Half Day Fishing on Delavan Or Geneva Lake
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fivehour private fishing trip with 40year veteran Captain John ReddyModern 18' Alumacraft boat equipped with GPS and advanced fishfinder electronicsExpert instruction provided for all skill levels on prime Wisconsin lakes
When you book a trip with Captain John Reddy, you're getting more than just a ride on the water – you're tapping into four decades of local fishing knowledge. This 5-hour adventure puts you right in the heart of some of Wisconsin's most productive fishing waters, where Geneva Lake's crystal-clear depths and Delavan Lake's weedy structure create perfect hunting grounds for everything from trophy bass to slab crappies. Captain John runs these waters like his backyard, and he's built his reputation on putting clients on fish while teaching them the tricks that separate weekend warriors from serious anglers.
Your day starts aboard an 18-foot Alumacraft that's been rigged specifically for Wisconsin lake fishing. This isn't some basic rental boat – Captain John has equipped it with cutting-edge GPS and fishfinder electronics that let him pinpoint structure, track bait schools, and mark productive spots for return visits. The live bait well keeps your minnows and leeches in prime condition all day, which makes a huge difference when walleyes are being picky or when you need that perfect presentation for finicky crappies. Whether you're a complete beginner who's never held a fishing rod or a seasoned angler looking to dial in your lake fishing game, Captain John adapts his approach to match your skill level. He's not just steering the boat – he's actively coaching, adjusting techniques based on what the fish are telling him, and sharing the kind of local intel that only comes from spending decades on these waters. You'll learn to read the electronics, understand how weather affects fish behavior, and pick up presentation tricks that'll make you a better angler long after your trip ends.
Captain John's approach changes with the seasons, conditions, and what the fish are doing on any given day. Early in the season, you might find yourself casting jigs and soft plastics along rocky shorelines where smallmouth bass are staging, or working deeper structure with live bait rigs targeting walleyes that are just coming off their spawning areas. Summer fishing often means exploring weed edges and drop-offs, using everything from topwater baits during low-light periods to precise jigging presentations in deeper water. Fall brings some of the year's best action as fish feed heavily before winter, and Captain John knows exactly where they'll be stacked up. The boat's electronics play a crucial role in every technique – you'll watch schools of crappies appear on the screen and learn how to position your bait right in their faces, or see how bottom composition changes and understand why certain areas hold more fish. Captain John provides all the tackle you'll need, from ultralight panfish setups to heavy-duty gear for tangling with northern pike, but he's always happy to work with your favorite rods if you want to bring them along. Remember to grab your Wisconsin fishing license before you head out – it's required for anyone 16 and older.
The species diversity in these lakes keeps every cast interesting, and Captain John knows the specific habits and hangouts of each target fish. Largemouth bass are the headline act here, with both lakes producing fish that'll test your drag and give you stories to tell back home. These fish love the abundant weed growth and structure, and when they hit, they hit hard. Smallmouth bass bring a different kind of fight – they're scrappy, aerial, and absolutely relentless once hooked. You'll find them around rocky areas and deeper structure, and pound-for-pound, they're some of the strongest fighters in freshwater. Walleyes are the table fare champions, and both Geneva and Delavan have healthy populations that respond well to Captain John's proven techniques. They can be tricky to pattern, but that's where his experience really shines. Crappies school up in impressive numbers, especially during their spring and fall movements, and when you find them, you can often catch them by the dozen. Northern pike add an element of surprise to every trip – these toothy predators lurk in the weeds and along structure, ready to explode on your bait when you least expect it.
Largemouth bass in these waters average 2-4 pounds, but don't be surprised if you tie into something significantly bigger. They're most active during low-light periods and when weather fronts move through, often ambushing prey from heavy cover. What makes them so exciting here is their aggressive nature – when conditions are right, they'll absolutely crush topwater baits and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart racing. Captain John knows which weed beds they're using and how to present baits that trigger reaction strikes.
Smallmouth bass might be smaller on average, but they make up for it with pure attitude. These bronze fighters typically run 1-3 pounds in these lakes, with the occasional 4-pounder showing up to make your day. They're most predictable in late spring and early summer when they're shallow, but Captain John has dialed in deeper patterns that produce year-round. Their fighting style is completely different from their largemouth cousins – they'll jump, run, and generally do everything possible to throw your hook.
