The Sandbar Season
LATE SUMMER ON THE WISCONSIN — A RIVER OF SAND AND SMALLMOUTH
AUGUST ON THE WISCONSIN RIVER
In August, the Lower Wisconsin River changes.
Water levels settle. Sandbars rise. The river opens into wide braided channels and long, fishable stretches that reward those who are out there.
Smallmouth begin feeding higher in the water column.
Topwater becomes part of the daily approach.
Some of the heaviest fish of the season show themselves.
The Sandbar Season is our annual multi-day August smallmouth experience built around that window.
A MULTI-DAY AUGUST SMALLMOUTH EXPERIENCE
The Sandbar Season is designed for anglers who want more than a single day on the water.
Structured similarly to our Crash Camp but based from cabin lodging rather than river camping, this experience combines immersion with comfort. Riverside cottage accommodations, indoor plumbing, and air-conditioning provide a reset between days while keeping you close to the fishery.
Each day is spent exploring different stretches of the Lower Wisconsin River, adjusting to conditions, and focusing on seasonal smallmouth behavior, especially topwater presentations during peak windows.
This is a fully catered, plug-and-play experience.
You step away from your busy life.
You arrive.
You fish.
You slow down.
Whether you're coming from the Illinois suburbs, escaping Chicago, or simply seeking the quieter side of southern Wisconsin, The Sandbar Season is built to make August feel intentional.
WHY IS AUGUST DIFFERENT
August smallmouth fishing on the Lower Wisconsin River is defined by sand and current.
Exposed sandbars influence travel, positioning, and presentation. Current seams lengthen and stabilize. Fish push bait toward the surface. Visual eats become common.
It is one of the most dynamic periods of the season and one of the most consistent for anglers willing to spend consecutive days on the river.
The Sandbar Season exists to take advantage of that.
WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR
The Sandbar Season is a strong fit for anglers who:
Value multi-day immersion over single-day outings
Want to experience peak August smallmouth fishing in Wisconsin
Appreciate thoughtful instruction and river awareness
Prefer cabin lodging while remaining close to the water
Enjoy the balance between performance fishing and shared experience
You do not need to be an expert angler.
You do need to want to understand the river.
I’ve been fortunate to experience some pretty good Smallmouth fishing in my lifetime, but Crash Camp raises the bar to a whole new level. The itinerary is well planned, the setting is unique, the food is amazing, and the fish are hyper aggressive. Book the trip already and come experience it for yourself. I’ve got the “giggles” just thinking about it.
— Mike Kuhr
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
GUIDED FISHING
Fishing is broken into 3-5 hour sessions to maximize the best parts of the day and allowing downtime to beat the heat.
TERMINAL TACKLE
Leaders, tippets, and flies. Additional equipment may be available upon request.
FAMOUS CUISINE
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for each day booked. The finest camp food you’ll experience!
RIVERSIDE COTTAGE LODGING
Relax after a full day of fishing at a fully outfitted camp on a sandbar.
THE BEAC CAMP EXPERIENCE
We are the fish camp specialists for a reason. Nothing beats a BEAC fish camp.
A GOSH DARN GOOD TIME!
We can’t control the conditions, but we can control our attitudes!
2026 DATES
August 14th through August 20th — Booked in 2-3 night slots.
RATES*
*Rates subject to change. Prices are based per angler—two anglers per guide. For lessons and group trips please call or email.
GROUP SIZE
2 NIGHTS, 4 FISHING SESSIONS
2-4 Anglers
5+ Anglers
$1,850/Angler
Contact us
3 NIGHTS, 6 FISHING SESSIONS
$2,450/Angler
Contact Us
THE SANDBAR SEASON FAQs
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Due to the high demand for our camps, the price is based on double occupancy. You can have your own boat, but the cost will reflect that of two anglers. If you are a solo angler interested in participating in Sandbar Season, please let us know. We can do our best to connect you with another solo angler, but can not guarantee we’ll find you a partner. Finding a partner not only reduces costs, but also adds to the enjoyment of the camp.
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The Cottage has two queen rooms and one larger shared room with a queen and single bed.
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Our dates are scheduled well in advance, as is our planning for this event. We will fish to make the most of our time together. Activities will continue in rain or shine, as long as the weather is not severe (no lightning or gale-force winds). While we cannot control the weather, we will do our best to prepare for any conditions.
Please remember that we all need to adapt to what nature presents us. Refunds will not be issued unless you miss over 75% of your fishing time due to severe weather. We encourage everyone to come with a positive attitude, ready to fish regardless of conditions.
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As early as possible! Our multi-day trips book fill up each year due to the increasing number of repeat “campers,” often resulting in limited spots by April for the August sessions. We sometimes have late cancellations, so it never hurts to check if we have a spot available!
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This trip combines fishing from our jet boat with wet-wading, and it can be customized to suit your preferences. If you enjoy wet-wading, we can often fish from sandbars and shallow water. If wet-wading is not your preference, that's perfectly fine; we can fish from the boat all day. Just let us know what you prefer.
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Yes, we specialize in fly fishing but we welcome artificial-only conventional anglers. We encourage all anglers to have a good time and make the best out for the conditions.
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Experience always helps but we work with beginners all of the time and welcome any skill level to camp. Having multiple days on the water with a guide will certainly improve your skills.
DRIVE TIMES
MADISON
1h (60 Miles)
DUBUQUE
45m (40 Miles)
MILWAUKEE
1h 10m (140 Miles)
GREEN BAY
3h 10m (190 Miles)
CHICAGO
3h 20m (209 Miles)
INDIANAPOLIS
6h (390 Miles)
MINNEAPOLIS
4h (240 Miles)
ST. LOUIS
5h 40m (380 Miles)
NEAREST AIRPORT
DANE COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT (MSN)
4000 International Ln, Madison, WI 53704
https://www.msnairport.com/