Northern Wisconsin has been awash in high and tannic whiskey-colored water for most of the season thus far. Fishing has been difficult so I decided the only option was to make the long drive to the rolling hills of the Driftless to quench my thirst. I brought my 6 1/2' Phillipson which has quickly turned into one of my favorite trout rods. Just a delightful medium/medium fast action with a Peach DT5. Effortless really. I fished the headwaters of a very well known stream and found about the most even split between browns and brookies I've ever seen. For about 2 hours I went brown-brook-brown-brook in perfect alternating fashion. The scenery was unbelievable, and the fish weren't half bad either.












I ventured over yonder to another valley and found a stream filled with hungry browns and more beautiful scenery, and a neat encounter.








Beavers are clearly hard at work here...







Towards the end of my day I stumbled upon a tiny fawn taking a nap in the long grass about 10 feet in front me. I ran into Mom a little ways downstream. I also ran into a few Red Fox pups but the little guys were too quick for my camera.




All in all I left feeling privileged and having successfully recharged my soul.

Awesome report!

Man that's pretty, thanks for the report and pictures!

Top photos looks like the West Fork. No idea about the others (there are sooooo many streams around there) but it's all good. You got some great weather, too! I might have to do a day trip over there this month. How far of a drive was it for you, Char?

Wow what a great day. Congrats

If any of you guys are planning to hit the WI Driftless (Viroqua/Richland Center) Area this summer, shoot me a PM. I might be able to do a day trip and meet up for a few hours.

Awesome photos...

It's a 4 hour drive for me.

I'm kinda feeling the same. I need to schedule a trip to the Driftless.

Darn you! I spent the day with my compact and disposable 6'6" Featherlight on my stand up paddle board. It got dumped, caught in bushes, had a rough day but cast my fly just where I wanted it. I got to thinking that a 6'6" rod can be surprisingly nice. Then I saw your post and got curious, I've been interested in Phillipsons for a bit. Then I found one on the bay, and threw out a low offer. Then it was accepted, so I guess I bought one. Hope it does as well as your rod!

It will likely serve you well!

The MF-66 rod came, needed a bit of cleaning to fit the ferrules together, but it is sound and classic looking. I put on a Medalist with Cortland peach wf #5 to ease its transition to 2017. Went down to the dock for a few casts and wow! Not what I expected. A nice classic glass feel, but it has some butt strength and will cast a mile if you want. What a nice little rod! This one will see some use.