Expert-Guided Ice Fishing on Wisconsin Lakes

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Mosinee, WI
$375 - $475 price range
Updated Date: October 22, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a real Wisconsin ice fishing experience with Captain Cody Sirny. This 4-hour trip takes you out on frozen lakes like Big Eau Pleine or Lake Wausau to chase walleye, northern pike, and tasty panfish. Don't worry if you're new to ice fishing - the captain welcomes anglers of all skill levels and provides all the gear you'll need. Just bring your fishing license, some snacks, and warm clothes. You'll learn the ropes of setting up on the ice, drilling holes, and using specialized tactics to catch fish through the hard water. It's a great way to enjoy Wisconsin's winter wonderland while hopefully landing some impressive catches. The easily accessible lakes mean less hassle and more time fishing. Whether you're after a trophy walleye or a bucket of bluegills for the frying pan, this trip offers a authentic taste of Midwestern ice fishing tradition.

Expert-Guided Ice Fishing on Wisconsin Lakes

Wisconsin Ice Fishing Action

Perfect day for sunfish

Angler fishing in Mosinee, best great catch

Yellow Perch season in full swing

10 fish caught in Mosinee during a fishing trip

Casting for perch at sunrise

Muskie chase in Wisconsin waters

Wisconsin Ice Fishing: Walleye & Panfish Adventure

Get ready for a frosty fishing adventure on Wisconsin's frozen lakes with Captain Cody Sirny. This 4-hour ice fishing charter is your ticket to landing some of the Badger State's most prized catches, including walleye, northern pike, and a variety of tasty panfish. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, Captain Cody's got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need for a successful day on the ice.

Trip Overview

Bundle up and join Captain Cody as he takes you to the hottest (or should we say coldest?) fishing spots on Big Eau Pleine, Lake Du Bay, Lake Wausau, or the Wisconsin River's backwaters. This isn't your grandpa's ice fishing trip – we're talking modern gear, heated shelters, and fish-finding technology that'll have you pulling lunkers through the ice in no time. With room for up to three anglers, it's the perfect outing for a small group of friends or family looking to make some winter memories.

Ice Fishing 101

Never been ice fishing before? No sweat. Captain Cody's got all the bases covered. He'll set you up with top-notch ice fishing gear, including rods, reels, and tackle suited for the day's target species. You'll learn how to use ice augers to drill holes, set up tip-ups for passive fishing, and jig for active strikes. Safety's the top priority out here, so you'll be briefed on ice thickness, proper clothing, and how to move around on the frozen surface. All you need to bring is your Wisconsin fishing license, some grub, and a thermos of something hot to keep you toasty.

Why Anglers Are Hooked

Ice fishing with Captain Cody isn't just about catching fish – it's about the whole experience. Picture yourself surrounded by a winter wonderland, the crisp air filling your lungs as you wait for that telltale tug on your line. It's peaceful one moment, then heart-pounding excitement the next when a flag pops up on a tip-up. Regulars rave about Cody's ability to put them on fish, even when other anglers are getting skunked. Plus, there's nothing quite like the taste of fresh fish you've caught yourself, especially in the dead of winter when most folks are stuck indoors.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Walleye: The crown jewel of Wisconsin's ice fishing scene, walleyes are prized for their tasty fillets and the challenge they present. These golden-eyed predators are most active during low light conditions, so early morning or late afternoon trips can be prime time. Captain Cody knows all the deep holes and underwater structures where walleyes like to hang out. Expect to use jigs tipped with minnows or plastic baits to entice these wary fish.

Northern Pike: If you're after a true ice fishing trophy, northern pike are your target. These toothy critters can grow to impressive sizes in Wisconsin's lakes and rivers. Pike are aggressive predators, often hitting large minnows or suckers fished under tip-ups. The fight of a big pike through the ice is an experience you won't soon forget – just watch those fingers when you're unhooking them!

Perch: Yellow perch are the bread and butter of many ice fishing trips. These feisty little fish travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're suckers for small jigs tipped with waxworms or minnow heads. The best part? Perch make for excellent eating, with sweet, firm flesh that's perfect for a fish fry.

Bluegill: Don't let their size fool you – bluegills can be a blast to catch through the ice. These panfish are abundant in Wisconsin's waters and are often found in shallower areas near weed beds. They'll readily take tiny jigs tipped with waxworms or other small baits. Bluegills are perfect for introducing kids to ice fishing, as the action can be fast and furious when you find a school.

Crappie: Last but not least, crappies are another panfish favorite that can provide exciting action on the ice. These paper-mouthed fish often suspend in the water column, so finding the right depth is key. Once you dial them in, crappies can be caught consistently on small jigs or live minnows. They're especially active during low light periods, making them a great target for dawn and dusk fishing.

