Ready to reel in some of Wisconsin's finest freshwater fish? Buckle up, because Keep It Reelin' Guide Service is about to take you on a fishing trip you won't forget. Based in Wisconsin Rapids, we're smack dab in the heart of walleye country. Our private trips put you right where the action is, targeting walleye, crappie, and northern pike in the area's top lakes and reservoirs. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we've got everything you need for a day of pure fishing bliss.
Picture this: You're out on a glassy Wisconsin lake, the sun's just peeking over the treeline, and your line suddenly goes taut. That's the kind of excitement we deliver day in and day out. Our trips are tailored for 1-2 anglers, with room for a third if you want to bring along an extra buddy (just toss in an extra $50). We've got full-day and half-day options, so you can choose how long you want to be out chasing the big ones. And the best part? We provide all the gear. Just bring your fishing license, some snacks, and your favorite drinks. We'll handle the rest, from the boat to the bait.
Fishing with us isn't just about dropping a line and hoping for the best. We're talking about proven techniques that put fish in the boat. Depending on the season and what's biting, we might be trolling with crankbaits for walleye, jigging for crappie in submerged timber, or casting big lures for aggressive pike. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're always ready to switch things up if the fish are being finicky. We use top-notch equipment too – from sensitive rods that let you feel every nibble to fish finders that help us locate the hotspots.
"Our guide Ryan was tremendous. He has a wonderful, happy personality which made it really enjoyable for our group to spend time with him on the water. He knows his fishing game as well, and came well prepared with gear for multiple different fishing techniques to try on our trip." - Eric
"Ryan gave us far more than our money's worth, on my 4 hour guided trip with my wife's son and son-in-law. I am a very unaccomplished infrequent angler nearly 75 years old but the other two are much younger and better fishermen, and we all had a good time." - Leo
"My son and I just got back from an all day trip with Ryan. Great weather and a great guide! We got out on the lake early and started some serious fishing. There had been a deep cold front through Wisconsin a few days earlier and we expected some tough fishing. Ryan was not phased by it and worked the lake like a pro." - Robert
Walleye: The crown jewel of Wisconsin fishing, walleye are what bring anglers from all over to our neck of the woods. These golden-eyed beauties are known for their tasty fillets and the challenge they present. Walleye tend to be most active during low light conditions, so early mornings and evenings are prime time. They love to hang out near structure like drop-offs and weed edges. When you hook into a walleye, you'll feel that distinctive 'tap-tap' before they take off. It's a rush every time.
Crappie: Don't let their size fool you – these pan-sized powerhouses put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Crappies school up, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. They love to hang around submerged trees and brush piles. Spring is typically the best time to target them, but we catch them year-round. Light tackle and a sensitive rod tip are key to feeling their subtle bites.
Northern Pike: If you're after a real teeth-clenching, drag-screaming fight, northern pike are your target. These toothy predators are ambush hunters, often lurking in weed beds waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey. Pike fishing is all about big lures and strong line. When a pike hits, hold on tight – they're known for explosive runs that'll test your skills. And watch those fingers when unhooking them – their razor-sharp teeth are no joke!
Bluegill: Often overlooked but never underappreciated, bluegills are the perfect fish for anglers of all skill levels. These feisty little sunfish are abundant in Wisconsin waters and are a blast to catch on light tackle. They're especially fun for kids or beginners because they're usually eager biters. Bluegills hang out in shallow water near vegetation, and they're active all day long. Don't be fooled by their size – a big 'gill can put up a surprisingly good fight!
Look, here's the deal – fishing in Wisconsin Rapids isn't just a pastime, it's a way of life. And with Keep It Reelin' Guide Service, you're not just booking a trip, you're locking in memories that'll last a lifetime. We've got the knowledge, we've got the spots, and we've got the passion to make sure you have the best day on the water possible. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with walleye, test your skills against a monster pike, or just enjoy a relaxing day reeling in crappies and bluegills, we've got you covered. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Give us a call, and let's get you out on these world-class Wisconsin waters. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. See you on the lake!
August 30, 2023
It was really fun. Ryan is outgoing and made catching lots of fish even better! Thank you!
