2026-2027 Meeting Schedule
Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance and the Badger Fly Fishers have resumed monthly meetings. The Thirsty Goat restaurant, 3040 Cahill Main, Fitchburg, will be our monthly meeting site. The Thirsty Goat offers a quiet room which will seat 50 people, excellent and affordable food, and a small bar in the room serving multiple refreshments. Meetings for both the WSA and BFF will begin with a social hour/dinner starting at 5:30pm and the general meeting starting at 6:30pm. We encourage members to join us for dinner if it will work into your schedule. WSA and BFF meetings will occur on the first Wednesday of the month as listed below. Please note that the WSA and BFF meetings will alternate each month.
The following are the dates for our bimonthly meetings:
Oct. 7, 2026 Alex Welter, River Bent Outfitters: Fishing SMB, LMB, and other species in the Mississippi River near La Crosse.
Dec. 2, 2026 Craig Amacker, Madison Fly Fishing Co. Topic will be a Fishing in Patagonia Travelogue.
Feb. 3, 2027 Kyle Zempel, Black Earth Angling: topic TBA
Check back for updates!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
WELCOME
Capt. Alex Welter — Bass Angler, Guide & Tournament Fisherman
Presentation: Smallmouth Through the Seasons on the Mississippi
Alex Welter is a lifelong Mississippi River angler, bass fishing guide, and tournament fisherman based near La Crosse, Wisconsin. Growing up along the river, Alex developed a deep understanding of the Upper Mississippi’s unique backwaters, channels, wing dams, and current systems. Today, he puts that experience to work both guiding clients and competing in bass tournaments throughout the region.
As the owner and guide behind River Bent Outfitters, Alex specializes in pursuing largemouth and smallmouth bass on the Mississippi River and its surrounding backwaters. His approach is built around adapting to changing river conditions and understanding how bass position themselves throughout the seasons. Tournament fishing has further sharpened his ability to quickly locate productive water, identify patterns, and adjust presentations when conditions change.
