Many anglers will have their go to spots and baits, but remember that it's vetryst try new spots and baits.  Understand that the smallest swings in the barometer, weather changes, water and core temperatures could effect your success greatly. Varying  your retrieval speed, boat speed, and experimenting with different types of fishing line and baits will be very helpful in fine tuning your hook up on Smallmouth bass and Walleyes in Door County.

Underwater structure, relatively shallow water and wind blown shorelines will hold numerous bass. Water temperature greatly dictates where Smallmouth will be staging, and "spinner baits are a very good search bait allowing one to answer many of his questions to as where are the fish are". Pressure from many anglers will move Smallmouth around as the season begins. Do not let this discourage you, but rather look at it as a way to branch out and pay your dues to find where these fish have moved to. You will be able to capitalize on the strike zone to put big fish in the boat and into your camera frame!

Smallmouth are not stuck on one specific bait and technique. No two days are the same in fishing, and being diverse will help you greatly because you are allowing your self to find a certain groove by targeting these fish.  By throwing the same bait and using one specific technique or approach time to time will hurt your success at the end of the day.

As the water temperature continues to rise, the Walleyes will start moving into the reefs on the Bay of Green Bay until the water turns over and will eventually move back into the shoreline areas in the later part of August. Trolling crank baits or crawler harnesses will be the best bet for hooking up with Springtime Walleyes. Having a unit that is able to show and define structure and sonar, in conjunction with a chart map that shows contours and breaks, will be very helpful in deciding which areas to fish. Overcast days with the right amount of wind in the correct direction will be the best to target low light feeding Walleyes.

 We have open availabilty, and are looking forward to capping off a great spring and approaching summer! Always keep in mind that we offer a very instructional guide trip. it's always great to bring home a nice catch of Walleyes, but it is also very special to learn the waters of Green Bay and to get a full understanding of targeting Walleyes and Smallmouth bass. Always appreciate the fishery that we are provided with in order to pass it on to out future generation. Catch and release is always a good practice in order to maintain a strong and healthy fishing heritage! Good Luck to all this season and have a enjoyable time on the water! At Wacky Walleye Guide service we pride ourselves on helping those that are wanting to understand this fishery and build off of what they have learned at the end of the day! We always give 110% to not only find and capitalize on the bite, but to give the angler something to go home with and a appreciation for the sport of fishing!

Night Bite-Trolling-caught by a customer on April 8 (11 pounds 8 ounces, Catch & Release)

The weather and water temperature has been variable for the most part. As spring works its way through, we will find steady water temperatures and consistency while targeting big walleyes. As the walleyes have reached the post spawn period, they are making a transition and are ready to feed, trolling stick baits in shallow water along shorelines and structure will be very effective during the day, as well as the evenings. Trolling these shorelines is a very good search tool. This will allow you to cover a lot of water to pinpoint fish. As soon as you pinpoint them you can change up your fishing style and start jigging. This technique has been a big enjoyment for many and proves to be very productive. Post spawn walleyes equal a feeding frenzy and understand that these big female walleyes are relating to the bottom at this time. Working close to or off the bottom will be very beneficial to the angler, and will put numerous fish in the boat at the end of the day.

Day Bite-Jigging-caught by a customer on April 7, Catch & Release

Whitefish tend to feed heavily on gobies, blood worms, insects and bottom organisms. Over the last week, we have been able to capitalize on the hot whitefish bite, producing big numbers of whitefish. Another important piece of information to remember is that whitefish spawn in early winter in shallow rock or sand bottoms in less than twenty-five feet of water. Keying in on these important facts will allow you to understand where these fish are feeding, what they are feeding on and most importantly why they are in that specific spot.

We are looking forward to the upcoming colder temperatures to bring us substantial amounts of ice and memorable fishing experiences. We are also encountering walleyes in shallow water right along with schools of whitefish.  My previous statement that shallow water holds large masses of bait fish will explain why these walleyes are moving in on shallow water to feed. Walleyes typically move through an area in schools. Hooking up on a big walleye should be an indication that you should quickly re-gear and drop your bait back down, more than likely you will be presented with more opportunities to hook up on another big one. One way to understand fish better and jigging presentations is to watch how they react in their environment. Understanding the fish you are targeting will allow you as an angler to understand jigging presentations, and how to compensate day in and day out on the water.

The biggest piece of information I believe while fishing shallow water is being “stealthy or silent” if you will. Many anglers can relate to fishing pressure, and how the bite can easily be affected by this. Fish can spook very easy, whitefish in particularly spook like you cannot imagine. Drilling holes, ice traffic and so on will scatter whitefish, using an underwater camera to witness this theory will be an answer all in its self. Take the steps to prevent this situation by drilling all of your holes at once when you arrive at your ice fishing grounds, and at the end of the day, I can assure it will make a large difference in your success. A whitefish feeds on grubs, bottom organisms and small bait fish, taking this piece of information into perspective will tell you that working your jigs on the bottom will be your best bet for hooking into whitefish! “I am a firm believer to understand a bite and to be successful one must understand the species of fish”. Having the opportunity to target fish on an everyday basis as guides we are able understand these fish and when they are prone to feed actively and being able to stay on top of these bites.

