearty souls that brave the cold environs of the Wisconsin winters will be the first to admit, ice fishing can be highly rewarding. Inland lakes of Vernon County provide excellent Blue Gill and Crappie fishing while the Mississippi offers tremendous Walleye, Northern Pike, Bass and Pan fishing opportunities. Blackhawk Island near De Soto, offers numerous fishing opportunities throughout the winter and several local bait shops offer an extensive inventory of baits and tackle. Goose Island several miles north of Stoddard offers similar adventures for Mississippi backwater fishing. So don't let winter intimidate you. Get out and explore Vernon Counties winter wonderland. Not only will you enjoy the outing, but it’s sure to relieve the midwinter cabin fever.   Fly Fishing Guides Silver Doctor Fly Fishing - Bob Blumreich, Viroqua 608/637-3417 The Driftless Angler - Mat Wagner, Viroqua 608/637-8779 Jacquish Hollow Angler - David and Nancy Barron, Richland Center 608/585-2239   Fishing Tourneys Genoa is known to be a hot spot for the big Walleye Fishing Tournament on the Mississippi River. This annual event is normally the first Saturday in June. For more information call 608/457-2790. You can also find out more information at Clements Fishing Barge, Genoa. .