Best Ice Fishing Spots In Wisconsin This Winter

Wisconsin offers some of the most fish-rich frozen lakes in North America. Sturgeon prowl beneath Lake Winnebago’s ice. Pike and walleye cruise the depths of Green Bay. The Madison Chain holds schools of panfish all winter long.

Each lake in this guide has been tested by time and countless fishers. From Sturgeon Bay’s whitefish honey holes to Lake Mendota’s crappie hotspots, these locations produce fish season after season. Some spots might be busy – but they’re busy for good reason.

Local guides and bait shop owners have helped map out the most reliable spots on each lake. Many of these locations offer easy access, plowed parking lots, and nearby amenities. Whether fishing from a bucket or a heated shack, these lakes deliver the goods.

The spots covered here work for both beginners and experts. Each location has enough room and enough fish for everyone. Some lakes might see hundreds of fishers on weekends, but the fish keep biting. That’s the beauty of Wisconsin ice fishing – there’s always another spot to drill.

Walleye Fishing On Lake Chetek Wisconsin

Walleye fishing on Lake Chetek Wisconsin offers anglers an exciting and rewarding experience in the heart of Barron County. This 1,781-acre lake is renowned for its healthy walleye population, making it a prime destination for those seeking quality walleye fishing on Lake Chetek Wisconsin. The lake’s diverse structure, including weed beds, drop-offs, and rocky points, provides ideal habitat for walleye, contributing to the excellent walleye fishing on Lake Chetek Wisconsin.

Anglers pursuing walleye fishing on Lake Chetek Wisconsin can employ various techniques throughout the year. During spring and fall, casting or trolling crankbaits along shorelines and weed edges can be highly effective. Summer walleye fishing on Lake Chetek Wisconsin often involves targeting deeper structures using live bait rigs or jigging. Ice fishing enthusiasts can also enjoy walleye fishing on Lake Chetek Wisconsin during winter months, with tip-ups and jigging spoons being popular methods.

Local guides and bait shops are valuable resources for those new to walleye fishing on Lake Chetek Wisconsin, offering up-to-date information on hot spots and effective techniques. The lake’s proximity to the town of Chetek provides easy access to amenities, making it convenient for anglers to plan extended walleye fishing trips on Lake Chetek Wisconsin. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, walleye fishing on Lake Chetek Wisconsin promises an enjoyable and potentially productive outing.

Lake Winnebago Ice Fishing

Lake Winnebago Ice Fishing is a popular winter activity that draws anglers from across the Midwest and beyond. As Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago offers excellent opportunities for ice fishing enthusiasts to catch a variety of species, including walleye, perch, white bass, and the prized lake sturgeon. The vast expanse of Lake Winnebago’s frozen surface provides ample space for anglers to set up their ice shacks and try their luck at landing a trophy fish.

One of the key attractions of Lake Winnebago Ice Fishing is the lake’s self-sustaining lake sturgeon population, which is considered one of the finest in North America. The traditional winter spearing season for sturgeon is a unique event that draws many participants each year. In 2004, a record-breaking 188-pound sturgeon was caught during this season, highlighting the potential for truly remarkable catches during Lake Winnebago Ice Fishing expeditions.

When planning a Lake Winnebago Ice Fishing trip, it’s crucial to stay informed about ice conditions and safety precautions. Anglers should check with local fishing guides and marinas regarding pressure cracks or areas of weak ice, particularly around currents. The lake’s vast size and changing weather patterns can create challenging conditions, so careful navigation and awareness of one’s surroundings are essential for a safe and successful Lake Winnebago Ice Fishing experience.

Lake Winnebago Fishing Hot Spots

Identifying Lake Winnebago fishing hot spots is key to a productive ice fishing outing. Some of the most popular Lake Winnebago fishing hot spots include the primary break along the east shore, which is known for excellent walleye fishing. The shallow bays and channels on the west shore are prime locations for early-season panfish, especially during the initial ice-up period.

As the winter progresses, many Lake Winnebago fishing hot spots shift to the main lake basin. Anglers willing to drill multiple holes and move frequently to stay on top of roaming schools of fish often find success in these areas. Typically, 2-3 miles off either the east or west shore can be productive Lake Winnebago fishing hot spots for various species.

For those seeking perch and bluegill, the south end of the lake offers several easily accessible Lake Winnebago fishing hot spots. Focusing on weed edges or slight depth changes in these areas can yield good results. It’s important to note that Lake Winnebago fishing hot spots can change throughout the season, so flexibility and willingness to explore different areas are crucial for consistent success in Lake Winnebago Ice Fishing.

Green Bay Ice Fishing

Green Bay’s waters hold some of Wisconsin’s largest walleye. The bay’s vast system of reefs and channels creates perfect winter habitat for gamefish. Most hotspots lie within 5 miles of shore, making them accessible for ice fishers.

The Little Sturgeon Bay area produces consistent catches through winter. fishers targeting the Riley’s Bay area find success with whitefish schools. The waters near Long Tail Point offer excellent walleye action, especially during early and late ice.

Successful fishers focus on transition areas between deep and shallow water. Whitefish respond well to small jigs tipped with waxworms. For walleye, tip-ups with large minnows placed along drop-offs produce the biggest fish.

Remember to check local ice conditions and regulations before heading out. Both lakes require parking permits at certain access points. Bait shops near popular launches offer the most up-to-date fishing reports and safety information.

Ice Fishing In Madison Chain of Lakes

The Madison Chain offers some of the most accessible ice fishing in southern Wisconsin. These lakes maintain healthy populations of panfish, pike, and walleye throughout winter, all within minutes of downtown Madison.

Lake Mendota Ice Fishing

Lake Mendota leads the chain as Madison’s largest and deepest lake. Its widespread beds of weeds and deep holes create perfect winter habitats for multiple species.

The University Bay area consistently produces bluegill and crappie. Pike hunters focus on the deep weed edges near Governors Island and Second Point. The Middleton side holds schools of perch, especially near the deep mud flats.

Lake Monona Ice Fishing

Lake Monona’s basin structure makes it ideal for winter perch fishing. The lake features multiple deep holes that hold fish all season.

Monona Bay offers the most consistent perch action. The Yahara River mouth area produces good crappie fishing, especially during early morning hours. B.B. