The Black River flows approximately 190 miles through western Wisconsin in a southwesterly direction before joining the Mississippi River at La Crosse. This dark-flowing river presents two distinct characters along its journey through Clark, Taylor, Jackson, Monroe, Trempealeau, and La Crosse Counties. The upper section above Black River Falls features a high-gradient riverbed cutting down to bedrock, strewn with boulders and characterized by swift currents that draw whitewater enthusiasts. Below the dam at Black River Falls, the river enters the Driftless Area where the gradient reduces significantly from 6.6 feet per mile to 1.7 feet per mile, transforming into a meandering lowland waterway as it approaches the Mississippi. The region surrounding the Black River represents the heart of brook trout country in the Driftless Area, with heavy forest cover and relatively low land use stress creating excellent natural habitat. Despite quality fishing opportunities for both coldwater and warmwater species, the Black River receives less angling pressure than it deserves, partly due to limited published information and its location between the more famous Chippewa and Wisconsin Rivers.