My favorite water is the Bois Brule River located in northwestern Wisconsin. The Bois Brule is located only a few hours from Minneapolis and is about a 6.5 hour ride from Milwaukee. I am lucky enough to call this river my "home water" even though it is a bit of a drive from Milwaukee. My brother and I discovered this river for ourselves over 14 years ago. Since then, we have made annual pilgrimages to canoe and fly fish its waters every year - sometimes more than once.

Why are we so enamored with this river? Several reasons. First of all, this river has some historic significance: several of our U.S. presidents plied their flyrods here including Calvin Coolidge who made his summer White House on its banks. The Bois Brule is inhabited by several species of trout: native Wisconsin brook trout, night-time browns, and jumpin’ rainbows. It also supports prolific hatches that rival anything I’ve seen out west. From flora to fauna, we have experienced the best that the outdoors has to offer on the Bois Brule.

This protected river corridor runs the length of the Chequamegon National Forest. A float down this river is like going back in time more than a hundred years. In fact, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest just received funding in April, 2011 to help enhance local kids’ na...

You can read more about the Bois Brule River in a couple of my personal blog posts from the past two years:

- Short and Wet on the Bois Brule River
- Promised Land: Bois Brule River

Take some time to explore this area if you get the chance. From the Apostle Islands to St. Peter's Dome, to the wonderful Bois Brule River, you won't be disappointed.

Enjoy,
Paul