WKTY OUTDOORS

A conversation with Tackle Terry Tuma about cold weather and dealing with tough fishing conditions. 

A good conversation today about ice fishing today with Alex Welter of River Bent Outfitters.  We talked about current ice conditions and how the fish are biting. Both have been challenging at times. Alex also discussed some of the locations he's been fishing this season in the area within an hour or so of the La Crosse area and what he's been using to find success.  You can find good information about what he's using and how to contact him on his website at River Bent Outfitters.

In the first show of 2026, I talk about winter fly fishing, plus the history of fishing and why using a something that looks like a leaf spring isn't a good idea for a fishing rod. 

I'm talking today about where to find winter crappies. I'll share a couple of ideas on ways to find the most aggressive ones. I also discuss the news this week about a CWD positive deer found in La Crosse County and what that means for baiting and feeding and testing in the area.

New products and ice fishing tips in the conversation today with Tackle Terry Tuma.

A discussion on ways to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. 

Talking about early ice fishing and preliminary gun deer hunt numbers from Wisconsin's recent season. 

It's getting to be that time.... Tackle Terry Tuma and I talk about getting ready for the upcoming ice fishing season.

Today's show features some things to keep in mind as deer hunting season 

I have an interview I did with Nick Trim of Galesville, winner of the BASS Nation Championship last weekend in La Crosse. I also talk about safety for the upcoming hunting season and a way Wisconsin hunters can help out the less fortunate. 

Talking about different types of casting techniques and why they're important to success when fishing. There's also some comments on the BASS Nation championship here in La Crosse this week. 

Talking about fall fishing and sauger fishing today. 

Tackle Terry Tuma joins me for a discussion on fall fishing.

As the weather gets cooler, they get easier to find. 

Keith Braunreiter joins me to talk about the 1st annual Make A Difference Fishing, Coulee Region Tourney. It's an event for children and adults with disabilities. It happens September 13 at Arctic Springs Park in Galesville. Keith talks about how the event came about, who can participate, and how to sign up. The link is below. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-annual-make-a-difference-fishing-coulee-region-tourney-angler-reg-tickets-1485163496999?aff=oddtdtcreator    

Sharing some thoughts on where to find late summer crappies.

Talking about bass fishing today as the Bassmaster Elite series is here this weekend. Rooting on the Wisconsin anglers-three in the top 10 going into Saturday. I also have a conversation with Gina Jacquart Thorsen, the CEO of Stormy Kromer, the iconic Midwest hat brand, about a new line which features a custom UW-L hat. 

Tackle Terry Tuma and I discuss the best way to catch fish as we move into late summer. 

I go over some ways to make your voice heard when it comes to the management of the outdoors by Minnesota and Wisconsin natural resource departments.  Starting out though, with the fishing report. It's been a good week. Most everything is biting well, from Panfish to Walleyes. 

Good fishing this week....there's a bass tourney this weekend with a different twist...plus deer hunting isn't that far away.

Marc Schultz with Sustain Our River talks about how federal cuts would impact the Mississippi River region. We discussed the importance of places like the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center and how cut may affect the economy. They're holding a news conference on August 4 at 11:30 a.m. at the Black River Beach House in La Crosse where members of the group will discuss different aspects of the impact of the cuts. 

Today, I talk about the ways you can use long fishing poles to precisely target fish in weeds or brush when casting or trolling won't work. Tenkara fishing is also covered. I mentioned that the fall hunting forecasts are available from the Wisconsin DNR for deer, waterfowl, and more. The links are below. 2025 Fall Deer Hunting Forecast 2025 Fall Upland Game Bird Forecast 2025 Fall Migratory Bird Hunting Forecast 2025 Fall Bear Hunting Forecast 2025 Fall Furbearer Hunting And Trapping Forecast Have a great week-stay safe-and enjoy the outdoors!

Tackle Terry Tuma and I have a conversation about staying safe in the warm summertime weather and what you can do to protect yourself.  We also chat about ways to overcome the challenges presented when the water goes high and current goes up.  Of course, there's the latest fishing reports and news for you as well. 

