Engbretson Underwater Photography

By late summer, Black Crappie, like this one, can often be found suspended in or near tall and thick vegetation in deeper water.

Wisconsin is home to some of the country’s prettiest Smallmouth Bass. Check out this beauty from a Vilas County lake.

Fish and anything else viewed underwater are only ¾ of their apparent size. I used to get excited whenever I saw muskies underwater, but now I’ve come to better understand this illusion & these days, I don’t pee my wet-suit quite as often when I see what looks like Moby Dick.

It's always a thrill to swim up to a walleye and take their portrait. They're usually bothered by the bubbles of my scuba diving gear, so to photograph them I have to hold my breathe for as long as I can. By doing this, I can approach them closely and get pictures like this one.

By late summer, Largemouth Bass can be found along deep weed edges and in robust vegetation.  However, littoral zones can also be attractive for bass. Shallow water with good cover, such as lily pad beds often attract Largemouth Bass hunting for frogs, insects and small fishes.

I'm often asked what the biggest challenge is to taking underwater pictures of fish in their natural habitat. In a nutshell:You have be able to closely approach fish in clear water. Sometimes it feels like a miracle to get any good pictures at all.

I’m often asked what the easiest fish to photograph is. None of them are easy to photograph well, but if I had to pick one that gives me the least trouble it would be the Smallmouth Bass. Because they have an inherent curiosity and sociable nature, they make terrific fish models!

One of my favorite places to photograph fish in Wisconsin is the Lake Michigan waters off Door County. The water clarity can be exceptional, which is critical to good underwater photography. This bass was photographed near some old pier pilings in Jacksonport.

There’s nothing like seeing a large muskellunge underwater. They glide effortlessly through the water with the supreme confidence reserved for members at the top of the food chain. Because of this, they’re not afraid of divers and I’m usually able to approach them closely..

Face to Face with a big Walleye

To fish, I’m a tourist-ignorant and out of place despite my best efforts to fit. Because they’re friendly, curious & will tirelessly pose for my cameras, Smallmouth Bass are one of the best ambassadors of the piscine world. It’s a privilege to spend time with them.

Water temperatures finally broke the 60-degree mark here in northern Wisconsin, which moved fish out of deep water and into the shallows for spawning. At this time of year, I don't see many panfish, but the muskies are in the littoral zone completing their spawning rituals.

Are you a media professional looking for HD & 4K underwater video footage? I'm always interested in partnering with producers of outdoors related content who are looking for high-quality underwater footage of freshwater game fish to include in their programs and films.

I'm interested in partnering with producers of outdoors related content who are looking for excellent high-quality underwater b-roll video footage of freshwater game fish to include in their television programs and films. See samples at vimeo.com/showcase/6719283

Spring is the best and easiest time of year to photograph muskies. I shoot most of my musky images before Memorial Day. After spawning, they will continue to hang around in shallow water (generally 6 feet or less) along the shorelines.

Thank you to all the wonderful fish who posed for my cameras in 2019. I’ll see you all again in the spring! #underwaterfriends

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