Poking around at writing a few words again maybe

Wow Look at that snow!

OK don’t…… Just give me a chance to take you away from that white-out workload for a moment. 

On Friday March 3rd, once again, the fly fishing knucklehead fanatics, in River Falls Wisconsin, are throwing a party. A Fly Fishing Film Party no less at a place that is solar powered, water conscious, environmentally focused and has put the idea of sustainability into every aspect of its existence. What? The venue is Tattersall, the one year old Distillery/Restaurant/Event center, located in that little town where The River(The Kinnickinnic)Runs Through It. A place with a World Class Cocktail room and a bunch of places to order up a super salivary Apple Brandy Old Fashioned. Who would have thunk! In Wisconsin, no. We have done this before and it just keeps getting better. 

This party is for you and me and the Kinni makes three. If you know anything about this resource, you know it is so special, so unique, so exceptional. An awful lot of folks have spent an awful lot of time and effort keeping an eye on her health and her beauty. That effort is beginning to pay dividends. As you may have heard, there will be big shots, dignitaries, at the event to bestow money and honor to reward the efforts and incredible commitment made to the cause of conservation. Fly Fishermen Magazine and Simms Fishing product are no small potatoes in the Fly Fishing industry and their presence at our event is extra special.

Silent Auction Prize Vintage Winston IM6 8ft 3 wt fly rod Orvis CFO 123 reel, spool ,line

Yes, a fund raiser this is, so bring the check book and the accountant along. At present there are over $35,000 in prizes. Wow! However, it is also the best Friday movie night fun with a ship ton of other amazing entertainment opportunities going on.  Wether you buy in as a sponsor/VIP for film, food and beer or pay general admission, there is a great night of fun to be had by all.

Here Are Just A Few Of The Entertaining Highlights 

• All Proceeds split between the KRLT and Rhinos Foundation
• There are incredible prizes and raffles and silent auctions and stuff
• Mike Wurm “Stories From the Water” special edition will be shown
• New Belgium Brewing Co “Fat Tire” will provide beer to VIP’s
• You could win something cool for a couple bucks or get free stuff 
• You can bring your kids and they can put your money in the buckets
• The Norling’s have donated another fine bamboo fly rod for auction

*Buy tickets now. The link is on this page, the information is all here on this page. BE A SPONSOR, VIPS ARE COOL. GENERAL ADMISSION FOLKS ARE COOL TOO. THANKS

Bucket Raffle Prize -Simms Master Vest

As the rural areas of Western Wisconsin develop, properties along our rivers are being bought and sold. Businesses are being started and homes are being built. This is the nature of the beast. “Buy dirt, they aren’t making it any more” right? As we all attempt to live, work and recreate in 2022 and beyond, it is important to understand the trespass laws, as defined by the state of Wisconsin. Although the laws are pretty clearly stated, some land owners have reached a new level of creative thinking when it comes to deterring anglers from accessing water adjoining private property. Conversely, anglers sometimes need to be more diligent in recognizing the boundaries of their access.   

As we draw closer to more clement weather(fingers crossed), which invariably will bring more anglers to the trout streams, I thought a summary of Wisconsin trespass laws might be helpful along with some first hand experiences I have had over the years.

Here is a summary for walk, wade, anglers in Wisconsin. Members of the public may use any exposed shore area of a stream without the permission of the riparian (i.e., landowner) only if it is necessary to exit the body of water to bypass an obstruction. Obstructions could consist of trees or rocks, shallow water for boaters or deep water for wading trout anglers. The bypass should be by the shortest possible route.

More specific questions regarding entry, exit from the water and the history of the laws can be answered by the links below.  

 https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/questions/access.html

https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/Fishing/Questions_PublicAccessFactSheet.pdf

https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/Fishing/Questions_StreamAccessRoadROW.pdf

It is important to understand that the laws in each state can be vastly or slightly different from one another. As anglers and land owners, it is up to us to know and understand these laws to minimize conflict. If there is a conflict, trespass complaints in Wisconsin are handled through the local sheriff’s department or police department not necessarily the DNR game warden, although the two agencies may act in concert in some situations.