Time to Book Your Ice Adventure

Ready to experience the thrill of Wisconsin ice fishing? Captain Cody Sirny's got the knowledge, gear, and enthusiasm to make your trip a success. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer with tasty walleye fillets or just want to enjoy a unique winter outdoor experience, this ice fishing charter has got you covered. Don't let the cold keep you cooped up this winter – grab your warmest clothes, round up a couple of buddies, and book your spot with Sirny's Guide Service. The fish are biting, and the ice is calling – what are you waiting for?

Learn more about the species

American Yellow Perch

Yellow perch are scrappy little fighters, usually 7-10 inches long. You'll find 'em schooling up near weed beds, drop-offs, or submerged timber. They're active year-round, but ice fishing for perch is a Wisconsin tradition. Anglers love targeting perch because they're fun to catch and make for excellent eating. Light tackle is the way to go - I use an ultralight rod with 4-pound test line. Small jigs tipped with worms or minnows work great. Perch have small mouths, so downsizing your bait is key. They often feed near the bottom, so try a slip-bobber rig to keep your bait in the strike zone. Here's a local trick: if you find a school, drop a marker buoy and work the area thoroughly. Perch tend to stay put if there's food around. Remember, these guys travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Keep at it and you might just fill a bucket!

Bluegill

Bluegill are the quintessential panfish - small but feisty, usually 6-8 inches long. You'll find 'em in shallow, weedy areas or around docks and fallen trees. They're active all year, but spring and early summer are prime time when they're spawning in the shallows. Folks love bluegill fishing because it's easy, fun, and great for kids. These little guys put up a good scrap on light tackle, and they're delicious eating too. I like using a simple bobber rig with a small hook and worm or piece of nightcrawler. Tiny jigs work well too. Bluegill have small mouths, so keep your hooks and bait small. Here's a tip: look for their saucer-shaped spawning beds in shallow water during early summer. Cast near these "beds" and you're almost guaranteed to catch fish. Just remember to practice catch-and-release with the big ones - they're the best breeders and keep the population healthy.

Crappie

Crappie are fun little panfish that put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. You'll typically find 'em around 8-12 inches long, hanging out near structure like fallen trees or weed beds. They love to school up, so where you catch one, there's usually more. Spring and fall are prime crappie seasons when they move into shallower water. Folks enjoy targeting crappie 'cause they're tasty eating and you can often catch a bunch. They've got small, paper-thin mouths, so light line and small hooks are the way to go. I like using tiny jigs tipped with a minnow or soft plastic - work it slow near cover and you'll feel that telltale tap when they bite. Pro tip: bring a pair of needle-nose pliers to help get those small hooks out without tearing up their delicate mouths.

Northern Pike

Northern pike are the apex predators of our lakes, growing up to 40 inches or more. These toothy critters are ambush hunters, usually lurking in weed beds or near drop-offs. Spring and fall are great times to target pike as they move shallow. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. You'll need heavy gear - I recommend at least 20-pound test line and wire leaders to handle those razor-sharp teeth. Big spoons, inline spinners, or live suckers work well. Cast near weed edges or troll along drop-offs. Pike aren't picky eaters, so experiment with different lures and retrieves. Here's a tip: when a pike hits, don't set the hook right away. Let it run for a few seconds to get the bait deeper in its mouth. That'll help you land more fish and avoid bite-offs. Just be careful unhooking these guys - their teeth are no joke!

Walleye

Walleye are one of our most popular gamefish here in Wisconsin. They typically run 15-25 inches and put up a decent fight. You'll find 'em in deeper water during the day, moving shallow to feed in low light. They love hanging around drop-offs, rock piles, and weed edges. Spring and fall are prime walleye seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. Folks go crazy for walleye because they're challenging to catch and taste amazing. They've got sensitive eyes, so they feed best in low light or murky water. I like using jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers, working them slow along the bottom. Trolling crankbaits can also be deadly. Here's a local trick - try jigging over deep structure right at sunset. That's when the big ones often come out to play. Just remember, walleye have sharp teeth, so bring pliers to unhook 'em safely.

About the Sirny's Guide Service Boat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 42

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Get ready for a frosty adventure on Wisconsin's frozen lakes with Captain Cody Sirny! This 4-hour ice fishing trip is perfect for anyone looking to catch some walleye, northern pike, perch, bluegill, and other panfish. Whether you're new to ice fishing or have years of experience, you'll feel right at home on this charter. We'll head out to easily accessible spots like Big Eau Pleine, Lake Du Bay, Lake Wausau, or nearby backwaters of the Wisconsin River. No need to worry about gear – we've got all the fishing equipment and safety essentials covered. Just bring your Wisconsin fishing license, some snacks, and your favorite drinks. With Captain Cody's expertise, you'll have a great shot at landing some impressive catches while enjoying the unique experience of fishing through the ice. It's a cool way to spend a winter day in Wisconsin, surrounded by beautiful snowy landscapes and the peaceful atmosphere of a frozen lake.

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