World Class Ice Fishing on Big Eau Pleine & Lake Du Bay
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourhour ice fishing charter targeting walleye and panfishAll gear, tackle, and safety equipment provided by guideMultiple lake locations including Big Eau Pleine and Lake Du Bay
When Wisconsin's lakes freeze solid and the ice reaches that perfect thickness, there's no better way to spend a winter day than pulling fish through the hard water. Captain Cody Sirny knows these frozen waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish across some of central Wisconsin's most productive ice fishing spots. This isn't your typical sit-and-wait ice fishing trip – we're talking about a guided 4-hour charter that covers Big Eau Pleine, Lake Du Bay, Lake Wausau, and the backwater areas along the Wisconsin River where the fish stack up thick during winter months.
Captain Cody runs a tight ship when it comes to ice fishing, and that means you're getting the full treatment from start to finish. We'll meet at one of the easily accessible launch points – no trudging through miles of snow to reach fishing spots. The captain scouts these waters regularly and knows exactly where the walleye are holding and where the panfish are schooled up. You'll be fishing with a maximum of just one other angler, so there's plenty of personal attention and room to work. Whether you've never held an ice rod or you've been punching holes since you could walk, Cody adjusts the approach to match your skill level. The gear situation is completely handled – rods, reels, tackle, tip-ups, and all the safety equipment come with the trip. All you need is your Wisconsin fishing license, some snacks if you want them, and layers to stay comfortable out there.
We're not messing around with basic ice fishing setups on this charter. Captain Cody brings quality rods with sensitive tips that let you feel every nibble, even through thick ice. The tackle box is stocked with jigs, spoons, and live bait that produce consistently on these waters. Depending on what we're targeting, we might be working tip-ups for northern pike while jigging for walleye and panfish. The depth finder helps locate structure and fish, but Cody's local knowledge is what really puts the odds in your favor. He knows which humps hold crappie, where the walleye cruise along drop-offs, and which shallow bays warm up just enough to get bluegill active. Safety gear includes ice picks, spears for checking thickness, and everything needed to fish these lakes with confidence. The holes get pre-drilled with a quality auger, so you're fishing within minutes of arrival.
The variety of fish swimming under Wisconsin ice makes every trip different, and that's exactly what keeps anglers coming back winter after winter. Walleye are the bread and butter of these waters, especially on Big Eau Pleine and Lake Wausau. These fish move into predictable patterns once the ice sets up, relating to structure and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. Most walleye here run 14 to 18 inches, with plenty of keepers and the occasional fish pushing 20-plus inches. They bite best during low-light periods, but midday action can be solid when you're working the right spots. Crappie school up tight in winter, and when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. These slab-sided panfish average 9 to 11 inches in these waters, with some reaching 12 inches or better. Northern pike add excitement to every trip – they hit hard and fight dirty, even in cold water. The backwater areas along the Wisconsin River hold some solid pike that average 24 to 30 inches. American yellow perch might not be the flashiest fish, but they're excellent table fare and fun to catch. They school in deeper water and provide steady action when other species slow down. Bluegill round out the mix, especially in the shallower bays where they stay active throughout the winter months.
There's something special about Wisconsin ice fishing that hooks people for life, and Captain Cody's charter delivers that experience in spades. The combination of multiple species, productive waters, and expert guidance creates trips that produce both fish and memories. These aren't crowded fishing spots where you're competing with dozens of other anglers – Cody knows the less pressured areas where fish haven't seen every lure in the tackle box. The 4-hour timeframe hits the sweet spot between getting your money's worth and not freezing your tail off. Plus, with all gear provided, this charter works perfectly for visitors who want to experience Wisconsin ice fishing without investing in specialized equipment. The variety keeps things interesting – you might start the day jigging for walleye, switch to tip-ups for pike, then finish with fast panfish action. Each species requires different techniques, so you're learning and staying engaged throughout the trip.
Wisconsin ice fishing doesn't last forever, and the best fishing happens during that prime window when ice conditions are safe and stable. Captain Cody's charter offers everything you need for a successful day on the hard water – expert knowledge of local waters, quality gear, and the kind of personal attention that makes the difference between okay fishing and a day you'll talk about for years. Whether you're looking to learn ice fishing basics, introduce someone new to the sport, or just want to fish productive waters without the guesswork, this charter delivers. The intimate group size means you'll get hands-on instruction, and the variety of target species keeps everyone engaged. Book your Wisconsin ice fishing charter today and see why these frozen lakes produce some of the state's best winter fishing action.
