Good fishing for smallmouth, muskie, walleye, crappie and more, with waterslides too!
I spent time fishing around Eau Claire last September and our boat landed a wide variety of fish in a short period of time, including smallmouth bass, crappies, walleyes, pike and even a muskie. It was easy to see that this could be a great place to bring the family to fish, unwind, race go karts and hit up the waterslides. Why hadn’t I been here sooner?
I spent a chunk of my childhood on the east side of the Twin Cities. On the weekends, we traveled to northwest Wisconsin to a family cabin. For many years, I rarely traveled more than ten or so miles from the cabin to fish. I missed out on so much.
Not far from where we lived and not far from our cabin sits a surprisingly good spot to bring the family. The fishing is good and there is a lot to do for the kids when you’re not on the water.
Now I live closer to South Dakota than Wisconsin and our family cabin was sold years ago. I don’t get back to America’s Dairyland too often, but last September I went to Eau Claire. This was for the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) annual conference.
What Is AGLOW and Why Were We in Eau Claire?
AGLOW is a group of outdoor writers, content creators, podcast/tv hosts along with outdoor brands and tourism destinations. It’s a great organization for a guy like me. They’re celebrating their 70th year and have learned how to show someone a good time in the outdoors.
I knew a fair bit about Eau Claire, but never spent much time there. I usually would pass just south of the metro on I-94. I’d go over the Chippewa River and wonder what was swimming in it. Turns out, there’s quite a bit.
During the conference each year, organizers recruit a number of local guides and anglers to take people out who have traveled from near and far. There is a fun tournament hosted on the Fish Donkey app and prizes from outdoor brands that are members of AGLOW are given away. With the river system running through Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, there was a wide swath of fishing options.
Shooting Sports around Eau Claire
We usually have a day afield as well and on this trip we visited the oldest gun club in the state, the Eau Claire Rod and Gun Club. It was organized in 1907 and offers trap shooting as well as a pistol and rifle range.
We also had the opportunity to walk some grass at Whispering Emerald Ridge Game Farm. For those that haven’t experience the rush of a pheasant flush, they could come out, shoot 5-stand to warm up, then walk behind pointing dogs for a crack at a bird. I brought Tiny along and let her flush a few roosters to prepare of the season opener.
Lodging at a Family Destination
Our lodging was at The Metropolis Resort. This was something that I’d seen right along I-94 during my travels. The facility not only had conference room space for our various seminars and learn-it sessions, but there’s also go karts, waterslides and an arcade. This means you can bring the family for fun at the hotel, then find fishing close by. And it’s easy to get in and out of if you’re pulling a boat.
Fish Hunt Forever Podcast Week 681: Hanging Out With Hunting and Fishing Professionals in Eau Claire at the Metropolis for the AGLOW Conference. Click here
Fishing Lake Wissota
Local angler Brad Goeman offered up his time to take us out. Paul Wait from Delta Waterfowl and I met Brad at an access on Lake Wissota, near Chippewa Falls. I expected us to catch a few bass, but we quickly realized that we could catch a wide variety of species of decent sizes.
When there is a healthy population of bass and crappies, it’s easy to keep kids happy in the boat. As long as you also have snacks. Throw in some chunky smallmouth, fiesty pike and a good chance at a muskie and everyone wins.
You can see what we used and what we caught in the video at the beginning of this blog. Below I will list more information about lodging, food options and more so you can decide if this trip is right for you.
Links to Amenities in Eau Claire
Thank you to Visit Eau Claire for hosting the conference and showing us a good time!
Lodging:
The Metropolis Resort: Website
5150 Fairview Drive, Eau Claire, WI 54701
(715) 334-8751
Shooting:
Eau Claire Rod and Gun Club: Website
801 Schoettl Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703
(715) 832-4391
Whispering Emerald Ridge Game Farm: Website
N3954 640th St
Menomonie, WI 54751
715-233-1281
Eating: We ate mostly on site the entire week. The Metropolis Offers the following options all under one roof:
City Eats: Menu | Designed with the whole family in mind, City Eats is a dream come true for families and large groups seeking a day of entertainment and delicious dining all in one place.
City Pizza Co: Menu | Stop by City Pizza Co. for pizza made fresh, in-house every day! Our pizzas are topped with a tomato herb and garlic sauce, freshly shredded mozzarella and your choice of meat and vegetable toppings.
City Coffee Co: Menu | Proudly serving Caribou Coffee, you’ll be sure to find all your favorites – from iced coffees, to hot chocolate and sparkling energy drinks.
Dairy Queen: Menu | All of your favorite frozen treats are here at Dairy Queen in Action City. Try a classic sundae, shake, or blizzard.
Visit Eau Claire Recommendations:
Visit Eau Claire has a list of other options as well: Visit their website here
Hiking, Biking, Tubing and Trails: Click to Learn More
Restaurants: Click to learn more
Breweries: Click to learn more
Wineries: Click to learn more
Distilleries: Click to learn more
Leinenkugel Brewery: Click to learn more
Distances from Metro Areas:
Minneapolis to Eau Claire: 95 Miles – 1.5 Hours
Chicago to Eau Claire: 314 Miles – 4 Hours 45 Minutes
Duluth to Eau Claire: 157 Miles – 2 Hours 27 Minutes
Des Moines to Eau Claire: 328 Miles – 4 hours 42 Minutes
More Pictures from the Trip:
