Full Day Wisconsin River Guided Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Eight-hour guided float targeting trophy muskie and northern pikeProfessional raft accommodates two guests with all tackle includedSeasonal autumn trip through prime Wisconsin river systems
When autumn hits Wisconsin and the leaves start turning, serious anglers know it's time to get on the water for some of the best muskie and northern pike fishing of the year. This eight-hour guided float trip with Nick from Upriver Anglers is your ticket to trophy fish during the prime October and November window. Running through some of Wisconsin's most productive river systems - the St. Croix, Chippewa, and Flambeau - this top-rated experience puts you right where the big fish are feeding before winter sets in. Whether you're slinging flies or working conventional tackle, you'll be fishing proven waters with a guide who knows every pool, eddy, and structure that holds fish.
Your day kicks off at 8 a.m. sharp, which isn't just about getting an early start - it's about hitting the water when conditions are prime and the fish are most active. Nick runs a 14-foot Down River Equipment raft that's built for these river systems, giving you the stability and maneuverability needed to work the best spots effectively. The beauty of this drift is that you're constantly moving through new water, covering miles of productive fishery that most anglers never see from shore. With space for just two guests, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to work your casts without bumping elbows. The seasonal timing is everything here - these autumn months offer cooler water temps that fire up the predator species, and the changing conditions concentrate baitfish in predictable areas where the big fish ambush them.
Nick provides all the essential tackle - rods, reels, and terminal gear are included, so you don't need to stress about having the right setup. While fly fishing is the primary approach, and honestly the most effective way to cover water and trigger strikes from these apex predators, conventional light tackle is available if that's more your speed. The fly fishing approach lets you work streamers through structure and drop-offs where muskies and northerns hang out, and the presentation often triggers reaction strikes that other methods miss. When you're drifting through prime holding water, being able to quickly adjust your presentation - whether that's speeding up a retrieve or letting a fly sink deeper into a hole - can make the difference between a follow and a hookup. The guide's local knowledge of each river system means you'll be fishing the techniques that work best for specific stretches, from working the heads of pools to targeting undercut banks where the biggest fish lurk.
Muskellunge are the crown jewel of this fishery and the reason many anglers make this their annual pilgrimage. These apex predators can stretch over 40 inches and easily top 20 pounds in these river systems, with fish over 50 inches caught every season. October and November are prime time because muskies are feeding heavily before winter, and the cooler water temperatures make them more active during daylight hours. What makes hooking a muskie so special isn't just the size - it's the explosive strike and the fight that follows. These fish are smart, they'll follow your lure for dozens of casts before deciding to eat, and when they do commit, it's pure chaos. The figure-eight technique at the end of each cast becomes second nature, and that moment when a massive muskie materializes behind your fly gets your heart pounding every time.
Northern Pike are the other main target, and while they might not have the mystique of muskies, they more than make up for it in aggression and numbers. These river systems hold pike in the 24 to 36-inch range regularly, with bigger fish always possible. Pike are ambush predators that love the structure and vegetation along these riverbanks, and autumn finds them schooled up in predictable areas. What's great about targeting pike is their willingness to eat - they're not nearly as finicky as muskies, and a well-presented streamer will often get crushed on the first cast to a good-looking spot. The strikes are violent, the initial runs are blistering, and their aerial displays keep things exciting throughout the fight.
Smallmouth Bass add another dimension to this trip, especially in the rocky sections and current breaks of these river systems. Wisconsin smallmouths are chunky, bronze-colored fighters that punch well above their weight class. Fall smallmouths are fattened up and aggressive, often found in schools around rocky structure and drop-offs. A 16 to 18-inch smallmouth on light tackle provides some of the best pound-for-pound fighting you'll find in freshwater, with their characteristic jumping and bulldogging runs that test your drag and your reflexes.
Largemouth Bass round out the mix, typically found in the slower, more vegetated sections of these rivers. While they might not be the primary target, autumn largemouths are hefty and often surprise anglers with their size. These fish have been feeding all summer and are at their peak condition, making them strong fighters that use every piece of cover to their advantage during the battle.
