Full-Day Inland Ice Fishing – Southeastern Wisconsin
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Seven-hour guided ice fishing on multiple southeastern Wisconsin lakesHeated shelters and professional equipment provided for all skill levelsTarget northern pike, bass, walleye, and panfish with expert guidance
When you're looking for a serious day on the ice that goes beyond just dropping a line through a hole, this full-day adventure with John Reddy delivers exactly what dedicated anglers want. Seven hours of guided ice fishing across some of southeastern Wisconsin's most productive waters means you're not rushing through spots or cutting corners – you're settling in, learning the lake, and really dialing in what works. From Pleasant Lake's consistent panfish action to Geneva Lake's trophy potential, we fish where the conditions are right and the fish are biting.
This isn't your typical ice fishing setup where you're shivering in a pop-up shelter hoping something happens. We run heated ice huts that keep you comfortable all day, which means you can focus on fishing instead of just surviving. The beauty of a full-day trip is the flexibility – when one spot slows down, we move. When the bite picks up, we stay put and capitalize. John knows these glacial and kettle lakes like his backyard, so you're fishing with someone who understands how weather, time of day, and seasonal patterns affect where fish position themselves. The variety keeps things interesting too – one hour you might be finessing walleye in deeper water, the next you could be setting tip-ups for aggressive northern pike in the shallows.
The right equipment makes all the difference when you're spending seven hours on the ice, and that's where our professional setup really shines. We use Jiffy ice drills that punch through ice fast and clean, so moving between spots doesn't eat up valuable fishing time. For the predator fishing, especially when we're targeting northerns, we deploy Beaver Dam tip-ups paired with HT hook-setting devices – this combo dramatically improves your hook-up ratio on those explosive strikes that pike are famous for. The Clam Ice huts aren't just about warmth either; they cut wind and create a controlled environment where you can work presentations precisely. All rods, reels, tackle, and gear come with the trip, and if you need warm gear, just let us know. The goal is keeping you fishing effectively from start to finish, not dealing with equipment issues or comfort problems.
Walleye are the crown jewel of southeastern Wisconsin's winter fishing, and these lakes hold some solid populations. During winter months, walleye school up in deeper basins and along drop-offs, making them predictable if you know where to look. They typically feed most actively during low-light periods – early morning, late afternoon, and overcast days work in our favor. What makes walleye so rewarding is their fight combined with their table quality; they pull hard in cold water and make for some of the best eating you'll find. Size-wise, expect fish in the 14-18 inch range with occasional larger specimens pushing into the low twenties.
Northern pike bring the excitement factor to ice fishing like nothing else. These ambush predators lurk in weedy bays and along structure, and when they hit a tip-up, the flag goes up and the adrenaline kicks in. Winter pike are aggressive and hungry, often providing the most action-packed moments of the day. They're also less spooky than during open water season, so they'll often hit presentations they'd ignore in summer. Most pike we encounter range from 24-32 inches, with the occasional bigger fish that really tests your gear. The key is getting your bait positioned just right in their strike zone and being ready for that explosive take.
American Yellow Perch might be smaller than walleye and pike, but they're absolutely crucial for consistent action throughout the day. These fish school heavily in winter, so when you find them, you often find a lot of them. They're also excellent for learning ice fishing techniques since they bite readily and give good feedback on your presentation. Perch typically hold in mid-depth ranges around structure, and they're most active during daylight hours. The beauty of targeting perch is the steady action – while you're waiting for walleye to turn on or setting pike tip-ups, perch keep your rod bent and your confidence up. Plus, they're fantastic eating and perfect for a shore lunch if you want to extend the experience.
Largemouth Bass provide a fun challenge during the ice season, though they're generally less active than other species in cold water. When we do connect with bass, they're typically holding tight to cover in shallower bays or around fallen timber. Winter bass require finesse presentations and patience, but landing a solid largemouth through the ice is always satisfying. They don't fight as hard in cold water as they do during summer, but there's something special about the technique and precision required to get them to bite when they're lethargic. Most winter bass run 2-4 pounds, with the occasional bigger fish that makes the extra effort worthwhile.
A full-day ice fishing trip isn't just about catching fish – it's about really learning the lakes, understanding how different species behave in winter, and spending quality time outdoors during Wisconsin's most beautiful season. With heated shelters, professional equipment, and a guide who knows exactly where to find fish when conditions are right, you're setting yourself up for the kind of day that reminds you why ice fishing is such a passion for so many anglers. Whether you're new to ice fishing and want to learn proper techniques, or you're an experienced angler looking to explore new water with local expertise, this trip delivers the combination of comfort, productivity, and genuine fishing knowledge that makes for a day well spent on the ice.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are the bread and butter of ice fishing in southeastern Wisconsin, and for good reason. These golden beauties with dark vertical stripes typically run 7-10 inches and travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. They hang out in 8-20 feet of water around weed beds, rocky areas, and near structure during winter months. Ice season is prime time for perch since they stay active and feed aggressively under the ice. What makes them so popular is the combination of consistent action and fantastic eating - sweet, firm white meat that's tough to beat. They're also perfect for families and beginners since they bite readily and aren't too challenging to land. Local secret: once you catch one perch, stay put and work that area thoroughly. These fish school tight in winter, and you can often pull a dozen from the same hole if you're patient.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass might surprise you as an ice fishing target, but they can provide some solid winter action in our local lakes. These chunky green fighters average 12-16 inches in our waters, with that signature big mouth and aggressive nature that makes them fun to catch year-round. During winter, they move to deeper structure - rock piles, fallen trees, and drop-offs in 12-25 feet of water. While they're less active than in summer, bass will still hit a well-presented jig or minnow on warmer winter days. What guests enjoy is the strong fight they put up, even in cold water, plus they're decent eating when handled properly. Bass are perfect for anglers who want to target something different during a long day on the ice. Here's a winter bass tip: work your bait slowly near bottom structure, and be ready for a subtle bite - winter bass don't always slam the bait like they do in summer.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the perfect predator for anglers who want some real action through the ice. These green torpedoes average 24-30 inches in our waters, with their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive attitude making every hookup memorable. You'll find them lurking in shallow bays with vegetation, near drop-offs, and around structure in 8-15 feet of water. Ice fishing is actually ideal for pike since they stay active all winter and are less spooky than in open water. What guests love most is the explosive strike and strong fight - these fish don't give up easy. While they're not the best table fare, the thrill of battling a Wisconsin pike through the ice is worth the trip. Pro tip from the local waters: when using tip-ups for pike, give them time to run with the bait before setting the hook. They like to grab and go, so patience pays off.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of the most rewarding fish to target through the ice in our local lakes. These golden-colored fish typically run 12-18 inches, with their signature reflective eyes that help them hunt in low light. They're usually found in 10-20 feet of water near rocky drop-offs, weed edges, and basin areas. Winter is actually prime time for walleye since they stay active under the ice and feed heavily during low-light periods. What makes them special is the combination of a solid fight and some of the best eating you'll find in freshwater - firm, flaky white meat with almost no fishy taste. Here's a local tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook immediately. Walleye like to mouth the bait first, so give them a few seconds to really take it before setting the hook firmly.
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