The Crash

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Fierce. Exciting. Unique.

Unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

The Crash is a term created and trademarked by Black Earth Angling Co. to describe a unique natural phenomenon that occurs on the Lower Wisconsin River. This event is characterized by smallmouth bass and other fish working in schools to corral baitfish. The Crash is often identified by the violent surface activity, where numerous fish feed voraciously on baitfish within the top six inches of the water.

Interestingly, many anglers report hearing The Crash before they actually see it, as the sounds of splashing and feeding echo across the water. This phenomenon contributes to the distinctiveness of this fishery. Many anglers say they have never encountered experiences like this before in freshwater, and others will sometimes compare it to the striper bait blitzes found on the east coast.

The fishing experience during The Crash is fierce, exciting, and visually captivating. For many smallmouth anglers, it is an unprecedented experience. If you enjoy intense, fast-paced top-water fishing, participating in The Crash represents the pinnacle of freshwater fishing.

When you step into our boat, prepare to set aside what you know about traditional smallmouth fishing; we approach this fishing style with a different method. Embrace THE CRASH, and get ready for a thrilling adventure on the water!

See it for yourself!

  • A serene river scene at sunset with a sandy riverbank in the foreground, trees on both sides, and a person fishing in the distance.

    Fishing the Crash

    Sand River smallmouth on the Lower Wisconsin

    By: Tom Davis

  • Two men fishing on a boat at sunset, one standing and casting a line and the other smiling in the foreground, with a colorful sky and calm water.

    Barefooting for Smallies

    in the Wilds of Wisconsin

    By: Tim Romano

  • A man wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and gloves holds a large fish out of water with a background of water and green trees.

    Life Abundant

    Rolling with the flow on the Lower Wisconsin

    By: Tom Davis

  • A fish jumping out of dark water, creating a splash and droplets in a pond or lake.

    The Lower Wisconsin Riverway

    A world class fishery

    By: Jason Freund

  • Sunset over a river with trees on both sides and hills in the background.

    The Tale of Two Rivers

    (With the same name)

    By: Jim Schmiedeskamp

Ready to experience The Crash?

CHECK OUT OUR TRIPS

A person fishing in a river or lake, standing in the water with a fishing rod, with green hills and a blue sky in the background.

Smallmouth Bass

Lower Wisconsin River

ABOUT
Experience the thrill of fishing for smallmouth bass on the picturesque Lower Wisconsin River, a hidden gem for anglers of all abilities.

FISHING STYLE
Jet Boat/Float/Wade

SKILL LEVEL
Beginner to Advanced

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Camping tents set up on a grassy field at sunset, with trees and hills in the background.

Crash Camp

Lower Wisconsin River

ABOUT
Overnight on the magnificent Lower Wisconsin River during the peak of the natural phenomenon known as "The Crash". The original bass camp.

GROUP SIZE
2-4+ Anglers

SKILL LEVEL
Beginner to Advanced

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Group of people sitting around a campfire on a sandy riverbank at night, with a boat moored nearby, under a bright full moon in the sky.

Custom Camps

Wisconsin River System

ABOUT
Looking for something custom? Work with us to build the perfect camp. Let us do the planning for your fish, eat, sleep, repeat experience.

SKILL LEVEL
Beginner to Advanced

GROUP SIZE
2-6+ Anglers

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