Hideaway Hollow Outfitters

Capt. Matt Raley operates Hideaway Hollow Outfitters as a full-time professional hunting and fishing guide based in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin. His operation isn't confined to one lake or one season—instead, he follows the fishing and hunting calendar across Wisconsin, Missouri, South Dakota, and Texas.

The HHO year cycles through distinct seasons:

• •Winter (December-February): Texas Gulf Coast fishing trips in partnership with Castaway Lodge, targeting redfish and speckled trout in shallow shell reefs and back flats
• •Late Winter-Early Spring (February-April): Snow goose hunts in Missouri and South Dakota
• •Spring (April-May): Turkey hunting in Wisconsin zones 1, 2, and 3 through mid-May
• •Summer (June-October): Northern Wisconsin fishing trips, tournament fishing, and work at Rollie and Helen's Musky Shop
• •Fall (September-October): Duck hunts on the Mississippi River and Green Bay

Musky Fishing

Musky season runs from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Matt knows the major musky lakes throughout northern Wisconsin and adjusts his targeting based on time of year and water conditions. Peak periods are late June through October—water temperatures stabilize, feeding windows expand, and average fish size increases. Moon phases significantly impact success: full moons and new moons produce the hottest bites and highest catch rates of the season. If you're targeting muskies specifically, book during first week of July through mid-October for the best odds.

Walleye Fishing

Walleye season opens the first Saturday in May and runs year-round. May and early June are prime months, with fish spread across a wide variety of lakes in the region. As summer heats up, Matt narrows his lake selection but maintains consistent catch rates. During long summer days, early mornings, evenings, and night bites produce best. The strategy varies by season—he rotates lakes throughout the year to stay on peak bites and maximize the number of fish boated per trip.

Northern Pike Fishing

Pike season opens with walleyes in early May and stays productive through late June. After water warms and stratifies around early July, pike move to deeper, cooler waters and most lakes become less productive. Matt selects a few specific lakes that hold pike through mid-summer if that's your target.

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Largemouth bass can be pursued year-round in northern Wisconsin. Unlike pike, largemouths prefer warmer, shallower water throughout the year and can often be found shallow regardless of season. Depending on lake clarity, fish may move deeper seasonally, but they remain accessible.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth season opens May 1st. May and June are premium months, especially for trophy-class fish in the pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn cycles. This window offers some of the most intense bites of the year. After late June, smallies move deeper (30+ feet) on clear, deep lakes. Rather than fish deep structure, Matt switches to different lake systems where smallmouth can be caught in shallower, more productive water.

Panfish Fishing

Panfish trips available throughout the season across multiple water systems.

• •Waterfowl hunts (duck and snow goose)
• •Turkey hunting in spring
• •Texas saltwater/coastal hunting trips

When not actively guiding, Matt works at Rollie and Helen's Musky Shop in Wisconsin, giving him direct connection to regional tackle, gear, and fishing intelligence.

Matt's year-round operation means he understands seasonal transitions most local guides don't chase. His access to multiple water systems across multiple states allows him to avoid dead seasons entirely. He factors moon phases, water temperature, and feeding windows into trip planning—not guesswork. He employs additional guides on Green Bay and Lake Michigan to spread capacity, so availability isn't always limited to his personal schedule.