Ice Fishing Lake Michigan for GIANT Trout
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target giant lake run Brown Trout and Steelhead through iceFish scenic tributaries flowing into Lake Michigan watersFull day trips include hot lunch for two guests
When the mercury drops and the lake starts locking up, that's when the real action begins. Our ice fishing trips on Lake Michigan's Wisconsin side put you right where the big lake-run trout are staging, and trust me – these fish are nothing like the stocked trout you've caught in ponds. We're talking about chrome-bright steelhead and chunky brown trout that have been feeding in the big lake all season, and they're absolutely loaded with fight. This is a full-day adventure that'll have you talking about it all winter long.
We focus our efforts on the tributary mouths where these lake-run fish stage before making their spawning runs. The scenery alone is worth the trip – you'll be fishing in some of the most beautiful winter landscapes Wisconsin has to offer, with snow-covered banks and crystal-clear water flowing beneath the ice. This isn't your typical lake fishing where you're staring at a flat white expanse. The tributaries give us moving water, structure, and most importantly, they're fish highways. We keep our groups small at just two anglers max, so you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. The full-day format means we can really dial in the bite and move spots if needed. Plus, we throw in a hot lunch to keep you fueled up when the action gets heavy.
We fish these tributaries with a mix of tip-ups and jigging rods, depending on what the fish are telling us. The moving water under the ice creates current breaks and eddies where these trout like to hold, so we're constantly reading the water and adjusting our approach. I'll have you set up with medium-heavy ice rods that can handle the power of a 15-pound steelhead making a run under the ice. We use everything from spawn sacs and wax worms to small jigs tipped with maggots. The key is staying mobile and being ready to adapt. These lake-run fish can be finicky one minute and absolutely savage the next. When they're hot, you better be ready – a hooked steelhead under the ice will test your drag system and your nerves. We'll drill multiple holes and work different depths until we find where they're staged.
Brown Trout are the bruisers of our winter fishery. These lake-run browns average 8-12 pounds but can push well into the teens. They're incredibly strong fish that have spent months gorging on alewives and smelt in the big lake, building up reserves for their spawning run. Winter browns are at their absolute peak condition – thick shoulders, bright colors, and attitude to spare. They tend to be more active during low-light periods, so early morning and late afternoon can be money time. What makes these fish special is their wariness – they've survived in the big lake by being smart, so when you finally get one to commit, it's a real achievement. The fight is something else too – they'll use the current to their advantage and make powerful runs that'll have your drag singing.
Steelhead Trout are pure adrenaline on ice. These chrome rockets average 6-10 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. Fresh from Lake Michigan, they're silver-bright and loaded with energy. Steelhead are more aggressive feeders than browns, especially when they're staging at tributary mouths. They school up in good numbers, so when you find them, you can have incredible action. These fish are acrobatic even under the ice – you'll feel their head shakes and powerful runs through your rod tip. The best part about winter steelhead is their predictability once you locate them. They follow similar patterns year after year, using the same staging areas and feeding lanes. Rainbow Trout round out our target species, and while they might be smaller than their steelhead cousins, they make up for it with numbers. These colorful fighters are often the most willing biters when conditions get tough, and they're perfect for keeping the action going between the bigger fish.
Ice fishing Lake Michigan's Wisconsin tributaries is about as good as winter fishing gets in the Midwest. You're not just catching fish – you're experiencing a world-class fishery at its absolute peak. These lake-run trout represent some of the finest fishing our region has to offer, and doing it through the ice adds a whole different dimension to the challenge. The combination of beautiful winter scenery, trophy-class fish, and the expertise of knowing exactly where and how to target them makes this a customer favorite year after year. Spots fill up fast once word gets out about how the bite is shaping up, so don't wait too long to secure your date. Whether you're a seasoned ice angler looking to step up your game or someone who wants to experience what real trophy trout fishing is all about, this trip delivers every single time.
Tylosurus AcusThese lake-run browns are what make our ice fishing so special. We're talking fish that average 8-24 inches, but the giants can push close to 40 inches and 10+ pounds. They cruise the tributaries flowing into Lake Michigan, hunting in deeper pools and around structure like fallen logs and rocky cover. Winter is prime time since they're feeding heavily before spring spawn. What makes them so popular? They fight like crazy and taste amazing - that golden-brown color with black spots is beautiful too. Pro tip: focus on the deeper holes where tributaries meet the main flow. Browns love that transition water, and that's where we consistently find the biggest fish.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in these Lake Michigan tributaries typically run 8-24 inches and put up one heck of a fight. You'll find them in the cleaner, cooler water with good current flow, often holding near gravel beds and undercut banks. They prefer water temps around 55-65°F, which makes winter fishing productive when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run like nothing else. The pink stripe and colorful spots make them gorgeous fish too, plus they're excellent eating with that mild, sweet flavor. My advice: watch for subtle takes when you're fishing near structure. These fish can be finicky, so sometimes a lighter touch gets you more bites than the aggressive approach.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the ultimate prize on our ice trips - these are lake-run fish that average 24 inches but can hit 45 inches and fight like freight trains. They spend most of their time in Lake Michigan's deeper water but move into tributaries during winter for spawning runs. Look for them in the deeper pools and current breaks where tributaries flow into the main lake. What sets them apart is their incredible strength and endurance - they'll make long, powerful runs that test your gear. The silver, streamlined body with black spots is distinctive, and they're fantastic table fare. Here's the key: steelhead often hold in the deepest part of pools during daylight, so get your bait down to the bottom and be patient.
Sheboygan, WI