Night Walleye Fishing in Southern Wisconsin
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private 8hour nighttime walleye fishing adventure in Southern WisconsinExpert Captain Eric guides guests to prime nocturnal fishing locationsSeasonal availability October through January with all gear provided
When the sun goes down and most anglers head home, that's when the real action begins on Southern Wisconsin's lakes. Captain Eric knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why nighttime walleye fishing is some of the best you'll find anywhere. This 8-hour adventure kicks off at 6 PM and runs through the heart of winter walleye season, from October 1st through January 15th. You'll have the lake mostly to yourself, just you, one other angler, and Eric's decades of local knowledge guiding you to the hottest spots where walleye are actively feeding after dark.
This isn't your typical day trip – we're talking serious night fishing when walleye move shallow and get aggressive. Captain Eric provides all the tackle and gear you'll need, from jigs and live bait to the electronics that'll help us locate schools of fish. The boat's equipped with proper lighting for night fishing, and Eric's got the local knowledge that only comes from years of reading these waters. You'll learn why certain structures hold fish better at night, how water temperature affects walleye behavior, and the subtle techniques that separate good anglers from great ones. The trip runs Monday through Saturday, giving you flexibility to plan around your schedule. Just bring your valid Wisconsin fishing license, some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled through the night, and dress warm – winter fishing means layering up properly.
Night walleye fishing is a completely different game than daytime angling. Eric specializes in vertical jigging and slow trolling techniques that trigger strikes from fish that are actively hunting in the dark. We'll be using live bait presentations, often tipped with minnows or crawlers, working them just off the bottom where walleye cruise for an easy meal. The boat's fish finder helps us locate structure and baitfish, but it's Eric's understanding of seasonal patterns and feeding windows that really makes the difference. You'll learn to feel the subtle tap of a walleye pickup, how to set the hook properly, and the patience needed for consistent night fishing success. Winter walleye often school up tight, so when we find them, the action can be fast and steady for hours.
Walleye are the star of this show, and Southern Wisconsin's lakes produce some beauties. These fish are built for low-light feeding with their reflective eyes, making them perfect targets for night fishing. During the October through January window, walleye are fattening up for winter and can be incredibly aggressive. Most fish run 14-20 inches, with plenty of keepers in the 2-4 pound range and the occasional wall-hanger pushing 6+ pounds. What makes walleye fishing so addictive is their subtle bite – you've got to stay focused and develop a feel for their pickup.
Northern Pike are bonus fish that'll give you a completely different fight. These toothy predators lurk around weed edges and structure, and when one hits your walleye rig, you know it immediately. Pike in these waters commonly reach 24-30 inches, with fish over 35 inches always a possibility. They're aggressive year-round and will absolutely smoke a jig meant for walleye. The initial run and head-shaking fight makes every pike encounter memorable.
American Yellow Perch show up in schools and can provide steady action when the bite gets tough. These panfish are incredibly tasty and fight harder than their size suggests. Southern Wisconsin perch often run 8-12 inches, with jumbo perch over a pound caught regularly. They're perfect for keeping kids interested and make excellent table fare when you want a fish fry.
Muskellunge are the lake monsters that keep you on your toes. While not the primary target, these apex predators patrol the same areas where we fish for walleye. A musky hit is violent and unmistakable – these fish can exceed 40 inches and provide battles you'll never forget. Even catching one per season is considered success by most musky hunters, making any encounter special.
Largemouth Bass are year-round residents that stay active even in cooler water. Winter bass fishing can be fantastic, especially on warmer evenings when fish move shallow to feed. Southern Wisconsin bass grow fat and healthy, with 3-5 pound fish common and bigger bass always possible. They'll hit the same presentations we use for walleye, but their fight is completely different – more jumps and surface action compared to walleye's bulldogging runs.
Captain Eric's night walleye trips book up fast, especially on weekends when the weather cooperates. This top-rated experience combines the best of Southern Wisconsin's winter fishing with the expertise of a guide who's been putting clients on fish for years. The intimate 2-person capacity means personalized instruction and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Winter walleye fishing is some of the most productive of the year, and doing it at night when these fish are most active gives you a serious advantage. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with some of the best-eating fish in freshwater or just want to experience world-class walleye fishing, this trip delivers. Book now to secure your spot during prime winter walleye season – these dates fill up quickly once word gets out about the night bite.
