Episode 37
Fishing Where Boats Can't Go
Show Date: September 12, 2026
Location: The Peshtigo River, Peshtigo, Wisconsin
Guide: Tim Maher [(920) 604-4169]
This week is a first for co-host Josh Teigen—his first float trip down one of Green Bay's many tributaries with pro guide Tim Maher. If you've ever experienced one of Tim's river trips, you know there's really nothing quite like it. It's peaceful, beautiful, and incredibly remote, with long stretches of river where you may not see another angler all day.
The biggest reason Tim can get into these secluded stretches is his unique raft. Fully loaded with three anglers and all of our gear, it can float in as little as four inches of water. That opens up miles of water that are simply inaccessible to most boats, allowing us to fish places that see very little pressure and probably haven't seen a lure in quite some time.
This particular trip comes with an additional challenge. Wisconsin has had very little rain this summer, leaving the rivers significantly lower than normal. The lack of rainfall has also made the water much clearer, and Tim has had to adjust his tactics and presentations accordingly. When the fish can see everything you're doing, getting them to commit can require a little more finesse.
Our target for the day is smallmouth bass, but smallies aren't the only fish Tim chases from his raft. He also guides for walleye, muskie, trout, and salmon, making these trips a great way to explore some of the lesser-known fishing opportunities around Green Bay.
With high blue skies, bright sunshine, low water, and unusually clear conditions, it isn't exactly the easiest combination for catching fish. We mix things up with topwaters, plastics, and even a few nightcrawlers, trying to find what the fish want on this particular day.
But that's part of what makes a float trip so special. You're not simply driving to a spot, fishing for a while, and heading home. You're drifting through beautiful stretches of river, constantly moving, constantly looking for the next opportunity—and seeing water that very few anglers ever get the chance to experience.
For Josh's first float trip, it was quite an introduction.
