Half Day Lake Tour & Fishing in Forest County
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourhour scenic lake tour with light fishing opportunitiesExplores pristine lakes like Metonga and Pickerel with guideFull gear provided for up to two guests
Some of the best fishing in Wisconsin happens right here in Forest County, where clear lakes and thick timber create the perfect backdrop for a memorable day on the water. Guide Ryon Alloway has been working these lakes for years, and his half-day scenic tour gives you the best of both worlds—solid fishing action and plenty of time to soak in the natural beauty that makes this corner of Wisconsin so special. Whether you're new to fishing or just want a relaxed morning away from the crowds, this four-hour trip delivers exactly what you're looking for.
This isn't your typical high-pressure fishing charter where you're racing from spot to spot. Ryon keeps things mellow and lets the day unfold naturally as you explore gems like Lake Metonga and Pickerel Lake. These waters are known for their clarity and diverse fish populations, giving you shots at everything from scrappy crappie to trophy muskellunge. The pace is perfect for taking photos, learning new techniques, or just enjoying some quiet conversation while your lines are in the water. With space for just two guests, you'll get personalized attention and won't feel rushed. All your gear is provided, so you can show up ready to fish without worrying about tackle selection or rod setup.
Ryon comes equipped with quality rods and reels suited for the variety of species you'll target throughout the day. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself casting spinners for northern pike along weed edges, trolling crankbaits for walleye over deeper structure, or working jigs around fallen timber for crappie. The beauty of these Forest County lakes is their diversity—you can switch techniques and target different species without traveling far. Live bait, artificials, and everything in between are fair game. If you're new to certain methods, Ryon's happy to walk you through the basics and help you dial in your presentation. The boat setup allows for comfortable casting and plenty of room to work fish without getting tangled up.
Crappie are the bread and butter of many Forest County lakes, and these fish provide consistent action throughout much of the season. Look for them around brush piles and fallen timber in 8 to 15 feet of water. Spring and fall tend to be peak times when they school up tight, but summer fishing can be excellent if you know where to look. These slab-sided panfish are perfect for beginners since they're aggressive biters and excellent table fare. A good day might see you boat a dozen or more, with the bigger specimens pushing 12 inches and providing surprising fights on light tackle.
Walleye fishing in these clear lakes requires a bit more finesse, but the payoff is worth it. These golden-flanked gamefish typically hold near rocky points, drop-offs, and areas where hard bottom meets softer sediment. Early morning and evening hours often produce the best action, though overcast days can extend the bite throughout the afternoon. Forest County walleye are known for their quality—fish in the 16 to 20-inch range are common, with occasional trophies stretching past 24 inches. Their excellent eating quality and challenging nature make them a favorite target for both novice and experienced anglers.
Northern pike add serious excitement to any day on these lakes. These toothy predators lurk in weedy bays and along vegetation lines, ready to ambush anything that moves. They're aggressive strikers that provide explosive surface action and strong runs that'll test your drag system. Forest County northerns commonly run 24 to 30 inches, with fish over 36 inches always a possibility. Their aggressive nature makes them perfect for guests who want to experience the raw power of a truly wild fish. Just remember to keep your fingers clear of those teeth when it's time for photos.
Muskellunge represent the ultimate prize in these waters. Known as the fish of 10,000 casts, muskies are the apex predator that can turn a quiet morning into an adrenaline-pumping adventure. These massive members of the pike family can exceed 40 inches and provide fights that you'll remember for years. While they're not caught on every trip, the possibility of hooking into a muskie keeps things interesting throughout the day. Fall is typically the best time to target these fish, when they're actively feeding before winter. Even if you don't boat one, seeing a muskie follow your lure to the boat is an experience that'll have you planning your next trip before this one's over.
Forest County's lakes offer some of Wisconsin's most consistent fishing in a setting that feels worlds away from the everyday grind. Ryon's approach combines productive fishing with the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes for a perfect morning or afternoon on the water. Whether you're hoping to fill a cooler with crappie, target a trophy walleye, or experience the heart-stopping strike of a northern pike, this half-day trip provides the perfect introduction to what makes these waters so special. The personal attention, quality gear, and Ryon's local knowledge create an experience that both newcomers and seasoned anglers appreciate. Book your spot now and discover why so many people consider Forest County a top-rated destination for Wisconsin lake fishing.
Cruise Forest County's pristine waters in style aboard our 2021 Alumacraft aluminum fishing boat. This 21-footer comes equipped with twin 200HP Evinrude engines that'll get you to the best fishing spots on lakes like Metonga and Pickerel quickly and smoothly. The wireless trolling motor lets you drift silently over structure without spooking fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate where they're holding. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard live bait well as you work different depths and cover. Built for serious anglers but comfortable enough for scenic touring, this boat handles Wisconsin's lake country with ease. Whether you're casting for bass along weed lines or just soaking up the peaceful morning atmosphere, you'll have everything needed for a perfect half-day on the water.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are some of the most rewarding panfish you'll find in Forest County's lakes. These schooling fish typically run 7-12 inches and weigh around half a pound, making them perfect for light tackle fishing. You'll spot two types here - black crappie with random speckles and white crappie with vertical bars. They hang around fallen timber, weed edges, and brush piles in 8-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallow, but dawn and dusk fishing works year-round. What makes them special? They're scrappy fighters for their size and absolutely delicious - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My go-to tip: use small jigs or live minnows under a bobber, and when you catch one, work that same area thoroughly since they travel in schools.
Esox MasquinongyMuskellunge are the apex predators of our lake system - true giants that can stretch 4-5 feet and weigh 30+ pounds. These are Wisconsin's state fish for good reason. They lurk around deep weed edges, rocky points, and structure in 15-30 feet of water, though they'll cruise shallows when hunting. Late summer and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding before winter. Muskies are called "the fish of 10,000 casts" because they're moody and selective, but when one hits your big bucktail or jerkbait, it's pure chaos - jumps, runs, and head shakes that test every knot. Most anglers practice catch and release with these living legends. They're not great eating anyway - too valuable swimming free. My best advice: use heavy tackle, big lures, and steel leaders. When working a muskie spot, make a figure-8 motion with your lure right at boatside before lifting out. That's when many follows turn into strikes.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the aggressive predators lurking in Forest County's weedy bays and shallow covers. These torpedo-shaped fish average 2-3 feet but can stretch much longer, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Look for them around vegetation edges, fallen logs, and marshy areas in 5-15 feet of water. They're ambush hunters that sit motionless until prey swims by, then strike with lightning speed. Spring through early summer offers the best action, especially when water temps hit the 60s. Pike aren't great table fare, but they're pure adrenaline - explosive strikes and acrobatic fights that'll get your heart pumping. The key is using bigger lures like spoons or swimbaits and keeping them moving steady. Pro tip: when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook immediately - let them take it and run a few seconds before setting. They like to play with their food first.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the ultimate prize fish in these northern Wisconsin waters. These golden-sided beauties average 14-20 inches and fight harder than their size suggests. Those distinctive silvery eyes help them see in low light, which is exactly when they're most active - early morning, evening, and overcast days are your best bets. During daylight, they stick to deeper water around rock piles, drop-offs, and weed edges in 15-25 feet. Spring and fall offer the hottest action when they move shallow to feed. What keeps anglers coming back? That firm, sweet meat is considered the best eating fish in freshwater, plus they put up a solid scrap. They're picky though - you need to fish slow and steady. Here's my local trick: tip your jig with a nightcrawler and drag it just off bottom along rocky structure. Patience pays off with walleye.
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