Fierce. Exciting. Unique.
Unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
The Crash is a term created and trademarked by Black Earth Angling Co. to describe the natural phenomenon that occurs on the Lower Wisconsin Riverway. The Crash is when Smallmouth bass, and/or other fish, work in schools to corral baitfish. This occurrence is often identified by the violent surface activity of numerous fish devouring baitfish in the top 6” of the water surface. Many times it is heard before it is seen.
Many anglers relate this to “nothing they’ve ever seen” or the striper bait blitz out east. It is fierce, exciting, and very visual fishing, that most smallmouth fishermen/women have never experienced. If you enjoy intense, fast-paced top water fishing this is the epitome, at least in fresh water. Throw out what you know about classic smallmouth fishing when you step foot in our jet boat, we do things alittle differently than you may be used to. Don’t be scared. Embrace THE CRASH!
The Crash Season
Hit it while it's hot!
Ready to experience The Crash?
Check out our trips

Lower 'Sconnie Smallmouth
About
Float and fish for smallmouth in the longest free-flowing section of river in the Midwest.
*Group rates available upon request.
Season
What's biting

Crash Camp
About
Overnight on the magnificent Lower Wisconsin River during the peak of the natural phenomenon known as "The Crash".
Season
What's biting
Best guided fishing in Wisc.
Don't just take our word for it


Unbelievable, awesome, knuckle-smacking, finger cutting, tense, exciting, anxious, awfully quiet and then BAM - shouting, big smiles, great pictures and appropriately funny sun hats! There is nothing like "The Crash" and it's an absolute MUST on your Bucket List!
— Russell R.
Chicago, IL


Kyle is on the river almost every day and is very knowledgeable about how the bass and their prey migrate between different habitats as the water levels change and the year progresses.
— Tim M.
Eau Claire, WI


“The Crash”—is extraordinary. I choose the word “extraordinary”, because as it suggests, it is far from ordinary. Observing “The Crash” was pure, adrenaline filled, top water explosive, pandemonium. My prior knowledge of smallmouth behavior and environment was all in question.
— Phil P.
Chicago, IL


Stunning scenery, super tasty Black Earth Eats. From the boat—or wading—it is a complete blast. Book it or, well, BOOK IT!
— Michael B.
Madison, WI


It was a phenomenal experience. I don’t know how to describe how great it was. Kyle is a pro and a fun guy to fish with. He really knows this stretch of the Wisconsin River well. I highly recommend BEAC, you won’t regret it.
— Tom M.
Wild Rose, WI


The best fly fishing two lifelong fly fishers have ever experienced. Big smallies crashing bait and inhaling poppers. What could be better? We were all pretty much speechless by the entire time, but nothing much needed to be said. Kyle is the real deal. Fish with him. You owe it to yourself.
— Matt N.
Fort Atkinson, WI


The “Crash” is like nothing you have ever experienced before…. pods of large Smallmouth aggressively herding minnows to a frenzy! the action is frantic… the stakes fantastic!!! The most fun you can have with a fly rod!!!”
— Mark A.
Batavia, IL


If you want to catch big smallies on top on a fly, Kyle is your guide. Not one aspect of the experience is neglected. Lunch is fantastic, his vibe is fun and he will help you develop new fly fishing skills.
— Phil R.
Monona, WI


I have spent my entire life fly fishing yet I still walked away from the experience a better angler, a staunch proponent of the driftless, and forever grateful to share it with Black Earth Angling.
— Brandon P.
Madison, WI


I still can’t accurately describe how f’ing rad it was. Unlike any smallie fishing I’ve ever seen. Truly unique, truly world class. On top of all, Kyle is so dialed in; and you need that on the LWR if your going to be successful. He will put you on fish.