The examples here are just a few, first hand recollections of my own personal experiences with this subject. I believe the stories probably get more exiting as the years fly by. 

The well worn path to the river through Farmer Frank’s pasture has just been purchased by Bob. Frank allowed folks to use the path as long as anglers asked permission and stop by every once in a while to shoot the sh%# or drop a small gift of gratitude, like a pie or cookies or something. Harmony, right? Bob, the new owner, does not convey the same open arms policy. As a mater of fact Bob has let me know he is fully armed, posted the standard “No Trespassing” signs along the path and informed me he is not interested in any damn cookies! Silly me. Bob is within his full rights of the law. The path is no longer a legal access point for anglers to the river. End of story. As real-estate changes hands, access to streams will likely compress. This is nothing new.. 

A new family builds a house along the river that once was a woodlot with a trail along the river bank. Although the family is kind and allows anglers the use of their river frontage, I am basically angling in their front yard. The lab that is let out the front door jumps into the river upstream from me and swims around the pool I am fishing. He is catching just as many trout as I am, and having a much better time. Harmony? Not so much. Mojo gone, I move along.

A place of business appears along the banks of my favorite evening, quiet, dry fly heaven. It was the very first place I met Tom Helgeson. It was around 10 PM when he came stumbling around the bend, cane rod in hand. He said to me,”I though I was the only crazy one left.” We became friends. Now, in this location, there is singing and microphone chatter and cars and folks wandering the banks. The owner has not been restrictive to anglers. However, the ambiance has changed. There are no trespass issues here and maybe it is a good model of how we can all get along, it is just a developed spot instead of a wild spot. I still go back when no one else is around.

Passage through a small dairy farm has now become a medium sized residential development, what was once a single stretch of river needing only one permission slip now belongs to 10 owners and 5 of them don’t want me there. Mojo gone. I move along.

After a long slog to an upstream, highly touted honey hole, the land owner verbally abused me for ten minutes calling me the N____,word a total of 9 times. I am a pasty White German/French mongrel! I couldn’t believe it! The next year I go back to stand my ground since I had entered the location legally. He let me have it again,,,,with both barrels. Only later did I find out that he had cameras in the shoreline trees that alerted him to my presence. Turns out he is still alive, giving his best verbal abuse in years to all anglers who will take it.The point is, I go to the stream to avoid conflict, when the mojo that brought me to the location is gone. I move along. I realize that standing up for my stream access rights is important, but in my life time there has been plenty of other places to fish. In the future this may not be . 

A new land owner had purchase a substantial portion of river frontage and the adjoining land. Easily a 2 to 3 hour fish for two anglers. I had guided this stretch of river numerous times. On opening day of fishing, new land owner guy decides that target shooting, with his pistol, along the bank, would be a good idea. In the course of the year other anglers report the same occurrence on this stretch of water. Again, cameras in the trees. Perfectly legal for the land owner. Clearly the intent was to send a message. 

TRESPASS…..

It has been my observation, this since the beginning of my walk, wade, walkabout in Wisconsin, trout anglers are sometimes trespassers. The stream side trails we walk many times run through private property. We see the signs but believe they might not apply to us. The vast majority of us mean no harm nor cause harm. The fact remains that many anglers don’t know how many property lines they have crossed on any given day exploring new stretches of water or wading across to the other side of the stream. There is no doubt that these boundaries will continue to change with time and it is up to us to know where we are and if we are trespassing. 

Many times land owners don’t know or don’t care if we are trespassing, but sometimes they do! It is the responsibility of the angler to know if they have permission to be where they are. As a Wisconsin land owner you are no longer responsible for posting your property. As time goes on, and our access options as sportsmen and women shrink, we all may need to do a better job at knowing where we are and asking permission if we intend to walk there.

PLAY BY THE RULES….

The laws concerning stream-side trespass in the state of Wisconsin need to be followed by both anglers and land owners alike. Land owners cannot consider the riffles, runs and pools of their location to be exclusively their’s if anglers can obtain legal access to these locations. Anglers who break the laws should be accountable for their actions. Skulduggery by either side should not be permitted.

