The Coulee Conclave
Coming up in just about 4 weeks is the first ever Coulee Conclave in Viroqua, Wisconsin. This is something that I've wanted to do for quite some time. The main reason is that I absolutely love the fishing the coulees (small streams) up in the Driftless area of Wisconsin. It fits right in with my idea of why I love to fish and build fly rods. There's an awesome fly shop up there too: the Driftless Angler. They were one of the first shops to embrace my fly rods and really know how to run a great fly shop.
I've been asked about what the weekend will be like and what to expect. I want it to be about the fishing so that comes first. I'll have a registration table/tailgate set up Friday evening at the Hickory Hill Motel where we can gather to say our hellos, cast some rods and have a beer, water or soda. We can make some plans to fish for Saturday then as well. Saturday WE FISH! That night we'll meet at Dave's Pizza (part of the registration) for dinner and the raffle*. Night time can be for hanging out, fish stories and rod ogling/casting. Sunday morning will be for fishing and then meet up at the Driftless Angler in the early afternoon.
*I'm working on gathering a few items for a raffle. Every registration will include one raffle ticket and more can be purchased if desired. So far I've got a selection of flies from Brandon Bailes at Panther Branch Bugs, some goodies from the Driftless Angler, a pack from Vedavoo, some lines from 406 Fly Lines and a one of my rods.
So far I've heard from a dozen or two folks that will be making it (please remember to register so all the ducks are in a row!) from locals to some guys coming from New Mexico and Montana!
I'm keeping an eye on the Driftless Angler's Fishing Report blog and getting really excited. I think the fishing this year is shaping up to be great.
Hope to see some new and familiar faces up there soon!