Private Inland Fishing Trips - Wisconsin Lakes
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Custom inland fishing trips on Wisconsin's scenic lakes and riversMorning or afternoon sessions available for groups of twoPersonalized freshwater fishing experience with flexible scheduling
Looking for a personalized fishing experience away from the crowds? These custom inland trips put you on Wisconsin's best freshwater spots where the fish are biting and the scenery never gets old. With just two anglers max, you'll get the kind of hands-on attention that makes all the difference between going home empty-handed or with a cooler full of stories. Whether you're an early bird who likes to hit the water at sunrise or prefer those golden evening hours when the fish get active, we'll work around your schedule to make it happen.
These inland trips are all about flexibility and finding the bite. We're talking pristine lakes and rivers where the water runs clear and the fish have room to grow big. Each outing runs either morning or afternoon/evening - your call based on what works for your group and what the fish are telling us. The beauty of inland fishing is you get that peaceful, intimate setting without the big water waves or boat traffic. It's just you, your fishing buddy, and some of the best freshwater fishing Wisconsin has to offer. Weather can always throw us a curveball, but we'll work with you to reschedule if Mother Nature isn't cooperating. The pricing covers everything including sales tax, though if we put you on fish all day, a 20% tip is the standard way to show your guide some love.
Inland fishing means we can really dial in our approach based on what's working that day. We're talking everything from trolling the deeper structure for lake trout to working the drop-offs where the browns like to cruise. The calm water lets us be precise with our presentations - whether that's drifting live bait along the bottom or running spoons through the thermocline where the salmon are holding. You'll learn to read the electronics, understand how fish relate to structure, and pick up techniques that'll serve you well long after this trip is over. The gear selection changes with the season and target species, but we've got everything dialed in from light tackle for the rainbows to the heavier setups when we're chasing big chinooks in the deeper holes.
Rainbow Trout are the bread and butter of Wisconsin inland fishing, and these fish know how to put on a show. They're most active in the cooler months - early spring and late fall are prime time when they're feeding heavy and fighting hard. Expect fish in the 14 to 20-inch range, though we see plenty of bigger ones that'll test your drag. What makes rainbows special is their aerial game - they'll jump, tail-walk, and do everything they can to throw that hook. The colors on these fish are something else, especially the spawners with those deep red stripes.
Coho Salmon bring the acrobatics and the speed that keeps anglers coming back for more. These silver bullets typically run 3 to 8 pounds in our inland waters, and they're absolute rockets once hooked. Late summer into early fall is when cohos really turn on, and you'll find them relating to temperature breaks and current seams. They're notorious for their jumping ability - expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll have your reel screaming. The fight-to-size ratio on cohos is off the charts, making them a customer favorite for good reason.
Chinook Salmon are the heavyweights of the group, and landing one is always a highlight of any trip. These kings can push well into the teens and twenties in terms of pounds, offering the kind of drag-burning runs that create fishing memories for life. Peak season runs from mid-summer through early fall when they're feeding aggressively before spawning. Chinooks like deeper water and structure, so we're often fishing 40 to 80 feet down to find them holding. The key is patience - these fish make you work for it, but that first big king will hook you for life.
Brown Trout are the thinking angler's fish, and Wisconsin's inland waters grow some absolute monsters. These fish are incredibly structure-oriented and can be finicky, but that's what makes landing a big brown so satisfying. They're most active during low-light periods - early morning, late evening, and overcast days. Size-wise, browns in our waters typically range from 16 to 24 inches, with the occasional true trophy pushing 8 to 10 pounds or more. Their fighting style is different from other trout - more bulldogging and head-shaking than jumping, but they'll use every piece of cover to try and break you off.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists that offer consistent action when other species are being picky. These fish love cold water and structure, typically holding in 60 to 120 feet of water depending on the season and thermal layers. Lakers are known for their steady, powerful runs rather than flashy jumps, and they can really load up the rod with their weight. Spring and fall provide the best opportunities when they move shallower, but summer fishing can be world-class if you're willing to get deep. Most fish run 3 to 8 pounds, but the big ones - 15 pounds and up - are always a possibility on the right day.