Captain Cody's 20-foot motorboat serves as your mobile fishing headquarters during the warmer months, but this ice fishing charter takes you right onto the frozen surface of Wisconsin's premier fishing waters. The Sirny's Guide Service boat, powered by a reliable 120hp Suzuki engine and equipped with GPS navigation and fish finder technology, helps locate the best fishing spots before ice-up. Once winter arrives, you'll fish directly through the ice on Big Eau Pleine, Lake Du Bay, Lake Wausau, and Wisconsin River backwaters. This 4-hour charter accommodates 2 anglers and targets walleye, northern pike, perch, bluegill, and panfish. All ice fishing gear, tackle, bait, and safety equipment are included - just bring your Wisconsin fishing license, snacks, and drinks. Perfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are Wisconsin ice fishing favorites, typically 6-10 inches with those classic golden sides and dark vertical bars. These schooling fish love structure - fallen trees, weed beds, and rocky areas in 10-20 feet of water. Once you find a school, you can catch dozens since they travel together. Winter is actually one of the best times for perch as they stay active and bunch up tight. What makes them special is the sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for a shore lunch. They're also great for kids since they bite readily and put up a decent scrap for their size. The key with perch is staying mobile - if the action slows down, move 50 yards and try again. They're constantly roaming, so don't get stuck fishing dead water. Small jigs with wigglers or minnow heads work best.
Lepomis MacrochirusBluegill are the perfect ice fishing target for families and beginners, averaging 6-8 inches with that classic pancake shape and colorful sides. These scrappy panfish hang around shallow structure - docks, fallen logs, and weed beds in 5-15 feet of water. They bite consistently through the ice and put up a surprising fight for their size. What makes bluegill special is how willing they are to bite and how good they taste - sweet, firm meat that's perfect for a fish fry. They're also great confidence builders for new anglers since you can usually count on steady action. Spring through early winter offers the best fishing, but they'll bite year-round. Pro tip for our waters: use tiny jigs with wax worms and fish right on bottom near any wood structure. Bluegill often stack up under docks and brush piles during winter.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are some of the best eating fish you'll find through the ice, running 7-12 inches and about a pound on average. Both black and white crappie live in our waters - blacks prefer clearer areas while whites handle murkier spots. You'll find them schooled up around submerged timber, weed edges, and drop-offs in 8-15 feet of water. Winter fishing is prime time since they stay active and group together. What makes crappie special is their delicate, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're not huge fighters, but when you find a school, you can fill the cooler fast. Here's a local trick: when you mark one crappie on the fish finder, drop multiple lines in that exact spot. Where there's one, there's usually a dozen more sitting right underneath.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the aggressive predators of our waters, averaging 2-3 feet long with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. These solitary hunters lurk around weed edges, bays, and shallow structures waiting to ambush anything that moves. Ice fishing is actually prime time for pike since they stay active in cold water and are easier to locate. What guests love is the sudden, violent strike and the strong fight that follows - pike don't give up easy. They're decent eating when prepared right, though most folks target them for the thrill. Just remember to bring a good net and pliers for safe handling. Here's something that works well in our area: set up tip-ups with large shiners near weed lines in 8-12 feet of water. Pike often cruise these edges looking for an easy meal.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the crown jewel of Wisconsin ice fishing, typically running 14-20 inches with those distinctive glassy eyes that help them hunt in low light. They love structure - rock piles, weed lines, and drop-offs in 12-25 feet of water. The bite really picks up at dawn and dusk when they move shallow to feed. What draws anglers back is the combination of a solid fight and some of the best eating you'll find in freshwater. That firm, mild white meat is perfect for a fish fry. Walleye can be finicky, but once you dial them in, they're worth the effort. My go-to tip for stubborn walleye: downsize your jig and slow your presentation way down. Sometimes a barely moving minnow on a 1/16 oz jig in the right spot will trigger bites when nothing else works.
Mosinee, WI