Timber Coulee Creek Fishing Forecast
The Timber Coulee Creek is a spring-influenced Wisconsin trout stream where gin-clear water and picky fish reward patient drifts and fine tippet. Anglers target brown trout and brook trout across riffles, seams, and undercut banks in this region, with prime dry-fly and nymph windows typically clustering in April through October. USGS gauge 05386500 tracks live flow and temperature for planning wade or float days. Local tactics angle: Timber Coulee Creek is a premier Driftless Area spring creek known for excellent wild brown trout fishing and hatches. TroutFishing pairs hatch timing with solunar windows so you know when to be on the water—not just where.
Constant 69°F water flows out of the bottom-release dam and into the Timber Coulee Creek at seasonal CFS. Expect a 6/10 window. Top pick: a Parachute Hopper.
Open First Sat in May — Oct 15
Driftless Area stream. Inland trout season
Forecast and on-page guide updated September 7, 2026 (UTC). Open the app for hourly conditions.
Today's Fishing Conditions
Good
Updated 5:26 PM
69°F
--
3 AM - 5 AM
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What Makes the Timber Coulee Creek Unique?
Signature hatch or window
BWO (Mayfly) is a headline hatch to watch in September. Peak activity often tracks 42–58°F water temps.
Distinctive access
Timber Coulee Road: Road access to quality water.
Rules anglers miss
Quality fishing - practice catch-and-release.
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
20 - 60 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 65°F
Ideal for active trout
Quick Facts
Brown Trout and Brook Trout
spring creek
55°F - 65°F
September Hatches
BWO
Mayfly
ALL SEASON BWO. Peaks spring and fall. Size 14-24 range.
Trico
Mayfly
Summer Trico spinner falls. Early morning.
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round spring creek scuds. Class I water.
Caddis
Caddis
Summer evening caddis.
Ant
Terrestrial
Terrestrial ants. Flying ant falls.
September Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Fall fishing excellent. BWOs return.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Midges, Deep nymphs |
| February | 32-40°F | Midges, Small nymphs |
| March | 36-45°F | Early BWOs, Quill Gordon nymphs |
| April | 42-52°F | Hendrickson, BWOs, Quill Gordon |
| May | 50-60°F | Sulphurs, March Browns, Caddis |
| June | 55-68°F | Green Drakes, Sulphurs, Slate Drakes |
| July | 60-72°F | Tricos, Terrestrials, Light Cahills |
| August | 60-74°F | Tricos, Terrestrials, White Fly |
| September(Now) | 55-65°F | BWOs, Slate Drakes, Terrestrials |
| October | 48-58°F | BWOs, Slate Drakes, Streamers |
| November | 40-48°F | BWOs, Streamers, Egg patterns |
| December | 32-40°F | Midges, Deep nymphs |
Recommended Equipment for Timber Coulee Creek
Rod
7.5 to 8.5-foot, 3 or 4-weight.
Line
Floating line with long leaders.
Leader & Tippet
10-12 foot leaders, 5X-6X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Careful wading.
Essential Flies
How to Fish Timber Coulee Creek: Tips & Tactics
Timber Coulee Creek is a premier Driftless Area spring creek known for excellent wild brown trout fishing and hatches.
Best Times of Day
Morning and evening produce best fishing. Spring hatches are excellent. Fall brings aggressive brown trout.
Recommended Techniques
Classic spring creek techniques. Match the hatches precisely. Stealth is essential in clear water.
Water Conditions
Cold, clear spring-fed water. Typical Driftless character. Beautiful coulee country setting.
Fly Selection
Sulphur and Trico patterns essential. BWOs throughout season. Terrestrials in summer.
When is the Best Time to Fish Timber Coulee Creek?
Spring
Sulphur hatches bring excellent fishing.
Summer
Trico and terrestrial fishing. Fish early.
Fall
Brown trout become aggressive. Prime time.
Winter
Spring-fed water stays fishable.
Access Points & Parking for Timber Coulee Creek
Timber Coulee Road
Road access to quality water.
Westby
Town access with services.
Upper Timber Coulee
Headwaters access.
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Brook Trout
Spawn months: September, October
Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning. Early fall spawners.
Timber Coulee Creek Fishing Regulations
Season
Check Wisconsin DNR for current regulations.
Limits
Category designation determines limits.
Special Regulations
Quality fishing - practice catch-and-release.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial only.
Notes
Premier Driftless stream.
Always verify current regulations with Wisconsin fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Timber Coulee Creek
Local Fly Shops
- Driftless Angler - Viroqua
- Rockin' K Fly Shop
- Spring Creek Specialties
Guide Services
- Driftless Angler Guides
- Timber Coulee Guides
- Wisconsin Spring Creek Guides
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Timber Coulee Creek — frequently asked questions
When is the best time to fish the Timber Coulee Creek?
Fall fishing excellent. BWOs return.
What flies should I bring to the Timber Coulee Creek?
For the Timber Coulee Creek (spring creek), carry: Sulphur, Trico, BWO, Beetle, Ant.
What water temperature is best for trout on the Timber Coulee Creek?
On the Timber Coulee Creek, trout hold between 50° and 65°F. The spring-fed source keeps temperatures remarkably stable.
Do I need a fishing license for the Timber Coulee Creek?
Yes — you need a valid Wisconsin fishing license to fish the Timber Coulee Creek. Local season: Check Wisconsin DNR for current regulations.. Daily limit: Category designation determines limits..
What hatches should I watch for on the Timber Coulee Creek in September?
BWO is the signature hatch on the Timber Coulee Creek in September. Match size and adjust leader size to 5X-6X. The fish key in on the emergence during low-light hours, so plan to be on the water at first light.
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