Specializing in multi-species angling on WI waters. Certified USCG Captain and commercially insured. Our focus is on education, having fun, and making memories.
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Although pike are one of the many fish species our guides target, our company name “Pike Pole” actually came from a tool used in both the fishing industry and in the fire service. Since Pike Pole Fishing owner, Captain Adam Walton, is also a firefighter, the company name seemed fitting. We are commercially insured and carry proper licensing required to guide both Federal and inland waters througho
ut Wisconsin. Whether open water or ice, we run multi-species guide trips year round and offer guests the opportunity to target walleye, pike, panfish or bass on a variety of Southern Wisconsin waters, including the Lake Koshkonong system and Madison area chain of lakes. We also offer walleye specific trips on the Lake Winnebago system and Green Bay during the open water season. We strive to leave guests with an overall great fishing experience. Although our guides enjoy taking anyone out fishing, we are big on helping children, veterans, and first responders experience the outdoors. Please ask about discounts that are offered to all of these groups if calling to book a trip. When it comes to putting fish in the livewell, we are strong advocates for selective harvest. After quickly getting some great photos, we release all large female game fish unless they're mortally wounded during the catch. Practicing this is our way of helping protect resources so future generations of anglers can also enjoy them. For guests wanting to keep fish, we recommend one eater sized walleye, one pike, and up to 10 pan fish per person. If you have any questions regarding this topic, please feel free to call. We also do more than just fishing trips! Pike Pole Fishing also offers a variety of other services, including Humminbird sonar training, demo boat rides, group seminars, and charity support. For Humminbird sonar training, new or past owners can booking a training session that covers how to set up and dial in their sonar unit. This can be done on or off the water. For on-the-water training, guests can chose between a variety of waters located throughout Southern Wisconsin. For more information regarding other services mentioned above, please visit our website. Thanks for visiting and if you’re interested in booking a fishing trip or sonar training session, please visit www.pikepolefishing.com or call 6o8-290-3929.
03/12/2024
Tuesday December 3rd, 2024
We're going to get an updated area ice report posted before the weekend arrives. Although many locations are locking up nicely, some areas still need more time. There's also some strong winds forecasted the next couple days that could play a factor in ice development and may potentially damage existing ice in certain locations.
In the meantime, please check out this important ice rescue video we put together a previous season. Emergencies can happen anytime when venturing out on ice, but being prepared can make the difference of the outcome.
01/12/2024
He you go...First ice report of the season. Sorry for the monotone voice and lack of excitement, I feel like absolute crap today, but felt it was important to get info posted about ice conditions with people getting the itch.
Report includes:
Lake Koshkonong, Gibbs Lake, Clear Lake, and Sweet/Rice Lake.
30/11/2024
It's Small Buisness Saturday. Make sure to hit up your local bait and tackle shops, along with other small local retailers. Many have great deals going on.
Remember, Amazon doesn't support our local youth football programs and Walmart doesn't donate to cancer benefit fundraisers! Let's help support our local small businesses as much as they help support our communities.
Bait Box on the Rock llc
It's A Keeper Bait & Tackle
Dick Smith's Live Bait & Tackle
dam paradise indianford
Carl's Shell Bait & Tackle
29/11/2024
Early mornings finally caught up with my youngest son during our late afternoon outing today...He woke up just in time to see a six pointer and doe run into the woods though.
The kids and I saw well over 30 deer this season so far and were fortunate to harvest one. A few more days of deer season left here in Wisconsin and then it's on to ice fishing. The temps look good for ice development, but the forecasted strong winds could significantly slow ice growth on bigger waters. Let's hope for the best though. 🤟
28/11/2024
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Family, along with family traditions, is what I'm most thankful for and I'd like to share a story from the last few days.
Hunting (and fishing) are traditions that run very deep in our family and despite having a sickness bug in our house, I've gotten my young boys out deer hunting. You can notice they're carrying guns, however these are Red Ryder BB guns my dad bought for them shortly before he passed away. His plan was to have the boys carry these BB guns while we all hunted so they could learn proper gun safety techniques prior to them carrying actual guns.
Although my dad passed away before he could see this plan happen, I continued with his idea and the boys have done phenomenal so far this hunting season. They've shown proper gun safety and handling, they identify hazards and unsafe directions to shoot towards, they can tell me good spots to set up and the reasons why, and they're showing an understanding of deer management and selective harvest.
The kids and I have been fortunate to have some very close encounters the last few days. I've let several deer pass in order to use these situations as teaching moments about deer behavior.
Last night, things got more exciting as a spike buck with tall tines came within 20 yards of us and stopped broadside. He looked at us for a few moments before moving on. Minutes later, a large doe charged out of the tree line with a bigger buck hot on her tail. As he chased her around in the grass field in front of us, the kids and I just watched, enjoying the show despite having a few opportunities where I could've shot.
About 20 minutes later, several more deer slowly started to pop out of the tree line and began to walk in front of us. A small herd of 12 eventually combined into one group and stopped about 20 to 30 yards away directly in front of us. I picked out a large mature doe out of the group and let the hammer drop.
We waited a bit, then tracked her into tall grass and located her down with a double lung shot. She went quite aways even though she suffered a fatal shot, which allowed me to explain the resilience of deer to my boys and the importance of shot placement. I continued with explaining the process of field dressing before loading her into truck and heading home...Thankful for another great memory with my kids by my side.
I'm super proud of these boys and can't wait to move on to the next steps of hunting with them. Next year, we'll switch roles, and they'll be shooters.
I'll I be the one carrying a Red Ryders BB gun...in honor of my dad, Andy, who we miss dearly.
26/11/2024
Welp...Weather is getting cold enough to start talking about ice development and ice safety. I put this chart together a few seasons ago to show ice growth based on the 24 HOUR AVERAGE temperature. Info was gathered from a variety of data and articles found online, along with personal experience of verifying the charts estimated growth.
Please note that this information does not account for wind, geese, underwater springs, or other variables that can slow or prevent water from freezing. Remember, thick snow cover can also slow ice growth. Ice growth is an estimate and, as always, you should check conditions yourself prior to venturing out.
There's also a chart showing weight vs breakthrough thickness for early ice that someone else put together using Gold's Formula. Thought it looked interesting enough to share as well.
I'll be doing in-depth area ice reports once conditions are stable and ice starts to take hold for the season. I don't want to put out reports too early that could go backwards and become less accurate. However, looking at the extended forecast, reports may happen sooner than later...let's hope anyway! 🧊🎣
23/11/2024
Good luck Wisconsin deer hunters. Stay safe!
15/11/2024
I know this girl is excited to get back on the ice!
With that said, we'll be wrapping up open water fishing next week and taking to the woods for the Wisconsin gun deer season opener. After a little break, I'll once again start doing ice reports on area lakes once it's appropriate.
I try to do accurate ice reports, so the goal is to wait until cold weather is stable and ice takes hold without the risk of melting away after reporting.
Our ice guiding season will start once ice conditions allow. For safety reasons, having 4" to 5" of quality ice is our minimum thickness when guiding.
ALSO, don't forget about the free guided trip that's being given out to a random Veteran. You can enter yourself or enter a Veteran you know on the previous post found on our page. Drawing is tomorrow, November 16th 2024.
14/11/2024
Just saw this on the Lake Koshkonong/Rock River Boaters private group page. Anyone have any further info or know who may have grabbed these items? 👇
11/11/2024
UPDATE: WINNER HAS BEEN DRAWN.
CONGRATULATIONS to Craig Burnham on winning a free guided fishing trip.
Thank you to all the Veteran's who entered this drawing and to all the Veteran's who were entered by others. Appreciate all of you! 🇺🇲
----------------------
Happy Veteran's Day!...Keep reading for a chance at a free guide trip.
I had the honor to serve in the military for 6 years and it truly helped shape my life. In honor of Veteran's Day, I'd like to show appreciation to fellow Vets by giving away a free guided trip that can be redeemed anytime during the 2025 season.
To enter the drawing, comment "me" below if you're a Veteran OR if you can enter a Vet by tagging their name below. No limit on entries, but please only enter one name at a time.
Winner will be randomly selected from names entered in the comments below. Names entered on other pages sharing this post go unseen, so please make sure you're on our page when tagging someone. Drawing will be this Saturday, November 16th, 2024. 🇺🇲🇺🇲
**I will contact the winner by private messenger directly and also notify them here on this post. Don't respond to any spam messages with a link saying you won if they happen to pop up.
08/11/2024
Had the chance to film another episode with good friend, Larry Smith, and Larry Smith Outdoors recently. This one isn't about fishing though...It's actually much more important!
Show airs this weekend and also dropped on YouTube tonight. Please check it out. It may help save a life.
Special thanks to these people and agencies for their effort and time. They're all some pretty amazing friends who were willing to put in work needed to get this the accomplished. Thanks again guys!
- Ray Gehrig with Gehrig Game Farms
- Janesville Fire Department
- Mercyhealth Rock County
- Mercy Training Center staff, Joe Murray and Matt Picard
- Mercy REACT Flight Crew
- MD-1 Doctors Chris Wistrom and Jennifer Gibson-Chambers
We team up with health and rescue professionals from Mercy Health to learn lifesaving skills for emergencies in the outdoors. Whether you’re hiking, fishing,...
05/11/2024
UPDATE: WINNER HAS BEEN DRAWN AND CONTACTED.
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A friend, who doesn't fish that often, gave me a few used tackle boxes he had. They're in good shape and I knew exactly what to do with them. Two already found new homes with a couple of kiddos who don't have a lot, but there's one left up for grabs. It didn't seem right to give away an empty tackle box, so I spruced it up with some brand new items too.
If you have a kid (or know a kid) 15 years old or younger who loves fishing, but doesn't have much stuff, let me know. I'll put their name on a raffle ticket and draw a winner from a bucket this Saturday (November 9th, 2024).
To keep it private and somewhat discreet, please send the child's name to me though PRIVATE MESSENGER and NOT in the comments. Whomever sends the name will also be contacted through private messenger by me if that child's name is drawn as the winner.
***Entry is free, but only 1 entry per child please. Prefer the winner to pick up the tackle box in Edgerton, WI, but I may be able to drop off depending on location.
02/11/2024
Walleyes are biting, bucks are chasing, and as a big guy myself, these temps are "fat guy" approved.
Gotta love the Fall!
27/10/2024
If you're looking for something to do today, the Edgerton High School Fishing Team annual fundraiser is happening at the Conservation Club located at Racetrack Park in Edgerton, WI.
Funds raised are used to support team lodging during away events, equipment purchase/upkeep, bait, fuel, etc...
24/10/2024
My oldest son helping represent Eskimo Ice Fishing.
Eskimo has been a sponsor of Pike Pole Fishing for several years and we love their tents, augers, and winter clothing. These pics were shot last year despite having a short season due to poor ice conditions. Hopefully this ice season runs much longer!!!
You can check out Eskimo's new product line-up on their website and don't forget, several local bait shops carry Eskimo products. I know Bait Box on the Rock, It's A Keeper Bait & Tackle, and Dick Smith's Live Bait & Tackle are all Eskimo retailers, along with other local shops.
22/10/2024
What a day! Filmed an episode with Larry Smith Outdoors today discussing how to care for outdoor related emergencies when help isn't close by.
I'd like to specially thank:
- Ray Gehrig of Gehrig Farms
- Janesville Fire Department members, Lt. Adam Schmidt, Firefighter/Paramedic Luke Smith, Firefighter/Paramedic Jason Rux, Firefighter/Paramedic Nico Autenrieth, and Motor Pump Operator Justin Sullivan.
- Mercy Health staff members Joe Murray and Matt Picard
- MD-1 Doctors Chris Wistrom and Jen Gibson Chambers
- Mercy Health REACT Flight crew
All came together to create a great show that could potentially save lives.
Very honored to be part of an organization like this which is full of people willing to participate in such an important topic. Show will air in the upcoming weeks. 🤟
20/10/2024
Yep...Now go be more irresponsible at your local bait shop. 😁
19/10/2024
Brian at Bait Box on the Rock has deals going on this weekend. You can get a jump start on that Christmas list and also help support local business all at the same time...Seems like a win-win. 👇
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Videos
Tuesday December 3rd, 2024
We're going to get an updated area ice report posted before the weekend arrives. Although many locations are locking up nicely, some areas still need more time. There's also some strong winds forecasted the next couple days that could play a factor in ice development and may potentially damage existing ice in certain locations.
In the meantime, please check out this important ice rescue video we put together a previous season. Emergencies can happen anytime when venturing out on ice, but being prepared can make the difference of the outcome.
He you go...First ice report of the season. Sorry for the monotone voice and lack of excitement, I feel like absolute crap today, but felt it was important to get info posted about ice conditions with people getting the itch.
Report includes:
Lake Koshkonong, Gibbs Lake, Clear Lake, and Sweet/Rice Lake.
A lot of our clients ask about places to eat while they're visiting this area and I have a list of great local businesses to recommend. That list grew a bit recently with the addition of Mr Fry, which is located near Lake Koshkonong in Newville WI. Check out this short video and give these guys some love. Whether your traveling through or a local living here, you won't be disappointed with their food!
Caught a lot of big fish over the years, but today this one set a new record for biggest fish we've gotten on Lake Koshkonong.
