Ice Fishing Charter for Walleye in Southeast Wisconsin
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Guided ice fishing charter targeting walleye and panfish speciesAll equipment provided including rods, bait, and heated sheltersExpert instruction from Captain Dale with decades local knowledge
When the lakes freeze over in Southeast Wisconsin, most folks think the fishing season's done. But that's when Captain Dale Helgeson gets really excited. This guided ice fishing charter puts you right in the middle of some of the best winter angling action you'll find anywhere in the Midwest. Dale's been working these frozen waters for decades, and he knows exactly where the walleye, bluegill, and crappie are holding during the coldest months. You'll spend your day learning proven ice fishing techniques while targeting multiple species in prime locations that only come from years of local knowledge. Whether you've never dropped a line through the ice or you're looking to step up your winter game, this trip delivers the kind of hands-on instruction and fish-catching action that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Captain Dale handles all the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters - catching fish. He'll have your shelter set up and holes drilled before you even think about getting cold. The portable shelters keep the wind off your back while you work your jigs and live bait in the most productive spots on the lake. Dale provides everything you need including rods, reels, bait, and tackle specifically chosen for Southeast Wisconsin's winter conditions. You'll learn how to read your electronics, understand what the fish are telling you, and adjust your presentation based on what's happening below the ice. The beauty of this charter is the personalized attention - with just three anglers maximum, Dale can work with each person individually to improve their technique. He'll show you the subtle differences between a walleye bite and a bluegill tap, how to set the hook through six inches of ice, and when to switch up your approach if the bite slows down.
Ice fishing isn't just about dropping a line and waiting. Dale uses modern fish finders and underwater cameras to locate schools and show you exactly what's happening beneath your feet. You'll work with sensitive ice rods designed to detect the lightest bites in cold conditions, paired with reels that won't freeze up when the temperature drops. The technique focuses on vertical presentation - jigging spoons, tungsten jigs, and live minnows at different depths until you find where the fish are feeding. Dale teaches you how to read the electronics, interpret what different marks mean, and adjust your depth and presentation accordingly. Safety is always the top priority, with ice thickness checked regularly and safety equipment on hand. The shelters aren't just for comfort - they create a controlled environment where you can actually feel those subtle bites that make the difference between going home empty-handed and filling your cooler.
Walleye are the main attraction during Southeast Wisconsin's ice season, and for good reason. These golden-sided predators school up in winter and feed aggressively when conditions are right. Dale knows the structure and drop-offs where walleye hold, typically in 15-25 feet of water near rocky points and mudlines. They hit hardest during low-light periods, making early morning and late afternoon prime time. When you hook into a walleye through the ice, you'll feel that distinctive head-shaking fight that makes them so popular with anglers. Most fish run 14-18 inches, perfect for the dinner table.
Bluegill might be smaller than walleye, but they make up for it with numbers and fight. These scrappy panfish school up tight in winter, often in shallow bays with vegetation or near deeper structure. Dale targets them with tiny jigs and waxworms, teaching you the finesse required to consistently hook these light biters. When you find a school of bluegill, the action can be non-stop. They're excellent eating and perfect for anglers who want constant action rather than waiting for the next big bite.
Crappie are the wildcards of winter fishing in Southeast Wisconsin. When Dale locates a school, they can provide some of the fastest action you'll experience through the ice. These paper-mouthed fighters suspend at various depths, often relating to standing timber or brush piles. They're notorious for soft bites that require sensitive tackle and quick reflexes. Crappie move around more than other species, so Dale uses his electronics extensively to track schools and keep you on fish throughout the day.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass don't shut down completely when the lakes freeze, though they become more lethargic and selective. Dale targets them near deeper structure and drop-offs, using larger presentations that appeal to bigger fish. Landing a bass through an ice hole is a unique challenge - they fight differently in cold water but still have that powerful head shake that bass anglers love. While you won't see the explosive topwater strikes of summer, winter bass fishing offers its own rewards for patient anglers.
