Ready for a peaceful day on Wisconsin's quiet lakes and winding rivers? Our private inland fishing trips are just the ticket. We'll take you to some of the state's best-kept secret spots, where you can cast your line without the crowds. Whether you're an early bird or prefer afternoon fishing, we've got you covered with flexible morning and evening options. It's the perfect way to spend quality time with a buddy or loved one, targeting Wisconsin's prized freshwater species in calm, scenic waters.
Picture this: you and a friend, out on a glassy Wisconsin lake as the sun peeks over the treeline. Or maybe you prefer the golden hour, when the fish are jumping and the day's heat is fading. Either way, our private inland trips give you the freedom to fish on your schedule. We keep it small - just you, your fishing partner, and your expert guide. That means plenty of one-on-one attention to help you land the big one. And don't worry about the weather - if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate, we'll happily reschedule your trip. Just remember to bring some cash for a tip if your guide shows you an awesome day on the water (20% is standard for great service).
Inland fishing in Wisconsin is a whole different ballgame from the big lakes. We're talking smaller boats, lighter tackle, and a more laid-back vibe. Depending on where we end up, you might be casting from the boat or wading in some scenic shallows. We use a mix of techniques - maybe some trolling on bigger lakes, or precision casting around structure in rivers. Your guide will have all the gear you need, from rods and reels to the hottest local lures. And hey, if you've got a favorite lucky lure, bring it along!
There's something special about inland fishing that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the peace and quiet, away from the bustle of popular lake shores. Or the thrill of stalking trout in a crystal-clear stream. Our regulars tell us they love the variety - one day you might be battling a chunky brown trout, the next you're finessing for salmon in a hidden inlet. Plus, with just two guests per trip, you get a truly personalized experience. Your guide can tailor the day to your skill level and what you want to catch.
Rainbow Trout: These spunky fighters are a blast to catch in Wisconsin's cool, clear waters. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and beautiful coloration. Spring and fall are prime times to target rainbows, when water temperatures are just right. Anglers love the challenge of outwitting these smart fish, whether you're fly fishing or using light spinning gear.
Coho Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you - Coho put up a serious fight! These "silver bullets" are fast and furious when hooked. In Wisconsin, we see good Coho action in the spring and fall as they make their way upstream. They're a favorite for both their sporting quality and excellent taste if you're planning a fish fry.
Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these are the heavyweight champs of Wisconsin's salmon. Chinooks can reach over 30 pounds, making them a true trophy catch. Fall is the prime time to target these monsters as they stage for their spawning run. Be ready for some serious battles - Chinooks are known for powerful runs that'll test your arms and your gear.
Brown Trout: Wisconsin's brown trout are the clever ones of the bunch. They love to hide under cut banks and around submerged logs, making them a fun challenge for accurate casters. Browns tend to be most active in low light conditions, so early morning or evening trips are your best bet. Landing a big brown is a badge of honor for any angler.
Lake Trout: These deep-water specialists are the ones you target if you want to combine scenery with a chance at a real lunker. Lake trout in Wisconsin can grow to impressive sizes, especially in some of our deeper, colder lakes. We often troll for these guys, using downriggers to get our lures down where the big ones lurk. Spring and fall are great for lake trout, when they come up to shallower waters.
Alright, folks - if you're itching to get out on Wisconsin's stunning inland waters, now's the time to lock in your trip. Whether you're dreaming of battling salmon, outsmarting trout, or just soaking in some of the best scenery the Badger State has to offer, we've got you covered. Remember, these private trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So don't wait - give us a shout, pick your date, and get ready for a day of fishing you won't forget. We'll handle the details; you just need to show up ready to reel 'em in. See you on the water!
Brown trout are the cunning tricksters of our local waters. These golden-brown beauties usually run 12-20 inches, but trophy fish over 10 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them in cool, clear streams and rivers, often tucked under cut banks or fallen trees. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on overcast days. Anglers love browns for their wariness and explosive strikes. They're also excellent table fare. To up your odds, try using smaller flies and lighter tippets - browns can be line-shy. One local trick is to fish "banker's hours" in summer, focusing on early mornings and late evenings when the fish are more active. Remember, stealth is key with these wary fish, so approach likely spots carefully.
Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the heavyweight champs of our local salmon. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, though 15-20 is more common. You'll find them in the deeper parts of rivers and lakes, often hugging the bottom. Fall is prime time as they make their spawning run, but spring can be good too. Anglers love targeting kings for their sheer power - hooking one is like trying to stop a freight train. They're also prized for their rich, flavorful meat. To improve your chances, try trolling with downriggers to get your lure deep. I like using cut herring or large spoons in flashy colors. One local tip: kings often hit on the "drop back" after your lure passes them, so be ready for that second chance if you miss a strike.
Coho salmon are an exciting catch in our inland waters. These silver bullets typically range from 8-12 pounds and put on quite a show when hooked. Look for them in rivers and streams connected to the Great Lakes, especially in fall as they make their spawning run. Cohos prefer cooler water, so focus on deeper holes and shaded areas as the day warms up. Anglers prize them for their hard-fighting spirit and rich, flavorful meat. To up your odds, try swinging bright-colored flies or spinners through likely holding water. One local trick is to use scented salmon eggs or roe bags - the smell can trigger aggressive strikes from these predators. Just remember, they can be finicky, so be prepared to switch up your presentation if you're not getting action.
Lake trout are the deep-water monsters of our inland lakes. These big char can top 20 pounds, with 30-pounders not unheard of. You'll find them suspended in the cold, deep basins of our larger lakes, often at depths of 50 feet or more. Early spring and late fall are prime times when they move shallower. Anglers prize lakers for their hard-fighting ability and rich, oily meat that's great for smoking. To boost your chances, try jigging with large minnow imitations or trolling with downriggers to get deep. One local tip: use your electronics to find schools of baitfish - lakers are often lurking nearby. Just remember, these fish grow slowly, so practice catch and release with the big ones to keep the fishery healthy for years to come.
Rainbow trout are a real favorite around here. These colorful fighters usually run 12-24 inches and put up an acrobatic battle. You'll find them in cool, clear streams and rivers, often hanging out near riffles or deep pools. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the water temps are just right. Anglers love targeting rainbows for their spirited fight and tasty pink meat. To boost your chances, try drifting a nymph through likely holding spots. I like to use a beadhead pheasant tail nymph with a small split shot about 18 inches up the line - that gets it down in the strike zone. Rainbow trout aren't too picky, but matching the hatch with your fly choice can make a big difference some days.