Have fun, be safe

Goat on a roll,

Tell me your trespass story

River Falls Fly Fishing Festival

Friday, March 4th at Tattersall Distillery/River Falls, Doors open at 5, films start at 7 

Fly fishing films from https://www.flyfilmfest.com

If there is one thing we Know how to do, it’s throw a party…………..

FILMS, BEER, FOOD, DISTILLED TREATS, PRIZES, RAFFLES, AUCTIONS, FUN, FLY FISHING VENDORS, OUTDOOR ARTISTS, CONSERVATION GROUPS, SWAG, COOL GALS AND DUDES, KID FRIENDLY, FUN, FAMOUS PEOPLE, Infamous people, CONNECTEDNESS, PROTECTION, BOOM!!!

After a hiatus in 2021, the R4F Fly Fishing Film Festival is making a comeback!!

The 2022 R4F Fly Fishing Film Festival will support two new (“new” to the event anyway) nonprofits.  All net proceeds will be shared evenly between the Rhinos Foundation (https://rhinosfoundation.org/) and Kiap-Tu-Wish (https://www.kiaptuwish.org/), our very active local Trout Unlimited Chapter.   Rhinos will use proceeds to support local families dealing with cancer, and Kiap-Tu-Wish has dedicated their share of the proceeds to stream/habitat restoration on the Kinni between the lower and upper dams.  Both nonprofits have long traditions of supporting our local community, and we are honored and excited to be their partner. 

A core component of the R4F event’s success is sponsorships, and this year is no different.  Sponsorships start at $200, and all levels include tickets, free beer/wine/food in the VIP room, signage and a few other surprises that will make the evening special.  We are working very closely with Tattersall’s catering to “up the ante” on the food experience, and of course the drink options will be first rate.  Of note – due to limited space we are capping the number of sponsors/VIP’s to only 200 attendees.  Sponsorships will sell out quickly, so please don’t wait until its too late to sign up. To purchase a sponsorship and learn more (See attached Pdf.) – go to: Rhinosfoundation.org.  Of course, your sponsorship is tax deductible. 2022 R4F Sponsor Info 

General admission tickets are also available for $25, and can only be purchased here:  https://www.flyfilmfest.com/.

MORE TO COME.

BE THER OR BE LESS BECAUSE YOU MISSED IT

GOAT

My first outing of 2022 was on a Thursday in January. The cold temps and  wind had been sucked or blown to some other latitude. My locality was to reach 33 degrees with calm winds. Perfectly acceptable conditions to sneak away into the snowy woodlands and escape the shack nasties. 

The previous weeks had been typical January cold. Numerous sub zero nights followed by single digit highs during the day. This unfortunate monontony is the norm of daily life in the Northern Driftless. Another angry winter was shaping up in 2021-22 and there would be few chances to angle without old man winter testing my resolve for freezing fingers or ice filled guides.

I was tickled silly as I daydreamed about that first tug on the line. It is amazing how that childish excitement returns every year when I am away, too long, from flowing water and the fish I fancy. There was another day  when conditions were favorable. I passed on the outing in favor of work,,,,but not again,,,,not today. I had my jam on and made the decision to extract myself from technology and go. Go to the place where fake news does not exist. Go to my solitude, my sanctuary, my sanity. Go fishing.

A short distance from my house my little dream stream flows. I can arrive in 10 minutes, fish for 2 or more hours and return home refreshed.

Considered an errand in my mind, like groceries or Menard’s, I like to run  this one at least a couple a time a week during the spring and summer. The river is small to medium sized by our standards and just being discovered by the masses. The trout are plentiful and plump. Mostly I know where they live. In the wintertime, the deep pools where the trout enjoy their slumber, mostly freeze over, but with clever tactics I can usually coax a few to hand.

As I drove along the rivers lower section, the prospects of playing in the water began to diminish. The cold winter weather had turned most of the water to ice. My eyes struggled to find moving water, or anything moving for that matter. I continued driving down stream towards the Mississippi in hopes my favorite spot would be fishable. This series of riffles, runs and pools would surely have some angling openings. Much to my surprise the majority of the river channel was cold and hard. Open water was seen sporadicly, but was isolated to the fast and shallow rocky runs and a few openings along the streams edge. As my eyes continued to scan what was shaping up to be the cold hard truth of winter trout fishing, my brain finally recognized why the stream channel appeared so unfamiliar.   

