Expert Wisconsin Lake Fishing with Curtis Guide

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Wisconsin
$325 - $500 price range

Summary

Ready for some serious freshwater action? Join Captain Mark for a full day of fishing on Northern Wisconsin's top lakes. You'll be targeting the big ones - Musky, Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass - across spots like Lac Vieux Desert, Lake North Twin, and the Eagle River Chain. Don't worry about gear; Captain Mark's got you covered with all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need. He knows these waters like the back of his hand and will adjust your approach based on what's biting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, you'll get plenty of hands-on time reeling in some impressive catches. Just remember to bring your fishing license, some grub, and something to drink. It's a great way to experience the best of Northwoods fishing without the hassle. Keep in mind, though, that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before booking.

Expert Wisconsin Lake Fishing with Curtis Guide

Big Northwoods Catches

Another Walleye fishing on Wisconsin waters!

Had a great day with 4 young men yesterday!

A lone fisherman reels in a 41-inch catch in WI

Fishing fun in Wisconsin’s top spots!

Ice Fishing success on the Wisconsin River!

Reel in the Big Ones: Northwoods Lake Fishing

Get ready to wet a line in some of Northern Wisconsin's most fish-filled waters. Captain Mark of Curtis Guide Service knows these lakes like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the hottest bites. Whether you're chasing trophy muskies or aiming to fill the cooler with tasty walleye, this full-day charter has you covered. With all the gear provided and Captain Mark's local know-how, you're in for a true Northwoods fishing adventure.

What's Biting Today?

You'll be hitting the sweet spots across several legendary lakes, including Lac Vieux Desert, Lake North Twin, and the sprawling Eagle River Chain. Each body of water has its own personality, and Captain Mark reads them like a book. He'll adjust tactics on the fly, switching from trolling crankbaits for pike to live-baiting for monster muskies. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility – as the conditions change, so does the game plan. You might start the day casting for smallies on a rocky point and end up vertical jigging for slab crappies over a deep hole.

Tackling the Tactics

Leave your gear at home because Captain Mark's boat is fully loaded with top-notch rods, reels, and a tackle box that'd make any angler drool. You'll get hands-on experience with a variety of fishing methods. Maybe you'll learn the finesse of drop-shotting for walleye or the thrill of figure-eighting a musky boat-side. The captain's got a few tricks up his sleeve, like using planer boards to cover more water or deploying the latest in fish-finding tech to locate schools. And don't worry if you're new to fishing – Mark's a patient teacher who loves showing folks the ropes.

Fish Tales from the Boat

"My son and I had a great trip with Mark. We put 4 Musky in the boat. Mark is very knowledgeable and also a great teacher to kids. I will be fishing with Mark again!" - Greg

The Big Five of Northwoods Lakes

Crappie: These tasty panfish are a favorite for good reason. In Northern Wisconsin, they can grow to true "slab" size, often pushing 14 inches or more. Spring and fall are prime times to target crappies, when they school up in predictable areas. Captain Mark knows the best cribs and brush piles where these speckled beauties hang out. Crappie fishing is a blast for all ages – the bite is often fast and furious when you find a school.

Walleye: The walleye is king in these parts, and for good reason. These golden-eyed predators are not only delicious but put up a great fight on light tackle. They're most active during low-light periods, so early mornings and evenings can be magic. Captain Mark might have you dragging nightcrawler harnesses along weed edges or jigging minnows over rocky humps. The satisfaction of feeling that telltale 'thump' of a walleye strike is hard to beat.

Northern Pike: If it's toothy critters you're after, northern pike deliver in spades. These aggressive predators are found in most area lakes and are known for their fierce strikes and powerful runs. Pike fishing here can be especially exciting in the early season when they're in the shallows. Expect to throw spoons, inline spinners, or big swimbaits. Landing a 40-inch-plus "gator" is a real possibility in these waters.

Muskellunge (Musky): The legendary "fish of 10,000 casts" calls Northern Wisconsin home, and for good reason. These lakes offer some of the best musky habitat in the world. While they can be challenging to catch, the rush of seeing a 50-inch beast follow your lure to the boat is unmatched. Captain Mark specializes in musky tactics and knows the seasonal patterns that can increase your odds of tangling with one of these apex predators.

