Classical Angler Fly Fishing and Guide Service

"I have been interested in exploring fly fishing opportunities in Wisconsin's Driftless Area for some time and was finally able to make my first trip this month. I had the good fortune to contact Erik ahead of time and arrange for two days of guided fly fishing with him. What a great decision! Erik is someone who knows the area intimately and gave me a superb introduction to the Driftless Area - not only to the fishing, but also to the area's unique geology, local insect hatches and other fauna, plant life, and places to get a great meal. He's a wonderful teacher who shares some great casting tips, information about fly selection and even philosophy! The two days on the stream with Erik went by very quickly - I came away from the visit knowing that I had gained a lot of valuable information about small stream fishing, found a great guide and, perhaps most importantly, made a new friend. Thanks so much Erik - I'll look forward to fishing with you again!"

"Eric was so kind and patient on the water as I missed a few fish and nailed a few others. 7 hours in the drink went by in what felt like 15 minutes. He knows the spots and even more importantly, knows how to teach. What I wouldn't give to be able to do a trip like this weekly with him! Caught my first trout! Eeek!"

"I highly recommend Erik Helm, the Classical Angler, as your guide for fishing the Driftless Region of Southwest Wisconsin. My wife and I drove 450 miles to fish with Erik for three days with Erik in June. I made the drive again in September with my son to fish two more days. Here are a few things you can expect. • Professional, discerning, and responsive to your skills and needs. Erik is excellent working with experienced, beginner and 1st time fly fishers. We all became more capable casters and fly fishers during our time with Erik! He is a patient, forthright encourager, and a great teacher. If you can listen, you will learn. • Fishing for trout in small spring creeks is a delight. Without Erik’s experience we would have clumsily (and literally) walked on dozens of fish that I could not imagine holding in such small bank cuts, shallow riffles, seams, and back eddies. Great to learn how a pro reads the water. • For the gear geeks like myself, I learned a lot about my rods and fly lines. A few of Erik’s on-the-stream observations have helped more than hours of reading trout magazines and discussing gear in guide shops. • Finally, Erik is a consummate conservationist and advocate for trout, their habitat, and the ecosystems that support them. You will enjoy your trip with the Classical Angler, and Erik will make sure you catch some wild Brown Trout as well! R Mead – October 6, 2021"

"Fishing in the Driftless with Erik Helm from Classical Angler... A-MAZING! We're beginners, having never fished before, Erik planned a top notch day! Walking us thru the basics of the sport and techniques, and offering practical tips and insight in the morning, followed by an afternoon filled with non-stop action packed fishing. So thankful to have spent our first-ever day of fly fishing with such a patient, knowledgeable, one-of-a-kind guide. Totally recommend!!"

"Erik is a great guide with a lot of knowledge about the area’s geography and history to share, in addition to his fly-fishing expertise. Scott even caught an 18” fish! (It was the biggest one all year so don’t expect it, but fun things happen when you’re out with Erik!)"