5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Ice Fishing Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Full day ice fishing on Wisconsin's premier lakes and riversExpert guide targets panfish, northern pike, and walleyesSmall group experience accommodates up to two guests
When the lakes freeze over in Wisconsin, the real fishing season begins. I'm Cody Sirny, and I've been guiding anglers through central and northern Wisconsin's best ice fishing spots for years. This full-day adventure takes you to prime locations like Big Eau Pleine, Lake Du Bay, Lake Wausau, and hidden backwater fingers along the Wisconsin River. Whether you're bringing your kid for their first fish or you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your ice techniques, we'll put you on fish and make sure you have everything you need for a productive day on the hard water.
Your day starts early when we meet at the launch and I'll get you set up with all the gear you need. I provide everything from rods and reels to bait and tackle, plus I'll teach you how to read a Vexilar fish finder if you've never used one. We'll drill holes in productive spots I've been fishing for years, and I'll show you the subtle differences in jigging techniques that separate the pros from weekend warriors. The beauty of ice fishing in Wisconsin is the variety – we might start on a deep structure for walleyes, then move to shallow bays for crappie and bluegill. Each spot requires different approaches, and I'll walk you through reading the electronics, understanding fish behavior under the ice, and adjusting your presentation based on what we're seeing. Plan on being out from sunrise to sunset, and dress warm because Wisconsin winters don't mess around.
I supply all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need, but the real game-changer is learning to use electronics properly. The Vexilar will become your best friend out there – it shows you bottom contour, fish location, and whether they're actively feeding or just hanging around. I'll teach you how to read those red lines and adjust your jigging cadence accordingly. We use light action ice rods paired with quality reels spooled with 4-6 lb test line for most situations. Jigs range from tiny tungsten teardrops for finicky panfish to larger spoons and jigs for pike and walleye. Live bait is key in winter – we'll have minnows, waxworms, and spikes depending on what the fish are wanting that day. Ice thickness and safety are always my top priority, so I check conditions regularly and carry all necessary safety equipment. The shelters I bring keep us comfortable during the coldest stretches, and having a good heater makes all the difference when you're spending 8+ hours on the ice.
"My 9 year old son and I went ice fishing with sirnys guide service and had a amazing day. Cody was very knowledgeable about fishing the lakes and rivers in wisconsin. we had constant bites and my son was able to catch his first fish. He showed us how to use a vexlar, and had everyting we needed for a day on the ice. The whole experience was priceless to say the least. I'll definitely be setting another trip up this summer. 10/10 i will be recommending him to anyone I come across that is looking for a guide in northern and central wisconsin." - Jake
Crappie are absolute ice fishing favorites in Wisconsin, and for good reason. These slab-sided panfish school up tight in winter, often suspending over deeper structure or relating to submerged timber. Once you find a school, the action can be fast and furious. Look for them in 15-25 feet of water, typically holding 8-12 feet down. They're suckers for small jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes, and the key is a subtle presentation – barely lift and drop your bait. Crappie fishing peaks in late December through February when they're feeding heavily before the spawn. What makes them special is their willingness to bite consistently once you dial in the pattern, and a mess of crappie makes for outstanding table fare.
Walleye are the crown jewel of Wisconsin ice fishing, and these waters hold some genuine hawgs. They're typically found relating to structure – rock piles, drop-offs, and points – in 20-35 feet of water. Dawn and dusk are prime time, but I've had great success during midday in deeper water. Walleye respond well to larger presentations like jigging spoons and minnow-tipped jigs. The fight might not be spectacular, but when you're cranking up a 5-pound walleye through 18 inches of ice, your heart will be pounding. They're notoriously finicky eaters, so reading your electronics and making subtle adjustments to your presentation is crucial. Peak season runs from first ice through March, with February often producing the biggest fish as they start moving toward spawning areas.
Northern pike bring the aggression to ice fishing that many anglers crave. These toothy predators patrol shallow bays and weed edges, ambushing anything that looks like an easy meal. Pike fishing requires heavier tackle and steel leaders, plus you need to be ready for explosive strikes and bulldogging runs. They'll hit larger baits like shiners and chubs, and tip-ups are a deadly technique for targeting them. What I love about pike fishing is the visual aspect – you'll often see them cruise under the ice, and watching a big pike inhale your bait is pure adrenaline. They're active all winter long, though the biggest fish often come during late ice when they're feeding heavily before spring spawn. A 30-inch pike under the ice is a fish you'll remember forever.
