5.0(2 Reviews)Premium Weekday River Fishing Adventures in Fort Atkinson
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fourhour trips target walleye, crappie, and northern pikeChoose between Rock River, Lake Geneva, Delavan, or KoshkonongEvening departures available Monday through Thursday only
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't break the bank? Captain Motz has you covered with this 4-hour adventure that puts you right where the fish are biting. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, this Fort Atkinson-based trip gives you access to some of Wisconsin's best fishing waters. We're talking Rock River, Lake Geneva, Lake Delavan, and Lake Koshkonong – each spot hand-picked based on what's working that day. You'll be targeting everything from scrappy crappie to trophy walleye, with techniques that match the conditions and your comfort level.
This isn't your typical dawn patrol fishing trip. We launch between 5:30-6 PM Monday through Thursday, which means you can actually get through your workday before hitting the water. That evening bite can be absolutely phenomenal, especially during summer months when the heat drives fish deeper during the day. Captain Motz knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll adjust your departure spot based on recent reports and seasonal patterns. The trip covers up to two anglers, with room for a third person if you want to bring along a buddy for an extra fifty bucks. Don't worry about gear – everything you need is provided, from rods and reels to tackle and bait.
We're not just throwing lines in the water and hoping for the best. Depending on conditions and target species, you'll learn light tackle presentations, vertical jigging, and trolling methods that consistently produce fish. Light tackle fishing is perfect for crappie and perch – you'll feel every tap and headshake on these sensitive setups. When we're after walleye, expect to work jigs along structure or troll crankbaits at specific depths where fish are holding. For northern pike and musky, we might switch to larger presentations and heavier tackle. Smallmouth bass often require finesse approaches around rocky areas and drop-offs. Captain Motz reads water conditions, weather patterns, and fish behavior to put you on the most productive techniques for that specific day.
"Captain Motz made everything easy from booking to the trip itself. Knowledgeable and cordial, my family had a great time on the trip! Would recommend to anyone looking for a fun fishing trip in the area." - Shaun
"Captain Andrew got my grandson hooked up with a nice Walleye. Conditions that night, hot in the 90' and the water temp all most 80 degrees. Not the best time for eyes, but captain Andrew found the fish he wanted off his list. It was a great time for both of us." - Dave
Crappie are the bread and butter of many Wisconsin fishing trips, and for good reason. These slab-sided panfish school up in predictable spots, making them perfect targets for light tackle enthusiasts. Spring and early summer offer the best crappie action, when they move shallow for spawning. You'll find them around brush piles, fallen trees, and dock structures. Most crappie in these waters run 9-12 inches, with occasional slabs pushing 14 inches. They're fantastic table fare and put up a surprising fight on light gear.
Walleye represent the gold standard for eating fish in Wisconsin waters. These marble-eyed predators are most active during low-light periods, making evening trips prime time. They patrol rocky points, sand flats, and weed edges looking for minnows and crayfish. Walleye in this region typically range from 15-22 inches, with occasional fish pushing 26-28 inches. Their subtle bite requires attention, but once hooked, they make powerful runs that test your drag system.
Smallmouth bass are pound-for-pound fighters that will test your tackle and skills. These bronze-backed battlers love rocky structure, current breaks, and clear water. They're aggressive feeders that will hit everything from jigs to crankbaits to topwater lures. Smallmouth in these waters average 12-16 inches, with trophy fish exceeding 18 inches possible. Their acrobatic fights and hard-charging runs make them a favorite among sport anglers.
Northern pike are the apex predators of these waters, lurking in weed beds and ambush points waiting to destroy your presentation. These toothy missiles can appear seemingly out of nowhere, creating heart-stopping strikes that will have you scrambling for the net. Pike in this area range from 24-36 inches, with occasional fish pushing 40 inches and 15+ pounds. They're notorious for their aggressive nature and spectacular jumps when hooked.
Muskellunge represent the ultimate freshwater challenge – the fish of 10,000 casts. These apex predators require patience, heavy tackle, and precise presentations. Musky in Wisconsin waters can exceed 50 inches and 30 pounds, making them true trophies. They're most active during fall months, though summer evenings can produce follows and strikes. Landing a musky is a career highlight for most anglers, and proper catch-and-release techniques ensure future generations can experience these magnificent fish.
