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Meet Your Guide

Hello, I'm Derek Sunday, owner of Dewdrop Outdoors, LLC. I am a fully insured, licensed, Wisconsin fishing and hunting guide. Having grown up in central Wisconsin fishing Castle Rock and Petenwell Lake, including the Wisconsin River and Yellow River, I have over 25 years of history with these waters. In the last 15 years, I’ve broadened my fishing range to include the Mississippi River and many other smaller lakes in between including Eagles Nest flowage and Dutch Hollow lake to name a couple.

I have always had a passion for the land and water since I was a kid, so I turned that passion into a bachelor's degree in Geography from UW-La Crosse. It is with this degree that I became a licensed Realtor® in Wisconsin. With my experience of the areas I serve and the knowledge from my education, it is my goal to teach you what I know and demonstrate that ability with the best fishing experience you deserve. I won’t promise any size fish or quantity of fish, but what I can promise is an enjoyable time on the water that you will remember!

Where and When

My fishing service area is virtually anywhere between the Mississippi River and the Wisconsin River including it's tributaries for trout; this includes the Petenwell Flowage, Castle Rock Flowage, Mississippi River, and many smaller lakes and rivers in between. The primary species I target are: walleye, perch, crappie, northern pike, bluegills, and trout.

During the open water season, we will fish from my Alumacraft Trophy 185 boat powered by the reliable 115hp Yamaha four stroke engine. The boat is rigged with modern electronics, Minnkota terrova trolling motor, rod holders, and bimini top to help keep the rain and sun off your back.

In spring, usually beginning in mid March, we target walleye and perch almost exclusively, either on the Mississippi or Wisconsin River. My most productive methods of fishing during this early season is usually simple jigging techniques. I usually rig one of my favorite St. Croix rods with a jig and minnow or just a split shot and a plain hook with either a minnow or crawler. As the bite picks up, the technique switches to a more aggressive approach. This could be harder jigging technique or switching to bigger plastics or even crank baits. From late spring through late summer, I like to target walleyes on the Wisconsin River system and panfish (crappies/bluegills) throughout this time of year on the Mississippi and smaller lakes. As summer begins and progresses, the style of fishing usually varies from trolling crank baits or crawler harness to jigging and drifting. It really just depends on the bite.

During the winter months, our ice fishing is done mainly on Petenwell and Castle Rock, with a few trips scheduled for the smaller lakes. I really like to do a lot of hole hopping with a jig pole and the electronics to find different schools of fish, but am all to stuck in my ways at times just using tip ups. Something about sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying a nice day on the ice just watching for flags, is almost therapeutic; kind of like sitting in a tree stand waiting for the buck of your dreams.

What To Bring

Gear and bait will be supplied for the type of fishing at hand, this includes fishing rods, tackle, nets, artificial, and live bait. For ice fishing I can supply all gear as well including a limited number of electronics and shelters. You are of course more than welcome to bring your own gear regardless of the season or fishing at hand. You are responsible for bringing appropriate clothing, snacks, drinks, and a cooler if you plan to take fish home.

If you want to target a specific species, feel free to ask! I can target most of them from shore as well!