Closing Out the Open-Water Season with Captain Kirk

As the last boats come off the water and the temperatures settle into that unmistakable Wisconsin chill, it’s official: the open-water fishing season with Captain Kirk has come to a close. What a year it’s been! From early spring walleye runs on the Wolf River to hot summer days casting Lake Winnebago, and finally those crisp fall outings on the Fox and beyond — 2025 delivered no shortage of excitement, laughs, great stories, and unforgettable fish.

This season brought a mix of steady action, surprise catches, and plenty of those “did you see that?!” moments that only happen when you’re out on the water with good people. And whether we were jigging, dragging nightcrawlers, never trolling, or experimenting with something new (because trying weird stuff sometimes works!), every trip offered something worth remembering. That’s the magic of Wisconsin fishing — you never run out of species, scenery, or stories.

Now, as the lakes lock up and the rivers get that skim of ice along the shorelines, it’s time for Captain Kirk to shift into winter mode. He doesn’t offer ice-fishing guiding, but that doesn’t mean the adventure stops. The DanKirkOutdoors YouTube channel will still be rolling all winter long with ice-fishing content, gear tests, outdoor tips, cold-weather fun, and maybe a few unexpected surprises. So if you’re craving fishing action while your boat hibernates in the garage, make sure you’re subscribed and checking in regularly.

Winter is also planning season — a chance to sort gear, upgrade a few things, clean out the tackle trays (or promise to), and start dreaming about those first casts of 2026. And let’s be honest: nothing gets an angler through the colder months like imagining that first warm breeze, the first thump on the line, and the first net scoop of the next open-water year.

So here’s to an incredible 2025 season and an even better one ahead. Thank YOU to everyone who booked trips, watched videos, shared stories, or supported Captain Kirk in any way. Enjoy the ice, enjoy the holidays, and stay tuned — because the countdown to open water 2026 starts now.

Until then… Just Go Fish!