Est. 2013

Black Earth Angling Co.

In 2013 Kyle Zempel founded Black Earth Angling Co. Living in Madison, WI and currently in between jobs Kyle, along with two of his best fishing buddies (Eric and Mark Pavlovich) decided it was time to leave the bustle of the city behind. Wanting to cut their commute time to spring creek mecca, the Driftless Region, they decided to venture into Madison’s outer limits. A lucky search on Craigslist pointed them towards The Black Earth Retreat; a country home in the rural hills of Black Earth, WI.

This move is widely agreed upon to have been the spark that started it all. Black Earth Angling Co. became the reality of dream and ambitions shared over cheap beers. Designed from the scribbles on bar napkins and a bit of young irresponsibility, BEAC was born.

Since its early formation Black Earth Angling Co. has grown into a full-time guiding operation servicing both cold and warm water fisheries, with a sprinkling of destination travel. While Mark and Eric have since moved on to fulfill other life dreams, Kyle remains at the reins taking BEAC into bigger and better seasons.

In a time where the American Dream seems further and further out of reach, Kyle’s journey to build BEAC successful and sustainable small business continues. With the help and support of an amazing team, BEAC moves forward in its voyage to strengthen the Madison area’s fly fishing community and provide anglers of all abilities with a genuine, world-class experience.

Kyle Zempel

Owner, Guide, Pro Photographer

Kyle was introduced to the sport of fishing at a very young age by his grandfathers on the numerous lakes Northern Wisconsin. He was educated on Southwest Colorado's rushing waters, having the unique opportunity to live on the Animas River for numerous summers.

Taking the unyielding passion developed in the Rockies, he returned to Packer Country to guide its diversified bodies of water. Kyle has become known for his guiding and photography on the water, which has appeared in The Flyfish Journal, The Drake, Eastern Fly Fishing, Hatch.com, aTightLoop.com, and Midcurrent.com.

Wyatt Reeves

Student of the Water, Trout Wizard, Guide

Wyatt was raised on a horse farm outside of Highland, WI. His father introduced him to the sport of fly fishing at a young age on the Jefferson River in Montana - a place he calls a second home. He has since taken what he learned out west and translated it to the driftless creeks of Wisconsin. Living in an area where trout streams are not more than a hop and a skip away, Wyatt was in the perfect natural classroom. He would not be where he is without credit to his father, who taught him everything from casting a fly rod to tying flies.

On days Wyatt can’t be out on the water you’ll find him on the vise tying new patterns or on the work bench crafting another fly rod. With 10+ years of fly fishing experience, Wyatt’s energy and passion for the sport rubs off on anyone who spends time around him. There is surely never a dull day on the water with him.

Hannah Matousek

Owner, Business Manager, Keeper of the Calendar

Hannah has supported and tolerated Kyle from the early stages of BEAC — she tends to the BEAC garden, manages the schedule, handles most communications, and generally keeps the train on the tracks. Odds are, if you've crossed paths with BEAC, you've crossed paths with Hannah. Being the significant other of a fishing guide and small business owner is far from easy. Without her selfless support, Kyle and BEAC wouldn't be where it is today.

Outside of BEAC, Hannah is settling into a career as a therapeutic horticulturist. She has had a passion for the outdoors since a young age and believes that time spent in nature is time well spent. The love of fly fishing was a natural next step when she picked it up in her early twenties. She isn't a guide, but she sure can fish like one.

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