Walleyes are the reason many serious anglers book these trips. Geneva Lake's clear water and rocky structure create ideal walleye habitat, while Delavan's varied depths and forage base support a strong population. Most fish run 15-20 inches, with plenty of keepers and the occasional wall-hanger. They're notoriously finicky about presentation, which is where Captain John's expertise really pays off. He's mastered the subtle differences in jigging cadence, bait selection, and location that make or break walleye trips.
Crappies here grow fat and slab-sided, with many fish pushing the 12-inch mark and beyond. They school heavily during spring and fall transitions, creating fast-action opportunities that can produce coolers full of fish. Summer crappies suspend over deeper structure, requiring more precise presentations
You'll be fishing from Captain John's well-maintained 18' Alumacraft, a reliable workhorse that's been specially outfitted for serious angling on Wisconsin's premier lakes. Powered by a smooth Yamaha 90 HP outboard, this boat moves efficiently between fishing spots while staying quiet enough not to spook the fish. The roomy layout gives you plenty of space to cast, fight fish, and move around comfortably during your 5-hour adventure. What really sets this boat apart is the electronics package – modern GPS keeps you on the productive waters, while the advanced fishfinder helps locate schools of fish and bottom structure where walleye, bass, and panfish like to hang out. The live bait well keeps your minnows and leeches fresh all day, which can make the difference between a good day and a great day on Delavan or Geneva Lake. Whether you're casting to weed lines, jigging drop-offs, or trolling the deeper waters, this setup gives you the tools to fish like a pro.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are some of the best-eating fish in these lakes, typically running 7-12 inches and about a pound. Both black and white crappie live here, schooling around submerged brush piles and deeper weed edges. Spring during spawning season is prime time, but they bite consistently through summer if you find the schools. What guests really appreciate is the steady action once you locate them - where there's one, there's usually more. The flaky white meat is tough to beat on the dinner table. My go-to technique is using small jigs or live minnows around structure in 8-15 feet of water. Pro tip: crappie are more active at dawn and dusk, so if the bite slows midday, try switching to lighter colors and slowing your presentation. They're often still there, just being pickier.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the kings of our lakes, running 12-24 inches and averaging 1-4 pounds. These green fighters love shallow, weedy areas around downed trees and structure where they can ambush prey. Spring through fall fishing is excellent, especially early morning and evening when they're actively feeding. What makes guests love targeting them? They put up an honest fight with their famous jumps and runs, plus that oversized mouth makes for great photos. The meat's decent eating too if you're keeping a few. Here's a tip that works well on both lakes: when fishing thick cover, try a Texas-rigged worm and don't be afraid to work it slow. These fish will often hit on the pause, so give them time to find your bait in the weeds.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the apex predators here, averaging 24-30 inches with plenty of fish pushing 5-10 pounds. These toothy fighters lurk in weedy bays and around structure, using their explosive speed to ambush prey. Spring and early summer offer the best action when they're shallow and aggressive. Guests get addicted to the savage strikes and bulldogging fights - pike don't give up easy. They're decent eating if you know how to handle the Y-bones. The thrill is in their unpredictable nature and raw power. For success, use spoons, spinners, or large swimbaits near weed edges and drop-offs. Here's my trick for these lakes: when pike follow your lure but won't commit, switch to a smaller presentation in the same area. Often there's a smaller, hungrier fish nearby that will trigger the bigger one to strike out of competition.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the hardest fighting fish in these waters. They typically run 12-18 inches but don't let size fool you - they'll give you a battle with aerial jumps and strong runs. These bronze fighters prefer rocky bottoms and clear water, hanging around drop-offs and boulder fields. Summer and early fall are peak times when they're aggressive and feeding heavily. Guests love the challenge and the fight - smallmouth never give up easy. They're also excellent eating with firm, mild meat. The key is matching their mood to your presentation. When they're shallow in spring, topwater works great. My secret for tough days: try a tube jig in natural colors bounced along rocky bottom. These fish can't resist crayfish imitations, and that subtle action often triggers strikes when nothing else works.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the gold standard for eating, with those distinctive silver eyes that help them hunt in low light. They average 15-20 inches here, with some pushing 25+ inches and several pounds. These fish stay deeper during the day around rock piles and drop-offs, then move shallow to feed at dusk and dawn. Evening fishing is your best bet, especially from late spring through early fall. Guests love them for two reasons: they're challenging to locate and absolutely delicious on the plate. The firm, flaky meat has almost no fishy taste. For consistent success, try trolling bottom bouncers with nightcrawlers or leeches along structure transitions. Here's what works on these lakes: when you mark fish on the electronics but they won't bite, slow way down and get your bait right on bottom. Walleye often want it served on a silver platter.
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