As the day progresses fish make transitions. These transitions are dictated by water temperature, cold fronts, feeding patterns, and overcast skies. Whitefish, more times than not, will be very active throughout day time hours and feed heavily. Whitefish inhabit deep and shallow water. Setting up away from ice traffic and continuous noise on the ice will produce bigger numbers at the end of the day. Whitefish are similar to a big buck; they do not tolerate pressure and separate themselves from danger. Look for good ice and a quiet place to fish, and this will make for great success.

Another key concept with early ice walleyes is that they are responsive and very agressive. By jigging aggressively and finding the strike zones of these fish, this will factor greatly towards one's success. Remember that walleyes are creatures of habit constantly looking for food. with that being said a walleyes strike zone is dictated around water temperature."Do not limit your self and your jigging". Understand that being able to compensate for water temperature in a way that you either slow your jigging down, or  entice the fish with a more aggressive  jigging action, will make the difference at the end of the day.

BELOW IS A VIDEO OF AN EARLY ICE WALLEYE CUSTOMER AND HIS CATCH LAST JANUARY 2011:

Whitefish numbers are very strong and continue to be on the rise. As walleyes may present a challenge to ice anglers, whitefish continue to be a draw for many! As time goes, whitefish are continuously on the move and looking for food. Not only are whitefish ahead in numbers, but they taste great and are an absolute blast to catch, especially in deep water where whitefish are commonly found. 

Going back to the same spots every season-for whatever species you are in search of-is not always the answer. Although these spots may produce, it's always good to have other options if all else fails. Understanding a body of water and keying in on specific areas where giant walleyes or the fighting whitefish dwell will always be an advantage. Ice is always unpredictable and has a mind of its own, taking extra steps to ensure they safety of your life and the other members of your party is always important while fishing through the ice. 

Wacky Walleye Guide service has recently returned from the 19th annual St. Paul ice show, and it is looking like another great year with a lot of  new awesome products. We can't wait to put our Frabill ice gear and Jiffy ice drills to work. We are also proud to say that we have more new additions to our fleet of permanent heated ice shacks and Polaris crew cab rangers!! It's getting cold and ice is just starting to form in areas, so grab your gear and get ready to head out to the ice its coming fast!  BUT, most importantly, have fun and always be safe while taking to the ice. Good Luck Fishing!! Tight Lines!!!

-Contributed by Ice Guide, Aaron Pribyl-Wacky Walleye Crew

Our first event is the chance to film a show with John Gillespie!  This is a three night lodging/2 day ice guided package and you will have the opportunity to be on television with John Gillespie and Dale Stroschein!  Click link below for more info:

FILM A SHOW WITH JOHN GILLESPIE – JANUARY 22-25, 2012

Next on our calendar of events is the fun-filled Whitefish Weekend!!  This is a 2 night/3 day package – great for families, couples and buddies!!  We have a blast every year during this event.  Click link below for more info:

WACKY WALLEYE'S WHITEFISH WEEKEND – FEBRUARY 3-5, 2012

The last event we will be hosting this year is our information-packed Ice Walleye Weekend.  This event is BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND and we are looking forward to another great school in 2012!  Click link below for more info:

WACKY WALLEYE'S ICE WALLEYE SCHOOL – MARCH 16-18, 2012

If we don't happen to see you at one of these events, remember we do offer HEATED ICE SHANTY RENTALS FOR WHITEFISH or FULLY GUIDED ICE WALLEYE TRIPS OR ICE WHITEFISH TRIPS!  Dale Stroschein has been ice guiding Door County for 27 seasons in 2012, and wants to help you become a successful Door County Ice Fisherman!  Hope to see you this ice fishing season!

LODGING at Sand Bay Beach Resort puts you right on MAIN DOOR COUNTY ICE FISHING ACCESS AT SAND BAY!!  No need to trailer your ATV's or snowmobiles any further!  Roll right out of your suite and onto the ice!!!  BE SURE TO MENTION YOU ARE AN ICE FISHERMAN TO RECEIVE DISCOUNTED RATES!  And, whether you guide with Dale or choose to fish on your own, he will be happy to point you in the right direction, provide tips/techniques and give updates on ice conditions. AND, don't forget, Sand Bay Beach Resort has a heated, indoor FISH CLEANING FACILITY.

Click link for more info: WACKY WALLEYE'S WHITEFISH WEEKEND

Space is limited!  Reserve your spot today!  888-879-5548

GILLESPIE FISHING PARTY