This guided ice fishing charter combines Dale's local expertise with prime Southeast Wisconsin fishing opportunities that most anglers never get to experience. You'll learn techniques that will make you a better ice angler for years to come while targeting multiple species in proven locations. Dale provides all the gear, shelter, and knowledge - you just need to bring your fishing license, warm clothes, and a cooler for your catch. The small group size ensures personalized instruction whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your ice fishing skills. Southeast Wisconsin's winter fishing season is shorter than you think, and the best action happens when conditions align perfectly. Don't spend another winter wondering what's swimming beneath the ice - book your charter with Captain Dale and discover why ice fishing has such a dedicated following among serious anglers.
Captain Dale's 2022 Triton 206 Allure is built for serious walleye action on Southeast Wisconsin waters. This Mercury-powered rig comes loaded with four Lowrance HDS Live 12's featuring Active Target technology, so you'll see exactly where the fish are holding before dropping your line. The Lowrance Ghost trolling motor keeps things quiet when sneaking up on finicky walleye, while RAM rod holders and Nerka electronics mounts keep everything organized during the bite. GPS navigation gets you to the hotspots fast, and the VHF radio keeps you connected. With space for up to 3 anglers, this setup handles everything from shallow crappie haunts to deeper walleye structure. Captain Dale knows these lakes inside and out, and his boat is rigged to put you on fish whether they're suspended or hugging bottom.
Lepomis MacrochirusThese scrappy panfish average 8 inches but can surprise you at 12+ inches in our deeper lakes. Bluegill love shallow, weedy areas near docks and fallen timber where they school up in groups of 10-20 fish. Through the ice, we find them in 8-15 feet of water near structure. They're active year-round, making them perfect for winter fishing when walleye get finicky. What makes bluegill special is their willingness to bite and that spunky fight - they'll bend your rod despite their size. Plus, they're absolutely delicious with sweet, flaky white meat. My go-to tip: use small tungsten jigs tipped with waxworms and fish them slow. When you find one bluegill, work that spot thoroughly since they travel in schools.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are some of the tastiest fish we target, averaging 8-10 inches with occasional 12-inchers that'll make your day. Both black and white crappie inhabit our lakes, preferring areas with brush piles, standing timber, and drop-offs in 10-25 feet of water. Ice fishing season is actually prime time for crappie since they school up tight and feed actively in winter. They're known for that delicate, sweet white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Crappie can be challenging because they're often suspended off bottom, but once you locate a school, the action stays steady. My best advice: use your electronics to mark suspended fish, then drop small jigs tipped with minnows right to their level. Crappie have soft mouths, so keep steady pressure without jerking.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass in our area typically run 12-18 inches with some reaching 4+ pounds. These ambush predators love thick weed beds, fallen timber, and shallow bays during warmer months. While ice fishing isn't their peak season, we do catch them in deeper water near structure during winter. Spring and fall are prime times when they move shallow to feed aggressively. Bass are popular because they fight hard - jumping and pulling drag like fish twice their size. They're decent eating too, with firm white meat when taken from clean water. Here's a local trick: focus on the deeper weed edges in 12-20 feet where they suspend during cold months. Use live minnows on tip-ups and be patient - bass bites can be subtle under ice.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are the fighters of our lakes, averaging 12-16 inches with bronze-colored bodies and red eyes. These scrappy fish prefer rocky bottoms, boulder piles, and clear water areas. During winter, they move to deeper structure in 20-40 feet, though they're less active than other species under the ice. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're aggressive and fight incredibly hard for their size. Smallmouth are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish you'll encounter - they'll test your drag and make multiple runs. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's my local tip: when targeting them through ice, look for steep rock transitions and use small jigs with minnows. Fish slow and methodical since cold water makes them sluggish, but when one hits, hold on tight.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the crown jewel of our winter fishery, typically running 14-20 inches with plenty of 2-4 pounders mixed in. These golden-colored fish have excellent eyesight in low light, making them active during dawn, dusk, and throughout winter days under the ice. We find them along rock piles, drop-offs, and sand flats in 15-35 feet of water. Winter is actually peak season since walleye feed aggressively through the ice. They're prized for their mild, flaky white meat - many consider them the best eating fish in freshwater. Walleye can be picky, but once you dial in the bite, they're very catchable. Key tip: focus on structure transitions where sand meets rock or weeds. Use live minnows on slip bobbers and watch for subtle bites - walleye often just swim up with the bait.
Southeast Wisconsin