FREDONIA, Wis. — The warmer weather this winter has made it tough for Wisconsin businesses that rely on snow, but the mild winter has also provided opportunities for others.
Joseph Davies, a former U.S. Olympic Skier from Wisconsin turned fly-fishing guide, gets to have an earlier start to the season.
In mid-March, he revved up his boat to take a fly-fishing angler up the Milwaukee River near Waubedonia Park in Fredonia.
It’s his third season as the guide and owner of Milwaukee River Fly Fishing.
“Being 103 miles long, we are able to access so many different parts of this river where different species may be thriving at any given time,” said Davies.
Davies spent his teenage years on the U.S. Olympic Ski team. However, after injuries on the ski slopes and a trip to New Zealand, he said he found a new passion in fly fishing.
Davies now helps anglers pinpoint the best spots and times to catch fish. He said he usually has to wait until April to start his season as a guide, but not this year.
“They are queuing in based on temperature and when they begin to eat, so it’s provided an opportunity for smallmouth bass and pike. We’re fishing them almost a month [earlier] than generally we usually would,” said Davies.
Jake Bachman has been fly fishing with Davies for years. He said he always appreciates the advice.
After a few casts, he got a bite and reeled in a smallmouth bass.
“I enjoy every aspect of it, from the casting, which is kind of like a zen-like feeling for me,” said Bachman. “I enjoy fly tying and it’s a great excuse to be outside.”
For Davies, this is what fishing is all about.
“I’m as excited for Jake to catch that fish as if I would have been able to do that myself,” said Davies. “You know we are putting ourselves in the right position, making correct fly changes and it paid off.”
Davies said while colder winters are important for parts of Wisconsin’s economy, he is hoping that this year’s mild winter means a long and prosperous fly fishing season in the state.