American yellow perch are the perfect species for beginners and kids because they're aggressive biters and excellent eating. These schooling fish roam open water and structure edges, typically in 12-20 feet of water. Once you find perch, you can often catch dozens from the same hole. They love small jigs tipped with wax
This 20-foot Sirny's Guide Service boat cuts through Wisconsin's icy waters with confidence, powered by a reliable 120-horsepower Suzuki engine that handles winter conditions like a champ. Built for serious ice fishing adventures, she comfortably carries up to 2 anglers to prime spots on Big Eau Pleine, Lake Du Bay, and Lake Wausau. The onboard GPS keeps you on track to those hidden backwater fingers along the Wisconsin River, while the fish finder helps locate schools of panfish, northern pike, and walleye beneath the ice. Pro Guide Cody Sirny knows these waters inside and out, taking you to productive fishing zones that most anglers never discover. Whether you're targeting aggressive northerns or finicky walleye, this boat gets you there safely and efficiently, ready for a day of pulling fish through the ice.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are Wisconsin ice fishing staples, typically 6-10 inches with those classic golden sides and dark vertical bars. They school up in huge numbers around weed beds, drop-offs, and sandy bottoms in 8-20 feet of water. Ice season is prime time since they stay active and group tightly, making for fast action once you find them. Spring and fall are solid too when they move shallow to feed. Guests love perch because they bite aggressively, fight surprisingly well for their size, and taste outstanding - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for a fish fry. Kids especially get hooked on the steady action. These fish travel in schools of 50-200, so when you mark one on the finder, get multiple lines down fast. Small jigs tipped with minnows or wax worms work best. Keep moving until you find the school - they won't come to you.
Lepomis MacrochirusBluegill are perfect starter fish but still fun for experienced anglers, usually running 6-8 inches with some nice 10-inch slabs mixed in. They hang around shallow cover like downed trees, docks, and weed beds, rarely deeper than 15 feet. Spring through early summer is prime time, especially during their spawning period when males get aggressive and colorful. Ice fishing can be productive in backwater areas where they winter. What makes bluegill great is their scrappy fight on light tackle and willingness to bite almost anything. They're excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. Kids love them because they bite consistently and aren't finicky. Small hooks are key since their mouths are tiny - use a size 6 or 8 with worms, small jigs, or even bread balls. Work the edges of cover methodically since they group up in good spots.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are some of the best eating fish we target, running 7-12 inches and about a pound on average. Both black and white crappie populate our waters - you can tell them apart by the black's random speckled pattern versus the white's vertical bars. They school up in deeper water around structure like fallen trees, brush piles, and drop-offs, usually 8-15 feet down. Spring and fall are prime times when they move shallow to feed. Ice fishing brings consistent action since they stay active in cold water. What makes crappie special is their delicate white meat and how they fight - not overpowering but steady pulls that keep you engaged. Local tip: when you catch one crappie, work that exact spot thoroughly since they travel in groups. Often there's a whole school right underneath that first fish.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the wolves of Wisconsin waters, averaging 24-30 inches with plenty of 3-4 footers roaming our lakes and river backwaters. These ambush predators hang in shallow, weedy areas and around structure like downed trees and dock lines. Spring and fall are best when they're actively hunting in 5-15 feet of water. Ice fishing puts you right over their winter haunts. What makes pike fishing addictive is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll make screaming runs and jump clear out of the water. Those razor-sharp teeth mean business, so bring a net and pliers. They hit big baits hard - think large spoons, spinnerbaits, and tip-ups with suckers. Here's the key: when a pike grabs your bait, let them run with it for a few seconds before setting the hook. They like to turn the bait around in their mouth first.
Sander VitreusWisconsin walleye typically run 15-20 inches and make the best fish fry you'll ever have. They're picky about location - look for them around rock piles, weed edges, and drop-offs in 10-25 feet of water during the day. Those big reflective eyes help them hunt in low light, so dawn and dusk are money times. Spring and fall fishing is outstanding, but ice fishing produces some of our biggest walleye as they stay deep and active. Guests love them because they fight smart - long runs and head shakes - plus that firm, flaky meat is why they're called the best eating freshwater fish. The bite can be subtle, just a slight tick on your line. My go-to trick is live minnows on a jig, bounced slowly along bottom structure. When you feel that light tap, resist the urge to set hard - just lift steady and keep tension.
5.0 out of 5.0My 9 year old son and I went ice fishing with sirnys guide service and had a amazing day. Cody was very knowledgeable about fishin...
Mosinee, WI