Welcome to Big Fish Encounters Sleeper Shacks serving Sawyer County Wisconsin

Offering an assortment of incredibly comfortable shacks, quality fishing and even a bit of knowledge to go with it.  Our guests arrive via shuttle in a tracked Ranger UTV's to a warm shanty with holes ready to fish on one of the almost 500 Hayward area lakes!  We are commonly asked which lake we fish and those that book will be given a meeting location just prior to their reservation dates.  All lakes are within Sawyer County lines and subject to change at any time to stay on the best bite!

The Yetti's offer multispecies fishing to make the most of your trip, during the day you will have a chance at bluegill, crappie, or perch as well as Pike and Smallmouth or Largemouth Bass. When the sun goes down the walleyes typically move in and jigging or set lines with a light/alarm notify you of a bite, the crappies may even swing back through providing a chance at a PB!  During colder times of the season hole covers are recommended to prevent the hole from freezing in and not fitting that next big fish through.  Having Tip Up Markers will keep the snowmobilers at bay and help with locating after the snow or wind as well.

We strive to provide a comfortable family friendly environment during your stay while also focusing on your fishing experience. Our track record of satisfied guests and trophy fish is what makes Big Fish Encounters standout – responsible harvest is key to conserving our smaller lakes.  I encourage you to practice Catch, Photo, Release on your trip, we see the benefit every year with bigger and better fishing!  For those who want to harvest we ask that you read our Sportsmanship Policy below or reach out directly as there are areas that do need fish removed and we can formulate a plan.

Rental Time: 2, 3 or 4 night stays. Shorter or longer stays require approval

Check In: 2:00 p.m.

Check Out: 09:00 a.m.

***If your check in time is later – your check out time remains the same unless arranged***

ALL SHACKS INCLUDE:

  • Shuttle Ride to and from Shack - using our Tracked Rangers we bring you to your shack and back (no vehicles allowed, may allow UTV/ATV/Sled depending on conditions). We will run you to the landing and back if needing a trip to town
  • Heat—the propane is provided
  • Going Green— Solar Panel, Lithium and Inverter minimizes need for generator
  • Backup Generator— includes gasoline, follow guides advice on when to use
  • Restroom— Bathroom with RV Style Toilet (RV toilet paper only-provided)
  • TV/Entertainment—at least one TV per shack with Blu-ray player & radio
  • Hole Covers—All holes include a safety cover to prevent lost items
  • Big Picture Windows—Enjoy panoramic views; includes a safety exit window also
  • Appliances—Induction Stove Top/Microwave/Skillet/Toaster/Coffee Pot and Keurig/Crockpot provided
  • Utensils/Paper Products—Provided, we want you to bring as minimal as possible
  • Table— We include a folding table outside to use during your stay as needed

OUR POLICYS

  • Pet Policy— although loved, we do not allow your furry friends at this time.
  • Cleanliness Policy— all garbage must be bagged in the provided bags, do not set bags or garbage on the ice, we love our lakes and there is Zero Tolerance for Littering. $50 off your Deposit per cigarette butt or item of litter picked up, we will take Garbage for $5 per bag if space is limited on the way home. We do not automatically apply a cleaning fee to our rentals, clean up behind yourself (Supplies are provided) and there is no charge.  Any mess left behind is subject to a cleaning fee, please report any liquid spills so we can clean them up appropriately.
  • Sportsmanship Policy — In order to continue to offer our shacks to customers, it is important that all individuals practice good sportsmanship behavior while fishing in our shacks up to including awareness of having catch and release methods, We like to see no more than 50% of the legal limit harvested, respecting other fisherman on the lake, discarding of carcasses appropriately, and any other guidelines that are discussed by owner at the time of check-in.
  • Security Deposit— We require a $300 Deposit per shack rented; this is collected upon booking and returned on the Monday following your stay if all checks out.  This deposit is to prevent damage to shack/equipment and leverages our cleanliness, and sportsmanship policies to ensure the lake and shack are well cared for during your stay.  Renter is responsible for all damage incurred during the stay including damages above and beyond the cost of the deposit. 
  • Alcohol and Drug Policy— Our Sleepers are a drug free zone; there is no smoking Cigarettes or Vapes inside of the shacks.  Ice fishing and a cold beverage goes hand in hand, we request that you leave your heavy drinking friends at home if they cannot enjoy in moderation.  We reserve the right to trespass anyone that is over intoxicated, causing an issue or threatening violence up to and including contacting proper law enforcement channels. 