Bluegill: Don't underestimate these scrappy little fighters. Bluegills might not be the biggest fish in the lake, but they're a ton of fun to catch, especially for kids or beginners. Northern Wisconsin's lakes are home to some real "bull" bluegills that can push a pound or more. They're perfect for ultralight tackle, and nothing beats a shore lunch of fresh, crispy bluegill fillets.

Time to Wet a Line

Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add a new species to your list or a newbie hoping to land your first big catch, this Northwoods Lake Fishing Charter with Curtis Guide Service is your ticket to an unforgettable day on the water. Captain Mark's expertise, combined with the rich fishing grounds of Northern Wisconsin, create the perfect recipe for success. Remember, the best fishing stories come from the days you actually go fishing – so don't let this opportunity slip away. Book your spot now and get ready to make some waves (and maybe break some personal records) on your next visit to the Northwoods!

Customer Review

Musky Magic Mentor

My son and I had a great trip with Mark. We put 4 Musky in the boat. Mark is very knowledgeable and also a great teacher to kids. I will be fishing with Mark again!

Greg Tonagel

September 4, 2024

Learn more about the species

Bluegill

Bluegill are perfect for introducing kids to fishing or just enjoying a relaxing day on the water. These feisty panfish usually run 6-8 inches and hang out near docks, fallen trees, and weed beds in shallow water. They're active all summer long but really turn on during their spring spawn. Bluegill are fun to catch on ultralight tackle and make excellent eating. Use small jigs, worms, or bits of nightcrawler under a bobber. My local trick is to chum the area with a bit of bread to draw them in, then drop your bait right in the feeding frenzy. Once you find a school, you can catch bluegill all day long. It's a great way to build confidence for new anglers before moving on to bigger species.

Crappie

Crappie are a popular panfish found in most of our lakes. They typically range from 7-12 inches and prefer hanging around structure like fallen trees or weed edges. Spring and fall are prime times to target crappie, when they move into shallower water. Anglers love chasing them for their tasty white meat and the fun, light tackle action they provide. You'll often find crappie in schools, so once you catch one, stick around - there's likely more nearby. A small jig tipped with a minnow is deadly effective. My go-to trick is using light line and a slip bobber to present the bait right at their depth. Be ready for their signature light bite - you might just see your bobber wiggle before it goes under.

Muskellunge

Muskies are the apex predators of our lakes, known as the "fish of 10,000 casts." These monsters can reach 50+ inches and put up an incredible battle. Look for them near structure like weed edges, rock piles, and points in 10-20 foot depths. Fall is prime musky season as they feed heavily before winter. Anglers chase muskies for the thrill and challenge - hooking one is a true accomplishment. Use heavy gear and big lures like bucktails, crankbaits, and jerkbaits. My top tip: focus on "figure 8" boat-side maneuvers at the end of each cast. Muskies often follow lures and strike at the last second. Stay patient and persistent - when that big girl finally hits, it'll be a moment you never forget.

Northern Pike

Northern pike are aggressive predators that'll give you an exciting fight. These long, toothy fish average 24-30 inches but can grow much larger. You'll find them lurking in weed beds, near drop-offs, and along shorelines in cooler water. Pike are active year-round, but spring and fall offer prime fishing as they move shallow. Anglers love targeting pike for their hard strikes and powerful runs. Use heavy line and wire leaders - their sharp teeth will slice through regular line. Large spoons, inline spinners, or live bait under a bobber all work well. My favorite tactic is casting big, flashy lures near weed edges and retrieving with occasional pauses. The strike often comes just as you start moving the lure again.

Walleye

Walleye are prized catches in our lakes, known for their excellent table fare. These golden-olive fish typically run 15-20 inches, though trophy specimens can reach 30 inches or more. They're light-sensitive, so your best bet is fishing low-light periods like dawn and dusk. Look for walleye along drop-offs, rock piles, and weed edges in 10-30 foot depths. They put up a good fight and have a unique bite - you'll feel a distinctive "tap-tap" when they hit. Jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers work well, but my local secret is slow-trolling crankbaits along deep weed edges in the evening. The fall bite can be spectacular as they fatten up for winter.

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