Wisconsin Bass Walleye Fishing Reddy Guide

Largemouth Bass caught while fishing in AZ

Crappie fish caught while fishing in Peoria

One lake trout caught while fishing in AZ

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Wisconsin Bass Walleye Fishing Reddy Guide

Arizona

What you will be catching:

Crappie
Largemouth Bass
Northern Pike
Smallmouth Bass
Walleye

5-hour guided fishing adventure with 40+ year expert Captain John Reddy
Fully equipped 18' Alumacraft featuring GPS and advanced fish-finding electronics
Private instruction in casting, jigging, and trolling techniques for all skill levels

Trip Pricing and Availabilities:

Trip pricing information is temporarily unavailable.

Half Day Fishing on Delavan Or Geneva Lake

Picture this: you're out on the pristine waters of either Delavan or Geneva Lake in Wisconsin, rod in hand, with Captain John Reddy who's been reading these lakes like an open book for over four decades. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's a masterclass in Wisconsin lake fishing from one of the most experienced guides in the area. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned angler looking to up your game, John's hands-on approach and deep local knowledge will have you connecting with fish you might never have found on your own. The best part? You've got his undivided attention as the sole guest on this private charter.

What to Expect on the Water

Your 5-hour adventure begins bright and early, when the fish are most active and the lake is at its most peaceful. Captain John runs a well-maintained 18-foot Alumacraft that's been specifically rigged for these waters – we're talking modern GPS systems that pinpoint the most productive spots, advanced fishfinder electronics that show you exactly what's happening below, and a live bait well that keeps your presentation fresh all day long. You'll have your pick between Delavan Lake, known for its excellent bass population and clear waters, or Geneva Lake, famous for its diverse fishery and deeper structure. John makes the call based on current conditions, recent activity, and what species you're most excited to target. The season runs from ice-out in March straight through to November freeze-up, giving you plenty of opportunities to experience these lakes at their finest.

Techniques You'll Master

This isn't a sit-back-and-relax kind of trip – John believes in teaching through doing. You'll learn casting techniques that actually work in real fishing situations, not just what looks good in videos. He'll show you how to read the electronics, interpret what the fish are telling you through subtle bites, and adjust your presentation based on water temperature, weather conditions, and time of day. Depending on what's working, you might find yourself jigging deep structure for walleye, working the weed edges for bass, or trolling the open water for pike. John's got tackle boxes full of local favorites – baits and lures that have proven themselves on these specific waters year after year. He's not precious about sharing his secrets either; by the end of the day, you'll have a notebook full of techniques and spot locations that will serve you well on future trips.

Top Catches This Season

These Wisconsin lakes serve up an incredible variety of gamefish, each with their own personality and fight. Largemouth bass are the crown jewel of both lakes, with Delavan and Geneva producing some true giants. These fish love the extensive weed beds and rocky shorelines, especially during the warmer months from May through September. They're ambush predators, so expect explosive strikes when you're working topwater early in the morning or late in the evening. The fight is everything you'd want – powerful runs, aerial displays, and that satisfying weight when you finally get them to the boat. Smallmouth bass offer a completely different experience, preferring the rocky points and deeper structure. Pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in freshwater, and both lakes have healthy populations that peak during the spring and fall transitions.

Walleye fishing here is world-class, particularly during the cooler months of spring and fall when these fish move into shallower water to feed. They're the ultimate table fare – flaky, white meat that's perfect for a fish fry. Captain John knows exactly where they stack up during different times of year, and his presentation techniques consistently produce limits. Crappie might be smaller than the other species, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. Spring spawning time sees them moving into the shallows in big schools, making for fast action that's perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Northern pike are the wildcards of these lakes – aggressive predators that can show up anywhere and provide heart-stopping strikes. They're most active during cooler water periods and around weed edges, where they ambush unsuspecting prey fish.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

What sets Captain John apart isn't just his four decades of experience – it's his genuine passion for teaching and his intimate knowledge of these specific waters. He's witnessed these lakes change over the years, adapted his techniques accordingly, and built relationships with the fish populations that most guides can only dream of. The private nature of this charter means you're not competing for his attention or waiting your turn to ask questions. Every moment on the water is focused on making you a better angler while maximizing your chances of success. The modern electronics and well-maintained boat aren't just for show – they're tools that allow John to put you on fish consistently, regardless of conditions. Plus, having access to both Delavan and Geneva Lakes means he can always find productive water, even when one lake is having an off day.

