Wednesday, November 29th, 2023

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1967

Wednesday, November 29th, 2023

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1967

Joe Knight

Remembering an avid trout angler, teacher in Wisconsin’s Clarence Wilson

Shortly after I moved to Eau Claire some 40 years ago to become the outdoor writer for the newspaper there, I took on the volunteer job of editing the newsletter of the local Trout Unlimited chapter. On the back page of every issue was “Will’s Corner,” a column usually describing a fly pattern that was good for local streams, or a story, often humorous, about a local fisherman. I wish I had saved more issues.
I soon met the author of those columns, Clarence “Willy” Wilson, at a chapter meeting.

Memorial bench marks favorite fishing hole for longtime lover of Wisconsin’s Coon Fork Creek

There is a pool on Coon Fork Creek, just downstream from Coon Fork County Park in eastern Eau Claire County, Wis. where the creek slows and deepens momentarily, bordered by sandstone bluffs.

It is a natural fishing hole, but also a scenic spot for hikers and skiers to pause while using the nearby Evergreen Trail. For decades the pool has been known as “Ori’s hole” to the Rongstad family, named for Orrin Rongstad, patriarch of the family.

For a limited time, you can get full access to breaking news, all original Outdoor News stories and updates from the entire Great Lakes Region and beyond, the most up-to-date fishing & hunting reports, lake maps, photo & video galleries, the latest gear, wild game cooking tips and recipes, fishing & hunting tips from pros and experts, bonus web content and much, much more, all on your smartphone, tablet or desktop For just a buck per month!

Some restrictions apply. Not valid with other promotions. $1 per month for 6 months (you will be billed $6) and then your subscription will renew at standard subscription rates. For more information see Terms and Conditions. This offer only applies to OutdoorNews.com and not for any Outdoor News print subscriptions. Offer valid thru 3/31/23.

Already a subscriber to OutdoorNews.com? Click here to login.

Before you go... Get the latest outdoor news sent to your inbox.


Sign up for our free newsletter.

Email Address(Required)
Name
What outdoor activities interest you?