BEAVERS had built a dam spanning the entire river. The subzero temps of the past week had frozen the slow trickle of water that had flowed over the top of the structure to ice. A recent 2” inch snow had covered everything in white. The water upstream of the dam had been slowed to a snails pace and frozen as well. As I walked from the edge of the road to the edge of the stream I continued my investigation. I realized the bark had been chewed off dozens of trees. Branches littered the stream bed. The abrupt lines of the pointy aftermath of the fallen elms, willows and box elders had been softened by the newly fallen snow.

As I stood quietly behind the giant willow pictured above, marveling at the enormity of the task , I heard the rhythmic chattering of teeth on wood. Peering around the side of the tree, I saw the wide, squat, shiny, blob of brown, gnawing on its latest victim. I swear I could see the little pink tongue of the varmint as it ejected shards of wood from its tiny mouth to the forest floor. Earlier in the day I had spoken to a friend who had just been skiing the Vail area of Colorado and was so excited to tell me about the shirt he had purchased at Beaver Liquors https://beaverliquors.com/product/beaver-mug-shot-t-shirt/  I broke out laughing and scared the beast away. I never got the photo.

Needless to say I did not wet a line that day. My time spent was both enjoyable and refreshing. I returned home from my errand with a bit of spring in my step. I am ever amazed by the felling technique and perserverence of the beaver and its ability as a crafter. My mind continues to wander back to the possible fate of my toothy brown friend come spring. The course of action the land owner may take will likely not favor Mr. Beaver. However, the spring rains may take care of the whole damn thing.

Cheers

It is that time of year. Weather is variable and the same can be true with the catching part of fishing for trout. Now, hard fast rules, I am not here to give you, nor am I a believer in definitives when it comes to our favorite pass time. I tend to look at trends in order to gain more understanding in this problem solving game.

Weekends, up until now, have brought some sunny warm weather and some good catching activity as far as I can tell from the info posted on the web and through the fly shops.  When water and air temps rise, aquatic insects and fish metabolism leans to our favor and trout can put on the feed bag. On the other side of the coin not so much. I will have to work much harder to find a pod of stationary fish and work hard to spoon feed them

Early spring is about the only time of year I use my thermometer as a tool to provide me with some valuable water information. Water temps at 40 and rising during my time on the water is a good trend. Likely I might have some success. 40 and falling, my catching success probably will be in a lower percentage range than the former. This is what I found

3 early outings

Sat Feb 29th– This was the day after the Film Fest.  a group of 10 experienced anglers fished around the mouth of the Rocky Branch of the Lower Kinni, a reasonably reliable spot with numerous different water types up and down stream. Air temps were in the 30’s with sun. a great day to be on the water with friends. Water temps were in the high 30’s never getting above 37 degrees during the warmest part of the day. Some midges were in the air and some small stones were on the banks. 1 fish was caught.

Mon. March 16th- Rush River down stream from Hwy 72. I was so darn excited to fish on that Monday. The rivers had finally calmed down from the week before where we had snow, a significant run off event, and high water. Waters were calm, clear and 38 degrees and air temps was to rise to mid 40’s. I thought it might be perfect and had my camera poised for some prideful pictures of the giant fish in my secret spot. GOOSE EGG! Although air temps did rise the river temps never did and the lack of sun kept everything on the cold side. I am convinced I had the right water but the trout had lock jaw or maybe said angler was just inept that day. This was a 3 hour tour during the warmest part of the day.

Tuesday March 16th- The Lower Kinni downstream of Camp Qwakji. The sun probably peaked the ridge by 9 am and was warming the water by 10. Water temps rose from 39 to 42 in the 3 hours I was there. The suns intensity was magical to both my hands and my heart. I need to get away from the ongoing societal erosion. Tuesday, in this beautiful place, I found some sanity. Two casts after 11AM I felt the tug of my friend. It only got better. By 2 pm I quit and walked up the hill. Numerous fish had been landed along with a couple of dandy’s. Midges and 1″ long stones were on the water. Trout were feeding. Hand tied versions of these two bugs were the ticket. This angler was taken away from mayhem and transferred to Utopia. 

