Two inflatable boats docked by the river with camping gear and backpacks on board, surrounded by green trees and a clear blue sky.

SMALLIE FLOAT

Float trips are an easygoing way to chase smallmouth while taking in some of the best scenery that Wisconsin has to offer. We offer float trips on a number of different rivers located within the North Central Wisconsin area. The river we fish will depend on conditions and your goals for the trip. More often than not, we are floating down the Upper Wisconsin River.

Float trips accommodate 1-2 anglers per raft, with group trips available upon request. We run a 14ft NRS Super Puma—our trusty green raft (“Big Green”) pictured above.

Seasonal Considerations:

April through May—during pre-spawn and post-spawn—is an excellent time to target bigger fish with streamers. If you're looking for a trophy hunt, this is the time to do it. Once mid-May rolls around, and the temps start to rise we target smallies both on top and subsurface—a great time to try out a variety of approaches. When the dog days of summer settle in, fish are typically scattered throughout the river. This is when we deploy our searching methods and techniques. This time of year often provides the best top water action for us. When the fall migration begins and the temps start to drop, we return to targeting fish deeper with streamers. Regardless of the season, smallmouth bass bring the kind of excitement that keep anglers coming back for more.

upnorthriver.jpg
A man smiling and wearing sunglasses, a wide-brim hat, and outdoor fishing gear, holding a large fish with dark green and brownish coloration over a body of water surrounded by green trees.
Man wearing sunglasses and a hoodie holding a large fish by a river with trees and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
A man holding a fish outdoors by a river, smiling, wearing sunglasses, a cap, and a light blue shirt.
A man with a beard and gray t-shirt on a boat holding a large fish he caught, with water and trees behind him.
Person holding a large fish over a body of water with rocks and trees in the background.
An elderly man with a gray beard smiling, holding a fish he caught, with a fishing rod in the background. He is wearing sunglasses, an orange hat, a light blue denim shirt, and has a cigar in his mouth. The scene takes place on a river with trees and
A woman wearing a white cap, sunglasses, and a black tank top is smiling and holding a large fish she caught while on a boat in a lake or river, with green trees and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
A smiling man wearing sunglasses, a camouflage hat, and a beige jacket holding a large fish near a river with green trees and a cloudy sky in the background.
An older man with a beard wearing sunglasses, a camouflage sun hat, and a white long-sleeve shirt sitting in a boat on a river, holding a large fish he caught.
A woman wearing a cap and sunglasses is smiling while holding a large fish she caught, with a river and green trees in the background.
Several inflatable boats docked at the edge of a lake on a sunny day, surrounded by trees.
Person holding a large fish in a shallow body of water.
A peaceful river scene with two large rocks partially submerged in the water and surrounded by lush green trees on both sides.
Person fishing in a river surrounded by green trees. 
READY TO JOIN US ON THE WATER?

Tell us a bit about what you’re looking to do, and we’ll follow up shortly with more details and to begin planning your trip.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    1. Start by submitting the form above.

    2. We’ll follow up to talk through the trip you’re interested in and answer any questions you may have.

    3. Before your trip, you’ll complete payment and sign a liability waiver.

    4. In the days leading up to your trip, we’ll confirm the meeting location, start time, and any remaining details.

  • Not at all. We work with anglers of all experience levels. While some trips may not be ideal for beginners, we’ll help point you toward an option that feels comfortable and matches what you’re hoping to get out of the day.

  • We guide for inland trout and smallmouth bass.

  • Trip locations shift with the season, water conditions, and what you’re hoping to get out of the day. Most smallmouth trips take place on the upper Wisconsin River

  • A refund of your deposit or full payment is available if you cancel at least 30 days prior to your scheduled trip date. If you need to change plans, we’ll do our best to reschedule for a date that works. Additional details will be shared with you upon booking a trip.

  • Tips are not included in your trip fee and are always appreciated. If you choose to tip, gratuities are typically around 20% and can be given directly to your guide.

  • Full payment is required in advance of the trip. Payment details and timing will be shared once your trip is scheduled.

    • All fishing rods, reels, line, terminal tackle, and flies will be provided, but you are more than welcome to bring your own gear and flies.

    • Wisconsin Fishing License with i inland trout stamp (for trout trip)

    • You can obtain a license here: Wisconsin DNR website

    • Clothing to meet the conditions: hat, sunglasses, rain jacket, etc.

    • Waders and Boots

    • Sunscreen

    • Bug Spray

    • Water Bottle

    • Snacks

    • Anything else that you might need to be comfortable and enjoy your day on the water.


  • Yes. All anglers are required to have a valid Wisconsin fishing license prior to the trip.

    You can obtain a license here: Wisconsin DNR website