Premier Wisconsin Ice Fishing with Curtis Guide

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Wisconsin
$325 - $500 price range
Updated Date: October 9, 2025

Summary

Experience the best of winter fishing in Northern Wisconsin with this 4-hour guided trip. Captain Mark knows these waters like the back of his hand, taking you to prime spots on lakes like Lac Vieux Desert, North Twin, and the Eagle River Chain. You'll be targeting cold-water favorites like Musky, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass. Don't worry about gear – all the rods, reels, and tackle are provided. Just bring your license, some snacks, and layer up for a day on the ice. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to ice fishing, Captain Mark adjusts his approach to suit your skill level and the current conditions. He'll show you the most effective techniques for each species as you move between promising locations. With room for up to 3 guests, it's a great way to spend a half-day outdoors with friends or family. Remember, weather and fish activity can change quickly, so flexibility is key to maximizing your chances of a good catch.

Premier Wisconsin Ice Fishing with Curtis Guide

Winter Fishing Action

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!

Winter Fishing Bonanza in Northern Wisconsin

Hey there, anglers! Get ready for some serious ice fishing action in the heart of Northern Wisconsin. I'm Captain Mark, and I'll be your guide on this half-day adventure that'll have you reeling in some of the best cold-water species our lakes have to offer. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, we've got the spots, the gear, and the know-how to make your trip a blast. So grab your warm layers and let's hit the ice!

Trip Overview

This 4-hour winter fishing charter is all about getting you on the fish, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way. We'll be hitting up some of the hottest lakes in the area - we're talking Lac Vieux Desert, North Twin, Kentuck Lake, Big Sand Lake, Long Lake, and even the Eagle River and Three Lakes Chains. Each spot has its own personality and fish population, so we'll pick the best location based on what's biting that day. You'll be targeting everything from hard-fighting Muskies to tasty Walleyes, with some Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass action thrown in for good measure. And don't worry about gear - I've got all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need to land the big ones.

Ice Fishing 101

If you've never been ice fishing before, you're in for a treat. We'll start by drilling holes through the ice using gas-powered augers - it's like giving the lake a bunch of little peepholes. Then, we'll set up our portable shelters to keep us cozy while we fish. Depending on what we're after, we might use tip-ups (which are like automatic bite detectors) or jigging rods. For Walleye and Crappie, we'll often use small jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms. If we're going after Pike or Musky, we'll set out some larger bait under tip-ups. The key is to stay mobile and keep trying different spots until we find where the fish are hanging out. And trust me, when that flag pops up on a tip-up, it's like Christmas morning - you never know what you're gonna get!

Top Catches This Season

Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately. Just last week, we pulled up a 28-inch Walleye that had everyone's jaws dropping. The week before that, one of my guests landed a 42-inch Northern Pike that put up a fight like you wouldn't believe. And don't even get me started on the Crappie action - we've been filling buckets with these tasty panfish, many over 12 inches. The key to our success? We're always adapting our techniques to match what the fish want. Some days they're biting on live bait, other days it's all about working a jig just right. That's the fun of it - every day on the ice is different, and you never know when you'll hook into the fish of a lifetime.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Crappie: These tasty panfish are a winter favorite. They school up in deep basins during the cold months, and once you find them, it's game on. We use light tackle and small jigs to tempt these silvery beauties. The best part? They're delicious when fried up for a shore lunch.

Walleye: The gold standard of Northwoods fishing. These marble-eyed predators are crafty, often biting best during low light conditions. We target them using jigging spoons tipped with minnow heads or by setting up tip-ups with live bait. Landing a chunky 'eye through the ice is a thrill you won't forget.

Northern Pike: The wolves of our lakes, Northern Pike are aggressive and always hungry. We catch them on large minnows or dead bait set under tip-ups. When that flag pops up, be ready for a battle - these toothy critters can grow over 40 inches long and put up one heck of a fight.

Muskellunge (Musky): The fish of 10,000 casts, even in winter. Muskies are the apex predators in our lakes, and hooking one through the ice is the ultimate achievement for many anglers. We use heavy gear and large baits to target these monsters. They're catch-and-release only, but the photo op with a giant Musky is worth more than any wall mount.

Bluegill: Don't underestimate these little fighters. Bluegills might be small, but they're feisty and abundant. We catch them on tiny jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes. They're perfect for kids or anyone who wants constant action, and they're just as good eating as their cousin, the Crappie.