The rest of the week was cool, cold or drizzly. I chose to work around the house. I walked my pup today on the upper Kinni instead of fishing. There were anglers out in force. Guess folks might have more time on their hands to fish. Let me how you did?

I Want You To come and have fun.

Below are a few bullets about the event. Below that are some more details about the Community Forest Project.

-Every Kid 17 and under is entered to win a Cabelas Fly Fishing Outfit

-Fat Tire Beer and Beer Swag will be everywhere. Voodoo Ranger will be lurking

-You can use your credit card to buy raffle tickets and to pay for silent auction items

-The “Stump Grinders” will roam and play Blue Grass Music

-Talk will be cheap, lies will be plentiful

-Guide trips, artists and artwork,Wine, flies, golf, gift cards, food and popcorn will be available

-Only Cool people will be allowed in the door

-Book a room at the Country Inn RF for a special rate

⊕ First one to guess where I was when the photo above was taken gets a free hat and 5 raffle tickets when they come to the event.

Parking will be somewhat of a challenge  enjoyable,,,,as always. Pay 1 will be free after 5PM or park on residential streets. Pay 2 will be free at 7pm. We are trying to get pay 2 open at 5 but the University has rules. Will keep you updated this coming week.

NOTES FROM KNUCKLEHEADS

From the perspective of the R4F Film Festival organizers, we (we refer to ourselves as “the knuckleheads”) are thrilled and humbled our event is the nexus for the stakeholders and enthusiasts to come together on one night with a shared goal.  What started as our desire to have a fun event (and raise a bit of money) has evolved into something much more than we expected.  

The event is Feb 28th, with doors opening at 5 and films starting at 7.  Location is University Center on the UWRF campus in River Falls, WI.  We sell sponsorships, which include tickets and access to the Fat Tire VIP room with unlimited beer, wine and food.  Regular tickets can be purchased online for $15 each.  

Given the uniqueness of the opportunity for River Falls, the history of the parcel, the enthusiastic cooperation between volunteer groups, non-profits, the city / school district and a community motivated to secure the land (not to mention the environmental and educational benefits) this is a very special opportunity indeed to procure a legacy property for our children and to  enhance public awareness of of this spectacular resource.

Hi there,

  We are interested in you Fly Fishing Festival, but have a couple questions regarding it.  It says that is opens at 5:00 and the film starts at 7:00, so what is the set-up between 5-7? Are their tables? presenters? things to loom at? Is it one film or a series of films, and what is the length of the film? Is this event ever sold out?

Thanks!

Carol 

Hi Carol

Yours are great questions. 

Every year I get caught up in the process of putting together this event with the other Knucklehead friends of mine and forget there are some folks, a whole bunch of folks, who have not had the chance to attend our showing of the IF4 films. We use these fly fishing films to raise a little money to foster the health, beauty and protection of The Kinnickinnic river. If I might say, it is an amazing event. That being said I would be remiss in not telling you that this event is successful because of “the whole”. Folks like yourself who will come this year for the first time. Folks that are not fly anglers but care deeply about the river. Students and teachers who study the interconnected life in the watershed. Fly fishers from all over the country. Moms and Dads and children who walk and play immersed in the Kinni’s waters. The list goes on…. It is because they all care about this beautiful wild place. 

The doors open at 5 because,,,,,,  A bunch of Awesome Sponsors and Local Businesses, Artists and Musicians, the Fly Fishing Community and folks from all walks of life have joined together once again to support this event with prizes for silent auctions and bucket raffles. There will be STIMULATION. Artist Bob White will paint at the event. Dave Norling Fine Cane Rods has donated another hand crafted bamboo rod. There will be a Stained Glass Tiger Pike, Guided Trips and Fly Tiers, trips to exotic destinations and to Michigan:) There are beginner fly fishing set ups, cooking packages, and an AWESOME hand made quilt. A reprint of the only children’s book that has ever been written about the Kinni will be for sale with all proceeds going to the cause. Every adult who has ever read this book has fallen in love with its artwork and content. It should be required reading for the area. There will be a roaming blue Grass band and some of the coolest new flies. There will be plenty of giveaways and a ship ton of other prizes. New Belgium Brewery/Fat Tire Beer will be interacting with the crowd and HOT PRESSING our R4F Logo onto hats at the event and selling them dirt cheap to raise a few pesos for the Main Event- A 44 acre piece land to be turned into a community forest. Whoooo!

