About Andy | Northwoods Fishing Guide

About Hendo’s

From La Crosse water kid to Northwoods guide.

Andy grew up surrounded by water in La Crosse, Wisconsin. That early love of fishing became a lifelong pursuit, continued through five years in the Army, and eventually brought him to Rhinelander to build Hendo’s Angling Expeditions.

The promise

Ever since he could walk, Andy has been on the water or ice. He remembers studying the structure and depths fish relate to during different times of year, and still carries that same butterfly feeling every time he gets a chance to fish.

After earning a two-year college degree, Andy served five years in the Army. A few years after leaving the Army, he moved to Rhinelander in late 2007 and spent nearly all of his free time fishing, exploring new lakes, and learning from seasoned local guides before launching on his own.

SERVICE & SACRIFICE

A Purple Heart recipient. A guide who leads with care.

Andy’s service shaped the way he approaches every day on the water: prepared, patient, and focused on the people beside him. As a Purple Heart recipient, he carries that experience with quiet gratitude—and brings the same steady care to each trip he leads.

Army discipline

Five years of Army service shape the way trips are prepared: organized, safe, direct, and focused on the mission for the day.

Northwoods dream

Fishing northern Wisconsin as a kid planted the dream to someday live and guide here. Rhinelander became home in 2007.

Local knowledge

Hundreds of lakes, constant scouting, and relationships with seasoned guides helped turn passion into a professional guide service.

Past trips

Recent days on the water

Jul 25, 2026

Three Generations of Fishing: Bass, Perch, & Panfish Family Trip

Join Gordy, Ari, and Erez on a multi-generational fishing trip! From catch-and-release bass fishing to keeping a batch of perch and bluegill for a family fish fry, see how this family of five made memories on the water.

Jul 9, 2026

Non-Stop Bluegill Action with Kris, Olivia, & Jamie!

Kris, Olivia, and Jamie had a blast catching well over 100 bluegill, keeping just enough for a fresh fish dinner!

Jul 7, 2026

Muskies 2025 Fall

a few miscellaneous pictures of fall musky from 2025. I love fall musky! Cooler water temps, less boat traffic, and using live bait for musk

Fishing news

Latest reports and notes

Fishing Reports

Late June–Early July Fishing Report: Scattered Summer Patterns & Bug Hatches

As water temperatures climb into the upper 70s, the multi-species bite transitions to early morning and late afternoon. Fish are scattered between weed edges and mud flats during the summer bug hatches.

Fishing Reports

May–Mid June Fishing Report: Walleyes in the Weeds & Smallmouth Transitions

Water temps have delayed the smallmouth spawn on deeper clear lakes, while walleye and perch remain buried in newly accelerated weed growth. Keep an eye out for pike and musky mixed in!

Fishing Reports

Early-Mid May Fishing Report:

Despite behind-schedule weed growth, the multi-species bite remains consistent. Walleye, crappie, and perch are holding on early new green weeds, with jigging and slip-bobbering proving highly effective.

Trusted gear

Four partners, picked fresh each visit.

Recon Boats

Minn Kota

Lake X Lures

Pandemonium Tackle

Google verified

Straight from anglers who’ve been in the boat.

Prepared trips, local water, and a veteran-owned standard show up in the details people remember.

John M.

★★★★★ Google review

Andy had the boat ready, the plan dialed, and the patience to keep us on fish all day.

Prepared from the launch

Mike R.

★★★★★ Google review

Local knowledge showed up fast. We learned water, patterns, and how to fish smarter.

Local water knowledge

Sarah K.

★★★★★ Google review

A professional guide service with a calm, veteran-owned standard. Easy to recommend.

The right kind of day

Read Google Reviews