We got this 46" Musky on 10 lbs mono line while fishing for walleyes. Took about 15 minutes to land with drag adjustments being made often. The net I have on board is quite large, but still wasn't big enough for this fish, so I had to use a lift and flip maneuver to get the fish on board.
As soon as the fish was onboard, the lure popped out of its bottom lip because the hook bent almost straight....It was one head shake away from getting free.
I quickly put the Musky in the livewell to recover and afterwards, got a picture with the client before releasing it back into Mighty Lake Koshkonong for someone else to experience. The blood drops on my foot and on the boat gunnel are from my hand, which I somehow cut while moving things around. The Musky appeared completely uninjured and took off out of my hands before I could lower it into the water.
It was the client's first ever Musky and they also caught several walleyes as well.
Definitely a day of lasting memories!
**Please note that there is still quite a bit of debris in the water from flood conditions. Use extra caution, especially in windy weather where waves can hide dangers**
Might be poor weather outside, but you can still swing by Dam Paradise to help support Edgerton High School Fishing Team today! We're hanging out here until 1pm, but the team will be here serving food until 6pm.
Edgerton Fishing Team dam paradise indianford
I stopped by the Bark River Fry Hatchery today for an impromptu Q&A with Wisconsin DNR Fishery Technician, Mark Baldock. Thought it may help shine light onto some things many people may be unfamiliar with.
Over the years, it's been a fun and eye opening experience learning more about the science of fisheries from Fish Biologists and Fishery Technicians like Mark. Here's a behind the scenes look at all the work happening right now...and it's impressive. Nice work to the DNR team out here getting it done!
Side note, fishing is hot and the Rock River is still No Wake due to high water.
Be safe!
- Capt Adam W 🤘
Kind of diggin' this face swap app. Not saying this happened, but I'm not saying it didn't happen either. 😬😬😄
Upper Rock River (February 3rd, 2024)
With this warm weather, several people have been asking about access points on Lake Koshkonong. I buzzed around to North Shore, Vinnie Ha Ha, and Dallmans this morning to give an update. Please note the weather is forecasted to be above freezing for the next two weeks...and some overnight temps as well. Things will likely change quite a bit over this time so be extra careful!!
Quick tip when traveling on the ice. Thanks to good friend Jim, from Furley Outdoors, for filming.
Ice Report - January 16th, 2024
Things are looking good on area lakes...What a difference a Polar Vortex can make! Check out our latest video on ice conditions, along with a little bonus surprise we threw in. Stay safe! ✌️
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UPDATE: WINNER OF THE ICE PICKS HAS BEEN SELECTED. Congrats to Pauline Greg Hulstein and Zach Hulstein, who she tagged.
Ice conditions as of this morning (January 10th, 2024). Stops at Sweet/Rice Lake, Koshkonong North Shore, and Koshkonong Dallmans Landing. Ice development chart included at the end of the video. Stay safe.✌️
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Our Story
Although pike are one of the many fish species our guides target, our company name “Pike Pole” actually came from a tool used in both the fishing industry and in the fire service. Since Pike Pole Fishing owner, Captain Adam Walton, is also a firefighter, the company name seemed fitting. We are commercially insured and carry proper licensing required to guide both Federal and inland waters throughout Wisconsin. Whether open water or ice, we run multi-species guide trips year round and offer guests the opportunity to target walleye, pike, panfish or bass on a variety of Southern Wisconsin waters, including the Lake Koshkonong system and Madison area chain of lakes. We also offer walleye specific trips on the Lake Winnebago system and Green Bay during the open water season.
Our focus is on education, having fun, and making memories. We strive to leave guests with an overall great fishing experience. Although our guides enjoy taking anyone out fishing, we are big on helping children, veterans, and first responders experience the outdoors. Please ask about discounts that are offered to all of these groups if calling to book a trip.
We are also strong advocates for selective harvest. After quickly getting some great photos, we release all large female game fish unless they're mortally wounded during the catch. For guests wanting to keep fish, we recommend one eater sized walleye, one pike, and up to 10 pan fish per person. If you have any questions regarding this topic, please feel free to call.
Pike Pole Fishing also offers a variety of other services, including Humminbird sonar training, demo boat rides, group seminars, and charity support. For Humminbird sonar training, new or past owners can booking a training session that covers how to set up and dial in their sonar unit. This can be done on or off the water. For on-the-water training, guests can chose between a variety of waters located throughout Southern Wisconsin. For more information regarding other services mentioned above, please visit our website.
Thanks for visiting and if you’re interested in booking a fishing trip or sonar training session, please visit www.pikepolefishing.com or call 6o8-29o-3929.