The educational aspect is what really hooks people for repeat trips. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of lake fishing, seasonal patterns, and presentation techniques that will serve you well on any body of water. John's not the type of guide who does all the work while you watch – he wants you actively involved in every aspect of the trip, from reading the electronics to setting the hook. Many of his clients become lifelong students, returning season after season to continue their education and experience the changing dynamics of these remarkable fisheries.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're ready to experience Wisconsin lake fishing at its finest, Captain John Reddy's half-day trips on Delavan or Geneva Lake offer everything you need for success. With over 40 years of guiding experience, top-notch equipment, and access to two of the state's premier fishing destinations, this is your chance to learn from one of the best while targeting multiple species in some of the most beautiful water Wisconsin has to offer. Remember to grab your Wisconsin fishing license before the trip, and come prepared for a hands-on educational experience that will change how you approach lake fishing forever. Don't wait – prime

Learn more about the species

Crappie

Both black and white crappie call these lakes home, typically running 7-12 inches and weighing about a pound. You'll find schools of them around submerged brush, fallen trees, and weed edges in 8-15 feet of water. They're less active during bright daylight, so early morning and evening produce the best action. Spring spawning season is fantastic when they move shallow, but they bite year-round if you find their depth. Guests love crappie fishing because they're cooperative - when you find one, there's usually more nearby. They're also some of the best eating fish in freshwater, with sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My go-to setup is a small jig tipped with a minnow under a slip bobber. The key is staying patient and letting them take the bait completely before setting the hook. They have soft mouths, so keep steady pressure rather than trying to horse them in.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are the kings of both lakes, running 12-24 inches and weighing 1-4 pounds on average. These olive-green fighters love shallow, weedy areas and structure like downed trees or rock piles. Spring and fall are prime time when they're active in warmer water, but summer finds them deeper during midday heat. What makes them special? That famous bucket mouth and the aerial show they put on when hooked - they'll jump and fight hard. Plus, they're decent eating when handled right. The meat's firm and mild, though many folks prefer catch and release. My local trick: when the water hits 60°F in spring, target the north shorelines where it warms first. Use anything that mimics a bluegill - spinnerbaits, soft plastics, or topwater lures work great. These bass aren't spooky, so don't be afraid to make noise with your lure.

Northern Pike

Northern pike are the apex predators in these waters, averaging 24-30 inches with teeth that'll cut through most lines. Look for them in weedy bays, around structure, and anywhere baitfish congregate. They ambush prey from cover, so cast near fallen trees, weed edges, and shallow flats. Spring and fall are best when they're active in cooler water, though they bite year-round if you find them. Pike are pure adrenaline - explosive strikes, aerial jumps, and bulldog runs that'll test your gear. While not everyone keeps them, smaller pike are actually good eating when prepared right. The key is using a steel leader because those razor teeth will slice through mono or braid instantly. I like big spoons, spinnerbaits, or live suckers on a quick-strike rig. Cast past your target and retrieve through the strike zone - pike rarely miss what they want. When one hits, keep steady pressure and get ready for a wild ride.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the hardest fighting fish in these waters. They average 12-16 inches and prefer rocky bottoms, points, and drop-offs in clear water. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're shallow and aggressive, while summer finds them deeper but still catchable. What sets them apart is their incredible fight - they'll jump, run, and never give up until they're in the net. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's less "muddy" tasting than largemouth. These bronze fighters love cooler water and rocky structure, so focus on points and boulder fields. My favorite technique is dragging tube jigs or small crankbaits along rocky bottom in 10-20 feet of water. The bite is often subtle - more like picking up a wet rag than a hard strike. When you feel that weight, set the hook immediately. Use medium tackle because they'll test your drag system every time.

Walleye

Walleye are the gold standard for eating and sport fishing on these lakes. Most run 14-20 inches, with those reflective eyes that help them hunt in low light. They prefer deeper water during the day - look for them along drop-offs, rock piles, and weed edges in 15-25 feet. Evening and early morning are prime time when they move shallow to feed. Summer can be tougher as they go deeper, but they're active spring through fall. Guests appreciate walleye because they're challenging to locate but rewarding to catch, plus they're absolutely delicious - firm, white, flaky meat with no fishy taste. The trick on these lakes is finding the right depth and structure combination. I like trolling crankbaits along the breaklines or jigging with live minnows near bottom. Once you dial in their pattern for the day, you can usually stay on them. Use your electronics to mark schools of baitfish - that's where the walleye will be.

About the Alumacraft 18'

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 28

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 90

Captain John Reddy's updated 18' Alumacraft is your ticket to productive fishing on Wisconsin's premier lakes. This well-maintained boat comes loaded with modern GPS and advanced fishfinder electronics that'll put you right on top of the fish. The live bait well keeps your tackle fresh and lively throughout the 5-hour adventure. Built for comfort and efficiency, this aluminum workhorse handles everything from casting in the shallows to trolling deeper waters. Captain John's four decades of local knowledge means you'll hit the hottest spots on either Delavan or Geneva Lake, depending on conditions and what's biting. The boat's stable platform makes it perfect for anglers just starting out or seasoned pros looking to dial in their technique. Modern electronics take the guesswork out of finding fish, while the spacious layout gives you plenty of room to land that trophy bass or walleye. Whether you're jigging structure or working the weed lines, this setup gives you every advantage for a successful day on the water.