May 18, 2025
Ryan gave us far more than our money's worth, on my 4 hour guided trip with my wife's son and son-in-law. I am a very unaccomplished infrequent angler nearly 75 years old but the other two are much younger and better fishermen, and we all had a good time. Two things particularly impressed me. First, when Ryan agrees to a 4 hour fishing trip, he means at least 4 hours actual fishing, not counting time in the boat getting from point A to point B - we definitely were fishing over 4 hours. And before the trip but after booking it, he was honest enough to warn us fishing had been slow lately due to plentiful rains and offered us a chance to reschedule or cancel, but despite those conditions he got us to spots where we caught about a dozen walleye including one keeper and at least that many other fish during our excursion. I was very happy we booked our trip with him.
August 6, 2024
We had a great time with Ryan! He was terrific in helping my kids understand the boat and all the different ways we could catch fish. Highly recommend!
July 8, 2024
My son and I just got back from an all day trip with Ryan. Great weather and a great guide! We got out on the lake early and started some serious fishing. There had been a deep cold front through Wisconsin a few days earlier and we expected some tough fishing. Ryan was not phased by it and worked the lake like a pro. He tried lots of different techniques and areas and didn't give up! We wound up with a nice catch of walleyes and some very nice memories. Ryan really went the extra mile to make it happen and I would recomend "keep it reelin" for an enjoyable experience. Great equipment and a great guide. Thanks, Ryan.
August 13, 2024
Bluegill are perfect for laid-back fishing and introducing kids to the sport. These colorful panfish usually run 6-8 inches but can reach 10-12 inches in our waters. You'll find them in shallow areas near cover like docks, fallen trees, and weed beds. They're active all day but dawn and dusk are prime times. Spring and early summer are best as they move shallow to spawn. Bluegill are scrappy fighters for their size and make excellent table fare. Kids love catching them with simple worm and bobber rigs. For bigger ones, try tiny jigs or flies. A local secret is to fish deeper structure in summer when big 'gills move offshore. However you target them, bluegill are sure to provide non-stop action and tasty fillets for the pan!
Crappie are a fun target for anglers of all skill levels. These tasty panfish typically grow 7-12 inches long and hang out in schools near structure like fallen trees or weed beds. You'll find them in clear, quiet waters, often in depths of 6-15 feet. Spring and early summer are prime times as crappie move shallow to spawn. They're most active at dawn and dusk, so those are great times to wet a line. Crappie put up a good fight for their size and are excellent eating fish with flaky white meat. To catch 'em, try a small jig or minnow under a bobber near cover. A local trick is to use light line and small hooks - their paper-thin mouths tear easily. Once you find a school, you can catch a mess of 'em quick for a fish fry!
Northern pike are aggressive predators that'll give you an exciting fight. These "water wolves" average 24-30 inches but can grow over 40 inches and 20 pounds. Look for pike in weedy shallows, especially near drop-offs to deeper water. They're active year-round but spring and fall are prime times as they move shallow. Pike are ambush predators, so casting big lures near weed edges often triggers explosive strikes. They're not the best eating, but the sheer power and ferocity make them a blast to catch. Be careful handling them - those teeth are razor sharp! A local trick is to use steel leaders to prevent bite-offs. For a real thrill, try topwater lures in summer - watching a big pike demolish a surface bait is unforgettable!
Walleye are prized catches in our Wisconsin waters. These golden-olive fish average 15-20 inches but can grow over 30 inches and top 20 pounds. You'll find them hanging near underwater structure like rock piles and weed edges, usually in 10-30 foot depths. They're light-sensitive, so low-light periods are best - try early mornings, evenings, or overcast days. Walleye put up a good fight and are considered some of the best-tasting freshwater fish around. Spring and fall are typically the hottest bites. To land one, try slowly trolling a nightcrawler harness or jigging minnows along drop-offs. Here's a local tip: in summer, look for walleye suspending over deep basins - vertical jigging can be deadly there. Once you get into them, you're in for some great action and even better eating!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Evinrude
Maximum Cruising Speed: 5
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 20
Our guide Ryan was tremendous. He has a wonderful, happy personality which made it really enjoyable for our group to spend time with him on the water. He knows his fishing game as well, and came well prepared with gear for multiple different fishing techniques to try on our trip. We had really pleasant weather, but knew fishing would be tough due to a sharp drop in temperatures just prior to our trip. No matter, Ryan worked is tail off finding us fish to fight. And all the while, we shared stories and laughed. Wanna talk nuts & bolts about fishing techniques? Wanna giggle like a schoolkid? Either way...you're covered. Cannot recommend Ryan highly enough.