My guest today is Capt. Alex Welter of River Bent Outfitters. We talked about the early summer conditions, some places to find a variety of species of fish, and what to use to catch them. A good educational conversation.  River Bent Outfitters

Tackle Terry Tuma joins me for a wide ranging conversation about lures, color, current conditions, and much more. 

A conversation about fly fishing in the Coulee Region with Matt Wagner of the Driftless Angler in Viroqua. We talk about stream conditions and what to use when you put those waders on and get in the water. 

Talking today about finding early season crappie and some techniques you can try to catch them. 

A discussion today about the results of the spring hearings. Marc Schultz joins me later in the program to talk about some of the questions and where they go from here with the process. 

Nice weather is here, we're a week away from the inland opening, and much more on today's program. 

Joining me in studio are Steve Cibulka and Bob Juen with the Stoddard Bergen Fire Department to talk about their annual Big Walleye and Northern Tournament Fundraiser coming up on May 31.  More details: https://stoddardbergenfd.com/events/walleye-tournament-20240420-1  

Marc Schultz joined me today to talk about an upcoming hearing looking for input and possible changes to duck hunting zones and splits for the next five years.  There was also talk of turning the Mississippi River green for St. Patrick's Day. 

I talk about what to do when the ice starts to melt and the water gets dirty-some things you can do to help you bring in more fish using their senses other than their eyes.

I talk about some of the ways people can give back to their favorite sports-mentoring, coaching, teaching-all opportunities to share knowledge with others.  I also talk about the state ice fishing championships happening here in La Crosse ad the World Ice Fishing Championships in Michigan with the USA team.

My guests today are Keachen Abing, who is talking about the next set in the La Crosse Adventure Films series coming up on Feb. 21-22. Expect some great stories at the festival... I also talk to Ted Bonde of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Fishing Association about next weekend's Ice Fishing Championships for high school students next weekend here in La Crosse. We talked about how high school fishing has grown and the positive impact it is having on students, coaches, parents, and the community.

Today's show features an interview with Alex Welter of River Bent Outfitters. We discuss ice conditions, places to look for fish, and what he uses to help catch them.  Find out more about Alex and what he offers. Click here for the River Bent Outfitters website. 

Besides conditions, I talk a bit about how writing down what you do on your trips on the ice or water can help you repeat success. 

Tackle Terry Tuma and I talk about the latest conditions along with how noise, light, and technique can impact your ice fishing success. 

I share some ideas about early ice and what you should do to stay stealthy plus a look at how outdoor recreation affects Wisconsin's economy.

The conversation centers around early ice fishing-some tips and suggestions to help find and catch fish now that the decent ice has finally arrived.

Now that some early ice has arrived, I talk about being careful on where to go when heading out this time of year. 

As the cold weather of December arrives, it might be time to finally put the boat up for the season and start thinking about ice fishing. There's also part of a Wisconsin DNR news conference talking about the opening weekend of deer hunting season. 

Terry and I talk about early ice, new gear for ice fishing, and the upcoming St. Paul Ice Fishing Show the first weekend in December. 

Marc Schultz joined me today to remind waterfowl hunters about a survey they can take to provide input on several items related to hunting such as seasons and locations. 

Today we'll hear from members of the Wisconsin DNR about the upcoming gun deer season in the state. 

My guest today is Captain Alex Welter from River Bent Outdoors. We talked about his guide service, early ice fishing, and getting ready for the season.  https://riverbentoutfitters.com/

Terry and I talk about fall fishing-what to look for and what to use, plus tips on getting your gear properly stored away for the winter.

A conversation with Keachen Abing from La Crosse Adventure Films about their Adventure Festival coming up October 16-20 in La Crosse.  For ticket info, go to https://www.lacrosseaf.com

Talking a bit about some ways to fine tune your presentations for big fall perch. 

We get a preview of what to expect for fall colors from the Minnesota DNR, plus tournament news, learn about a unique running event, and of course, a look at what's biting this week. 

My guest today is Tackle Terry Tuma. We talk about early fall fishing for panfish, a great program that helps veterans, and some things you should be doing with your boat to enjoy the rest of the season and looking ahead to winter. We even take a few minutes on this warm weekend to talk ice fishing!