OK, The Films…..This is a series of short adventure/fly fishing films from all over the world. Cool stuff!! You can look at the previews on line at https://www.flyfilmfest.com I look at the sizzle reel every morning and get excited. We also may add a few of our own films in the mix as well. The whole ball of wax should wrap up by 10PM with you walking out with a bunch of stuff or at least a warm fuzzy feeling. The event has sold out every year since 2014 and at last count there were just over 100 tickets left. Tickets can be bought on line at the link above or at Lunds Fly shop in River Falls. They are $15.00 each for the event, but the best ticket in the house is the sponsor ticket that can be bought at https://kinniriver.org which includes free beer, wine, water and food for the event.

Sooooo plan on having a little bit too much fun, giving a little too much money to a great cause and make your reservations in advance by phone 1-715-425-9500 at Country Inn River Falls. This local Inn is located just off the banks of the upper Kinni and is providing a special $99.99 room rate called “The Fly Fishing Film Special”. Stow your gear in your room and slide over to the University Center for the films. Doors open at 5PM  Friday Feb 28th. 

Hope to see you all there.

A

Why we do this! This year, together, we have a chance to buy this piece of land and give it to the community.

A 44 acre parcel of land that is strategically located in the heart of the

Kinnickinnic River canyon, and privately owned for decades, is finally available

for sale and will be purchased by the KinnicKinnic River Land Trust

(kinniriver.org).

The parcel is important ecologically to the long-term preservation of the lower

“Kinni” and the land will be designated as a “community forest” to be

preserved and shared forever. Perhaps of equal (if not greater importance), it

also includes an easement allowing the River Falls School District (via an

agreement with the Kinni River Land Trust) to access their 66 acre “school

forest” property, which has been inaccessible for decades. This will open up

many educational opportunities for generations of students. An improved road

along the easement is being planned to allow students of all abilities access to

the school property and the river, and a middle school curriculum on ecology/

conservation is already in the works.

As much as the school district wants this land (for the easement), they are not

eligible for state/federal grants to help with the purchase. However, the KRLT is

eligible for grants and will utilize the Knowles Nelson Fund (among others) to

purchase the land. This is a rare instance where a land trust is working with a

municipality and school as a partner to provide significant benefits beyond just

land preservation. As much as land trusts want to be front and center, often our

initiatives are perceived as solely environmental/conservation based, with some

still thinking our efforts hinder development, agriculture and economic progress.

When I joined the KRLT board in 2015, I heard a few people mention that I was

one of them… I think this view is changing, but it takes time.

The momentum and interest in this land acquisition is fueling considerable

excitement in River Falls, and I have not heard of one person voicing opposition.

Even people who have shown zero interest in the environment or conservation

Greetings

Long time.

Had a shocking experience.

I am back.

Thought it important to provide something short and sweet.

R4F Shows IF4 on February 28th.  https://www.flyfilmfest.com

See the sizzle https://vimeo.com/378670014

Be a Sponsor https://kinniriver.org

Ticket on line at link above or at Lunds Fly Shop In River Falls. This thing will sell out! It has every year!

This year all the funds raised from this event will help to purchase, maintain and steward 44 acres of land in the Kinni Canyon that include old growth forest and the mouth of the Rocky Branch. This property will link school system forest, city owned park and conservation easement property to provide a unique “tie together” of shared community lands. It is a rare opportunity to foster awareness and link protection of resources, not only to one of Americas 100 best trout streams, but to wild woods and cold clean water that interconnects and enriches our lives in so many different ways. Together we can make this happen. Together we can all benefit.

There will be a community forest when all is said and done. It will teach us how to work together.

Prizes for the event are being donated. Money for the event is being donated. Beer for the event…………..

Lets have fun.

I have all the background info and specifics on this project. I can give it to you in pieces or you can send me a personal email and comment on this page!

🐐