Late Check Ins or Early Arrivals: Check in is 2pm we request all members of your party arrive together before 8PM to minimize trips, notice must be given if any members will be later, a fee may apply to check ins after 8PM.  Early arrivals, we strive for a clean and well or even freshly placed shack for all of our rentals, that takes time and we generally will only offer early check ins if the shack is open the night before.  Openings are subject to change contact us for early check ins or late check outs.

Check Availability: Select the Yetti below that you'd like to view options for and select the green shopping cart - this will bring you to a screen that gives you a blue link that says "Check Availability" click on that link to view the calendar. From there, you can check out and reserve your dates! 






Limited on space or don't have the gear needed?  We rent Fishing Packages, Starlink Internet (wi-fi), Underwater Cameras, Livescope Bundles, Flipover Shack, Auger or even our Snow Dog! 









What to Bring: 

  • Fishing Gear: An auger to set outside lines, tip ups, tip downs, jigging poles; each rental shack includes a few Rattle Reels but you must bring your own gear unless arranged or renting gear.
  • Food & Beverages: Refrigeration available, coolers and water recommended; water for cooking/cleaning
  • Bait: Suckers and Shiners for Walleye/Pike; Crappie Minnows for Panfish, Grubs or Waxies
  • Sunglasses & Safety Gear: We recommend a safe approach—spikes, throw rope, cleats(outside only)
  • Blankets and Pillows: bedding is not supplied
  • Entertainment: Bring Blu Rays to watch, or data plan to stream or even rent Starlink

****Catch your next trophy by adding 2, 4 or 6 hours of guided fishing to any sleeper rental to up your success rate or learn new techniques! ****

Guide Fishing Trips

Guided fishing available as well, get out and see the lake or catch something different; transportation and gear provided including but not limited to rods, reels, tip ups, tip downs, ice shacks, heaters and bait but customers are suggested to bring some bait as well.

What do we catch?

It varies by time of year and the lake, but we enjoy putting you on Crappie, Walleye, Bluegill, Perch, Northern Pike, Largemouth and trophy sized Smallmouth Bass! You are welcome to bring along gear you are comfortable with and encourage everyone to dress for varying conditions Northern Wisconsin often shows. Sunglasses, waterproof boots, safety spikes and cleats if there is limited snow or slushy conditions are a good idea.

21-day Cancellation Policy

A booking can be cancelled and deposit refunded if more than 21 days remain before your appointment If less than 21 days remain but more than seven your deposit is non refundable but can be transferred to an open date (based on availability – may carryover to next season) or used as credit at bigfishencounters.com

***Any cancellations that occurs within 7 days of check-in date will not be eligible for the refund of their initial deposit and will not be eligible for the options above***

In the event the ice conditions do not allow for booking and availability is limited for re-schedule, you can opt for the two options above or will receive a full refund upon request.
 
In the event of a shack breakdown or out of service condition the following options may occur, the guests will be offered another shack if there is one available or the deposit will be applied to a hotel in the area to cover the remainder of the stay and guided fishing offered as an option if conditions provide availability (although this has never happened, we have a plan)
 

Shack Rental Terms

  • All individuals renting the shacks will be responsible for having an active WI Fishing License and follow all limits and regulations based on the lake you are located on
  • Family friendly Environment at all times
  • Hole covers must be kept on at all times to prevent losing items or personal injury
  • No personal vehicles driving out on ice - Responsible UTV/ATV/Sled use only
  • No excessive drinking
  • Quiet time starts at 11 p.m.
  • RV Toilet provided for elimination (RV toilet paper only, must monitor and notify before toilet is full)  
  • Do not turn furnaces off, cover holes or lower thermostat below 62 degrees
  • Contact owner with any equipment operation questions or concerns prior to doing on your own
  • All customers shall review and respect the sportsmanship policy for the best interest of all customers experiences

***Agreement of these policies, terms and conditions will be acknowledged at check-in***

If you need assistance reserving your rental, please reach out to us at bigfishencounters@gmail.com or 715-492-1339. We look forward to your stay with us! 

 

 

 

*****All policies subject to change without notice upon discretion of owner for safety and well-being of others and for business interests***