Inland Ice Fishing SE Wisconsin Reddy Guide

Full-Day Inland Ice Fishing – Southeastern Wisconsin

When winter locks up Wisconsin's inland waters, that's when the real fun begins. This 7-hour guided ice fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of southeastern Wisconsin's best frozen fishing spots with Captain John Reddy, who's been reading these lakes for years. You'll spend quality time on productive ice, learning what works and why, while staying warm in heated shelters that make all the difference between a good day and a great one. Whether you're new to hard water fishing or just want to fish with someone who knows where the fish are holding, this trip delivers the full Wisconsin ice fishing experience without the guesswork.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain John rotates between some of southeastern Wisconsin's top-rated inland waters based on ice conditions and where the fish are biting. Pleasant Lake, Como Lake, Turtle Lake, Geneva Lake, and Delavan Lake are all in the rotation, along with smaller glacial and kettle lakes that hold surprising numbers of fish. These aren't your massive reservoir-style fisheries – they're intimate waters where local knowledge makes the difference. You'll fish from heated Clam ice hub shelters that cut the wind and keep you comfortable while you focus on what's happening below the ice. The 7-hour format gives you time to really dial in techniques, move between productive spots, and experience the rhythm of ice fishing without feeling rushed. Groups of 1-2 anglers get the full attention treatment, though larger parties up to 10 can be accommodated with additional guides joining the action.

Gear Setup & Ice Techniques

All the essential gear comes included – quality ice rod and reel combos optimized for multiple species, plus tackle and equipment selected for these specific waters. Jiffy ice drills let the group stay mobile, punching fresh holes when the fish move or when it's time to try different depths and structures. The Clam and HT hook-setting devices are game-changers for maintaining proper presentations and improving your hook-up ratios – these aren't gimmicks, they're tools that serious ice anglers rely on. Warm gear is available if you need it, though you'll want to dress in layers since the heated shelters keep things comfortable. The approach focuses on effective jigging techniques, reading electronics, and understanding how these fish behave under the ice. You'll learn to work different depths, adjust your presentations based on fish response, and recognize the subtle differences in how each species hits your bait.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Northern pike are the aggressive predators of these inland waters, and they don't slow down much when the lakes freeze over. These toothy fighters often hang around weed edges and drop-offs, ambushing smaller fish with explosive strikes. Expect fish in the 20-30 inch range, with the occasional larger specimen that'll test your drag system. Pike hit hard and fight dirty – exactly what you want when you're looking for some action to warm up a cold morning. They're most active during low-light periods, making early morning and late afternoon prime time for pike action.

Walleye fishing through the ice requires finesse, but the payoff is worth it. These lakes produce quality walleye that typically run 14-20 inches, with fish relating to subtle bottom changes and structure that might not look like much on the surface. Walleye are notorious for light bites during winter months – you'll learn to detect those barely-there taps that signal a fish mouthing your bait. Evening fishing can be particularly productive for walleye, as they often feed more aggressively as light fades. The meat quality is excellent, making walleye a customer favorite for anglers planning a fish dinner.

American yellow perch show up in schools, and when you find them, the action can be steady and fun. These smaller fish are perfect for anglers who enjoy constant activity – perch often bite aggressively and provide great practice for honing your ice fishing skills. They typically range from 6-10 inches in these waters, with occasional jumbos pushing 12 inches or better. Perch tend to roam in winter, so finding them is part of the challenge, but once located they often cooperate well. They're excellent table fare and make great fish for newer anglers to build confidence.

Largemouth bass adapt their behavior significantly in winter, becoming more lethargic but still willing to bite with the right presentation. These lakes produce bass in the 12-16 inch range typically, with some larger fish available for anglers who know how to target them. Bass often relate to deeper structure in winter, moving slower and requiring more patient presentations. When they do bite, bass still provide that satisfying fight, just at a more deliberate pace. Many anglers are surprised at how well bass respond to ice fishing techniques when presented properly.

Time to Book Your Spot

This full-day ice fishing experience delivers exactly what serious anglers want – quality time on productive ice with a guide who knows these waters inside and out. At $750 for up to two anglers, you're getting 7 hours of guided fishing with all equipment included, plus the expertise that comes from years of reading these specific lakes. The season runs from January through March when ice conditions are safe, so there's a solid window to plan your trip. Just bring a current Wisconsin fishing license and dress for the conditions – everything else is handled. This isn't just about catching fish, though that's certainly part of it. You're learning a system that works on these waters, fishing in comfort, and experiencing why Wisconsin's inland ice fishing has such a devoted following among anglers who know good fishing when they find it.