What to Expect on the Water

A day on the ice with me is all about having a good time while putting you on fish. We'll meet up early, load our gear onto snowmobiles or ATVs (depending on conditions), and head out to our fishing spot. I'll get you set up with everything you need - from drilling holes to baiting hooks. As we fish, I'll share tips and tricks to improve your technique. We'll move around to different spots throughout the day to maximize our chances of success. And don't worry if you've never ice fished before - I'll walk you through every step. Just remember to bring your fishing license, some snacks, and plenty of warm clothes. Oh, and don't forget a camera - you're gonna want proof when you land that monster fish!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks come back year after year for our winter trips, and it's not just because of the fish (though that's a big part of it). It's the whole experience - the crisp air, the stunning Northwoods scenery, and the camaraderie that comes from spending a day on the ice. There's something special about huddling in a shelter, swapping stories, and waiting for that next big bite. Plus, the fishing here is world-class. Whether you're after a trophy Musky or a bucket of tasty panfish, our lakes deliver. And with my local knowledge and years of experience, I'll put you right where you need to be to make it happen.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's get you out on the ice! This half-day trip is perfect for squeezing in some quality fishing time without taking up your whole day. Remember, we can take up to three people, so grab a couple buddies and make it a group outing. Winter's the prime time for ice fishing in Northern Wisconsin, so don't wait too long to book - the best dates fill up fast. And while I can't control the fish, I can promise you a day full of laughs, learning, and some of the best fishing action the Northwoods has to offer. So what do you say? Ready to punch some holes and pull up some lunkers? Give me a shout, and let's get your winter fishing adventure on the calendar. Trust me, once you feel that tug on your line in the middle of a frozen lake, you'll be hooked for life!

Learn more about the species

Bluegill

Bluegill are abundant in our Wisconsin lakes, typically 6-8 inches long but sometimes reaching 10-12 inches. You'll find them in shallow, weedy areas and around docks or fallen trees. They're active all year, but spring and early summer are prime times, especially during spawning. Bluegill are perfect for introducing kids to fishing - they bite readily and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. They're also excellent eating, with sweet, flaky meat. One local tip: use small jigs tipped with waxworms or pieces of nightcrawler. Fish them under a bobber near cover, adjusting depth until you find the school. Once you get them going, the action can be fast and furious. It's not uncommon to catch dozens in a session, making for a fun day on the water and a tasty fish fry afterward.

Crappie

Crappie are a popular panfish in our northern Wisconsin lakes, typically 8-12 inches long and weighing up to a pound. You'll find them hanging around underwater structure like fallen trees or weed edges, especially in 10-15 foot depths. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we catch them year-round. Crappie put up a fun, light-tackle fight and are excellent eating - their white, flaky meat is hard to beat. Locals love targeting them for both sport and the table. One trick I like is using small jigs tipped with live minnows, fished slowly near cover. Let the bait settle, then give it subtle twitches. Crappie often bite on the fall, so stay alert for that telltale 'tick' on your line. With some patience, you can often catch a nice stringer-full for a fish fry.

Muskellunge

Muskies are the apex predators in our northern Wisconsin waters, growing up to 50 inches and 50 pounds. These elusive giants lurk in weed beds, rocky points, and sunken timber, often in 10-20 foot depths. Fall is prime musky season when they feed heavily. Muskies are known as the "fish of 10,000 casts" - they're challenging to catch but offer an unmatched adrenaline rush when hooked. Their size, power, and rarity make them a bucket-list fish for many anglers. One local tip: use large, noisy topwater lures like bulldawgs or creeper-style baits. Work them with a walk-the-dog action near likely ambush spots. Stay alert - muskies often follow lures and strike at the boat. When you hook one, hang on tight and get ready for an epic battle you won't soon forget.

Northern Pike

Northern pike are aggressive predators in our Wisconsin lakes, often reaching 2-4 feet long and 15-30 pounds. You'll find them lurking in weedy shallows and along drop-offs, especially in cooler water. Spring and fall are prime pike seasons. These toothy fish hit hard and fight like crazy, making them a blast to catch. Be ready for acrobatic jumps and powerful runs. Pike are good eating if prepared right, but many anglers release the big ones. One local trick: use large, flashy spoons or inline spinners and retrieve them with a stop-and-go motion. This mimics an injured baitfish and can trigger savage strikes. When you hook one, keep tension on the line and watch those teeth during landing - pike can slice through light line or flesh in a heartbeat.

Walleye

Walleye are a prized catch in our Wisconsin waters, growing up to 30 inches and 20 pounds. These golden-olive fish with distinctive eyes hunt in low light, so dawn and dusk are prime times. Look for them along drop-offs, rock piles, and weed edges in 15-30 foot depths. They're most active in cooler water, making spring and fall top seasons. Walleye put up a good fight and are considered some of the best-tasting freshwater fish around. That combo of sport and table fare makes them a favorite target. One local tip: try slow-trolling with a bottom bouncer and nightcrawler harness. Keep your bait just off the bottom and be ready for that telltale tap-tap-tap bite. Patience pays off with walleye - they often inspect bait before committing, so resist the urge to set the hook too quickly.

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