This world-class Wisconsin river fishing experience books up fast once word gets out about the fall bite. With only two spots available per trip and a limited season window, securing your dates early is crucial. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks for the day, plus make sure you've got a valid Wisconsin fishing license before you hit the water. The meeting point gets coordinated directly with Nick, so you'll get specific directions and any last-minute updates on conditions. This isn't just another guided trip - it's your chance to fish some of Wisconsin's best trophy water with a guide who lives and breathes these river systems. Whether you're chasing your first muskie, looking to land a personal best northern, or just want to experience the magic of autumn fishing in Wisconsin, this full-day adventure delivers the goods. Contact Upriver Anglers today and get yourself on the calendar for what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime.
Float Wisconsin's legendary waters in our 14-foot Down River Equipment raft, built specifically for quiet approaches to trophy muskie and northern pike. This stable, maneuverable vessel lets you work the water without spooking fish, perfect for accessing those hard-to-reach honey holes on the St. Croix, Chippewa, and Flambeau rivers. Designed for serious anglers, it seats two guests plus your guide comfortably, giving everyone room to cast without tangling lines. Whether you're throwing flies or working conventional tackle, this raft gets you into prime fishing territory while staying low-profile on the water. The shallow draft means we can drift right over structure where the big ones hide, and the open layout gives you 360-degree fishing access as we work downstream through Wisconsin's premier muskie country.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass in these backwater areas typically run 12-18 inches, with 2-4 pound fish common in the deeper holes and slack water sections. They prefer weedy cover, fallen timber, and muddy bottoms where they can ambush prey. While our trips focus on muskie and pike, largemouth are active during the warmer October days when they're still feeding aggressively. They're scrappy fighters that'll jump and shake their heads trying to throw your hooks. The meat is decent if you keep them from clean water, though most folks release them. These fish aren't spooky - they'll often hit right next to the boat. Since we're primarily fly fishing, use poppers and streamers that imitate frogs or baitfish. A good trick: if you see them busting baitfish on the surface, throw something with flash and retrieve it erratically. Largemouth can't resist an easy meal that looks wounded.
Esox MasquinongyMuskellunge are the apex predator in these river systems - true trophies that commonly hit 40+ inches and can push 50. They patrol deep pools, undercut banks, and current seams where big baitfish congregate. Fall fishing from October into November is peak season as they bulk up before winter, becoming more aggressive and willing to chase larger presentations. What draws anglers is the challenge - muskies are called "the fish of 10,000 casts" for good reason. When one hits, it's explosive. They jump, thrash, and use every trick to throw your hooks. The size alone is impressive, but it's that unpredictable nature that keeps you coming back. These aren't eating fish - it's pure sport. Most important tip: use barbless hooks and heavy fluorocarbon leaders. When you see a follow, don't panic. Keep working that lure in a figure-8 pattern right to the boat - that's when they often decide to eat.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike in these waters average 24-30 inches, but we see plenty of 36+ inch fish that'll test your gear. They lurk in weed edges, back bays, and slack water areas along the main channels. October through November is perfect timing - they're aggressive and feeding hard before ice-up, plus the cooler water gets them active all day. Pike are pure predators with razor teeth and an attitude to match. They hit hard, make blistering runs, and always keep you guessing. The fight is raw power - no fancy jumps, just bulldogging strength. While they're not great table fare, the sport is what brings folks back. Wire leaders are non-negotiable with these toothy critters. My go-to trick: when a pike follows your lure but won't commit, do a figure-8 right at the boat. That sudden direction change triggers their strike instinct like nothing else.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass run 12-20 inches in these Wisconsin rivers, with the occasional 3-4 pounder that'll make your drag scream. They love rocky bottoms and current breaks - look for them around boulders and drop-offs where they ambush crayfish and minnows. October and November fishing is prime time as they feed heavily before winter, especially on those warm afternoons when the water temps hold steady. What makes smallmouth special is their fight - pound for pound, they're scrappier than any bass you'll hook. They jump, run, and use the current against you. The meat's firm and tasty too, with a clean flavor that beats largemouth every time. Here's a tip that works on these river systems: cast your fly or lure upstream of the structure and let it drift naturally past where they're holding. They can't resist something that looks injured.
St. Croix River