Evening fishing trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot. This half-day format gives you maximum fishing time without sacrificing your entire day, and Captain Motz's local knowledge puts you on fish consistently. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with eating-sized fish or chase trophy predators, this Fort Atkinson-based adventure delivers results. The flexible water selection means you're always fishing the most productive spots, regardless of weather or seasonal conditions. Don't wait until prime dates are gone – Wisconsin fishing is at its best right now, and these evening trips are producing some serious fish.
This well-maintained 1999 Ranger bass boat gets you right where the fish are hiding on Fort Atkinson waters. With a powerful 200HP Mercury engine that hits 50 knots, you'll spend more time fishing and less time getting there. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working those perfect crappie spots, while the GPS and fish finder help you stay on the productive water. Built for three anglers but running just two guests for extra elbow room, this boat handles shallow areas where walleye love to cruise. The setup is perfect for jigging structure or trolling the deeper channels - whatever the bite calls for that day.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are some of the tastiest panfish you'll find in our local waters, running 7-12 inches and about a pound on average. Both black and white crappie swim in schools around fallen timber, brush piles, and weed edges in 8-15 feet of water. They're most active during dawn and dusk, especially in spring when they move shallow to spawn. What makes crappie so popular is their delicate, flaky white meat - perfect for the dinner table. They're also great for kids since they bite consistently once you find a school. During our evening trips, try small jigs tipped with minnows near structure. Here's a local tip: when you catch one crappie, stay put and work that exact spot thoroughly. Where there's one, there's usually a dozen more waiting.
Esox MasquinongyMusky are the ultimate freshwater trophy - the fish of 10,000 casts. These apex predators can reach 40+ inches and put up fights that'll leave you shaking. They patrol weed edges, rocky points, and deeper structure, often following lures without committing. Fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before winter. What draws anglers is the challenge and prestige - landing a musky is a badge of honor that separates serious anglers from weekend warriors. They're catch-and-release fish, prized for the experience rather than the table. Use heavy tackle with 50-lb line and large lures like bucktails, jerkbaits, and big crankbaits. Work them slow and be ready for explosive strikes. My best advice: always do a figure-8 at the boat. Many muskies follow your lure all the way in and only strike during that final turn.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the ultimate ambush predators in our waters, averaging 2-3 feet long with those razor-sharp teeth and aggressive attitude. They lurk in shallow, weedy areas and along drop-offs where they can surprise prey. Spring and fall are prime times when they're active in the shallows, though summer evenings can be productive too. Pike are popular because they hit hard and fight dirty - expect jumps, runs, and head shakes that'll test your drag. They're not the best eating, but the thrill of hooking into a 10-pounder makes up for it. Use heavy line and a steel leader since those teeth will cut through anything else. Big spoons, spinnerbaits, and large crankbaits work best. Here's the key: when a pike hits, don't set the hook right away. Let them run with it for a few seconds, then set hard.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the hardest fighting fish in our waters, averaging 12-16 inches with that bronze-green coloring and red eyes. They love rocky areas, drop-offs, and current breaks in 6-20 feet of water, especially around Lake Geneva and the Rock River. Spring through fall they're active, but cooler water temps in late summer and early fall really fire them up. What guests love most is their attitude - smallmouth hit hard and jump like crazy, making every hookup a battle. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. These fish respond well to small jigs, tubes, and crankbaits worked around rocky structure. My go-to trick: when fishing rocky areas, let your jig hit bottom and hop it slowly. Smallmouth often hit on the fall, so watch your line closely.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the gold standard for eating fish around here, typically running 15-20 inches with those distinctive glassy eyes that help them hunt in low light. They hang around rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and weed edges in 10-25 feet of water during the day, then move shallow to feed at dusk. Our evening departure times are perfect since walleye become much more active as the sun drops. They're notorious for their light bite, so you need to stay focused, but the fight and table fare make it worthwhile. Their firm, mild fillets are tough to beat for a fish fry. Best technique here is trolling small crankbaits or jigging with minnows along the bottom near structure. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle "tick" on your line, set the hook immediately - walleye have hard mouths but let go quickly.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Motz made everything easy from booking to the trip itself. Knowledgeable and cordial, my family had a great time on the t...
Captain Andrew got my grandson hooked up with a nice Walleye. Conditions that night, hot in the 90' and the water temp all most 80...
Madison