This is the kind of fishing that reminds you why you picked up a rod in the first place. Small groups, big fish, and the flexibility to fish when and how you want. With only two spots available per trip, you're getting the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, target a specific species, or just enjoy some quality time on Wisconsin's beautiful inland waters, these custom trips deliver. Give us a call to talk dates and get your inland adventure on the calendar - the fish are waiting, and so are we.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in our waters, and that's what makes them so rewarding to catch. These golden-brown beauties with black spots typically run 8-24 inches but can grow much larger in our deeper lakes. They're masters of cover, hiding under logs, undercut banks, and thick vegetation during the day. Fall is when they really turn on, feeding aggressively before winter, especially at night. What keeps anglers coming back is their wariness - they'll test every bit of your skill and patience. But when you hook one, they fight hard with powerful runs and head shakes. The meat is excellent too, with a mild, sweet flavor. They prefer water temps between 54-65°F, so target deeper pools in summer. Here's the key: browns are spooky, so approach quietly and use longer, lighter leaders. They'll often refuse flies they've seen before, so switch up your patterns frequently.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Wisconsin's inland waters, running 12-39 inches and often hitting 20-30 pounds. These bruisers prefer the deeper, cooler water during daylight hours since they're sensitive to bright light. Early morning and evening sessions work best when they move up to feed. You'll find them near drop-offs, deep holes, and structure where they can ambush baitfish. What makes kings special is their raw power - they'll test your drag and stamina like no other freshwater fish. That rich, orange-pink meat is restaurant quality too. They're not as acrobatic as coho, but they make up for it with bulldogging runs that'll wear you out. Here's what works: get your bait down deep with heavy weights, and don't be afraid to use bigger presentations. On cloudy days, try darker color combos like blue-black or purple-black for better results.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers" as we call them, are pure excitement on the line. These acrobatic fighters average 12-30 inches and can jump up to 6 feet out of the water when hooked. During their spawning runs, they move into tributary streams where the current slows and there's good gravel structure. Fall is prime time when they're aggressive and feeding heavily before spawning. Their dark blue-green backs and bright silver sides make them easy to spot, and that orange-red meat is some of the best eating you'll find. What guests love most is their unpredictable fight - they'll run deep, then rocket to the surface without warning. Best bet is using bright colors like chartreuse or pink in your lures. Pro tip: when they're holding in deeper pools, try twitching a long-tailed jig near the bottom where they like to stage.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the giants of our deep, cold lakes, often reaching 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds. These grey-green fish with cream markings live in the deepest water during summer, sometimes 60+ feet down where it stays cold. Spring right after ice-out is prime time when they move shallow to feed. Once summer hits, you'll need downriggers or heavy jigs to reach them. What makes lake trout special is their size and that deep-water fight - they'll take long, powerful runs that'll burn your arms. The firm, pink meat is fantastic eating too. They're not fast growers, so big ones are truly special catches. Overcast days work best since they avoid bright light. My go-to technique is vertical jigging with spoons or paddle-tail swimbaits that mimic wounded baitfish. Here's the trick: vary your jigging cadence until you find what they want that day.
Oncorhynchus MykissWisconsin's rainbows typically run 8-24 inches and fight like fish twice their size. These beauties with their signature pink stripe love cold, clean water between 55-65°F. You'll find them in deeper pools during summer heat, but they move shallow during spring and fall feeding times. Look for them near rocky shorelines, undercut banks, and anywhere there's good cover. Early morning and evening are prime time when they're actively feeding on insects. What makes them special is that acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and test your drag like few other fish. Plus, they're excellent table fare with that firm, pink meat. Here's a local trick: when nymphing, keep your bait just off the bottom and watch for subtle strikes. These fish can be picky, so match your fly to whatever's hatching that day.
Lake Michigan