Captain Eric's 19' Lund is your ticket to Southern Wisconsin's best nighttime walleye action. This sleek motorboat cuts through dark waters with a powerful 150HP Mercury engine, getting you to those prime fishing spots where walleye feed after sunset. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're working structure, while the fish finder reveals what's lurking below. With room for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work your jigs and live bait rigs. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your beverages cold during those long winter nights on the water. GPS navigation ensures you'll find your way back to the dock, even in complete darkness. All fishing gear is provided, so just grab your license, pack some snacks, and get ready for some serious walleye fishing from October through mid-January when these fish are most active.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are perfect for folks wanting steady action and a great fish fry afterward. These golden beauties with dark vertical bars typically run 7-10 inches, though we see some pushing 12+ inches in deeper water. They school up tight, so finding one usually means finding fifty. Look for them around weed edges, docks, and drop-offs in 8-20 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallow, but they bite year-round if you find the schools. What guests love is the non-stop action once you locate them, plus they're hands-down the best eating fish we catch - sweet, mild, and perfect for a shore lunch. Live minnows or small jigs work great, but here's my go-to trick: use a small teardrop jig tipped with a waxworm and jig it right off the bottom. The subtle action drives them crazy.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are scrappy fighters that'll give you everything they've got from the moment they're hooked. These green-sided bruisers average 12-16 inches in our waters, with some real heavyweights pushing 20+ inches around heavy cover. They love shallow, weedy areas with structure like fallen logs, docks, and vegetation lines - basically anywhere they can ambush prey. Spring through fall are your best bets, especially during the spawn when they're protecting beds in shallow water. What makes bass fishing addictive is their aggressive strikes and aerial fights - they'll jump and shake trying to throw the hook. Plus they're willing biters compared to more finicky species. The trick with bass is to fish slow and thorough around cover. Cast past the target and work your bait through it - bass often hold tight to structure and won't chase far.
Esox MasquinongyMuskie are the fish of 10,000 casts - our state fish and the ultimate freshwater challenge. These apex predators can stretch 40-50 inches and fight like nothing else in our waters. They lurk around weed edges, rocky points, and deep structure, preferring clear lakes with good forage. Fall is prime time when they bulk up before winter, though summer evenings can be productive too. What draws anglers back is the combination of size, fight, and rarity - landing a muskie is a legitimate trophy achievement. They're ambush predators with attitude, following lures for long distances before deciding to strike. The key is persistence and big baits - 8-12 inch lures aren't uncommon. My advice: always do a figure-8 at boatside even if you don't see a fish following. Half my muskie clients get their fish on that final move right at the net.
Esox LuciusPike are the aggressive bullies of our lakes - they'll hit just about anything that moves and put up a serious fight doing it. These toothy predators average 24-30 inches but can push 40+ inches in our better waters. Look for them in shallow, weedy bays and around structure like fallen trees or dock lines, especially during spring and fall when water temps are cooler. Summer pushes them deeper to the thermocline. What makes pike trips fun is their attitude - they strike hard and jump, making every hookup exciting. Plus they're active year-round when other species shut down. Just remember to bring a good net and pliers for those needle-sharp teeth. Here's the trick: after a pike hits, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. They'll often make a second run right at the boat, so be ready.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the gold standard for eating fish around here - that white, flaky meat with zero fishy taste makes every trip worthwhile. They typically run 12-20 inches in our waters, with those silver-reflecting eyes that help them hunt in low light. That's why we focus on nighttime trips from October through January when they're most active. During the day, they stick to deeper water around 15-25 feet near rock piles and drop-offs, but come evening they move shallow to feed. The fight isn't flashy, but they're smart fish that'll test your patience. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap bite, don't set the hook right away - let them take it and swim off a bit first. They like to mouth the bait before committing, and rushing it will cost you fish every time.
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