Expert-Guided Ice Fishing on Wisconsin Lakes

Ice Fishing Wisconsin: 4-Hour Winter Adventure

Ready to try your hand at some real Wisconsin ice fishing? Sirny's Guide Service has you covered with our 4-hour charter trips that'll have you jigging for panfish, battling northern pike, and chasing walleye through the ice. We've got prime access to some of the best winter fishing spots in central Wisconsin, including Big Eau Pleine, Lake Du Bay, and Lake Wausau. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time on the ice, our expert guides will make sure you have a blast and hopefully land some lunkers!

What to Expect on the Ice

Bundle up and get ready for a true Wisconsin winter experience! We'll meet you at one of our local launch points and get you set up with all the gear you need. Our heated ice shacks keep things cozy while we drill holes and set up your lines. You'll learn the ins and outs of reading your fishfinder, setting the hook on those light bites, and reeling in fish through a hole in the ice. With room for up to 3 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Just remember to bring your favorite snacks and hot drinks - food isn't provided, but the fishing action will keep you plenty warm!

Ice Fishing 101

New to ice fishing? No worries! We'll walk you through everything you need to know. We use top-notch ice augers to drill holes through ice that can be over a foot thick. Then we'll set you up with specialized short rods and light line perfect for detecting those subtle winter bites. We've got sonar units to help locate fish, and a variety of live bait and artificial lures to entice them. You'll learn to read the fishfinder, set your depth, and use different jigging techniques to trigger strikes. The best part? When you hook into a fish, you get to peer down the hole and watch it come up - talk about exciting!

Top Catches This Season

While every day on the ice is different, we've been having some killer action lately. Crappies have been biting like crazy in the deeper basins, with some real slabs over 12 inches coming up. The walleye bite has been hot in the early morning and late afternoon, with several fish in the 20-inch range. And let's not forget about those monster northern pike - we've had a few pushing 40 inches already this winter! Whether you're after a mess of tasty panfish for the frying pan or hoping to battle a trophy predator, we'll put you on the fish.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Crappie: These tasty panfish are a favorite target through the ice. They tend to suspend in deeper water during winter, often in large schools. We use small jigs tipped with minnows or plastics to tempt them. Crappies have paper-thin mouths, so a light touch is key when setting the hook. They put up a spirited fight on light tackle and are absolutely delicious when fried up fresh.

Walleye: The crown jewel of Wisconsin fishing, walleyes are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These predators have excellent low-light vision, making dawn and dusk prime time for catching them. We often find them near drop-offs or underwater structure. Jigging with minnows or using tip-ups baited with larger minnows are our go-to tactics. There's nothing quite like the thrill of seeing that tip-up flag pop up, knowing a big 'eye might be on the other end!

Northern Pike: If you're after a real battle on the ice, northern pike are your target. These toothy predators are aggressive and will hit large minnows or jigging spoons with gusto. We often find them in weedy areas or near drop-offs. Pike can grow to impressive sizes in Wisconsin waters, with fish over 40 inches not uncommon. Just be careful of those razor-sharp teeth when unhooking them!

Yellow Perch: Often found in schools, yellow perch are another popular panfish target. They have a sweet, mild flavor that many anglers prefer even to walleye. We usually find them near the bottom in moderately deep water. Small jigs tipped with minnows, waxworms, or plastics are deadly on perch. When you find a school, the action can be fast and furious!

Bluegill: These scrappy little fighters are a blast on light tackle. Bluegills often hang out in weedy areas or near underwater structure. We use tiny jigs tipped with waxworms, spikes, or small plastics to catch them. While they might not be the biggest fish in the lake, their willingness to bite and their tasty fillets make them a perennial ice fishing favorite.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about ice fishing in Wisconsin that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the peaceful quiet of a snow-covered lake, broken only by the occasional whoop of joy when someone hooks into a big one. Or perhaps it's the camaraderie of huddling in an ice shack, swapping stories and sipping hot coffee while waiting for that next bite. Of course, the chance at landing a true trophy through a hole in the ice is a big draw too. Whatever it is, we've got regulars who book trips with us every winter, and we're always excited to introduce newcomers to the joys of hard-water fishing.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the ice and experience some world-class Wisconsin fishing, now's the time to book your trip with Sirny's Guide Service. Our 4-hour charters are perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers looking to learn some new tricks or explore new waters. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to ice augers and shelters. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks). With our expert guides, prime location, and years of experience, we'll do everything we can to put you on fish and create memories that'll last a lifetime. Don't let another ice fishing season slip away - give us a call and let's get you out on the hardwater!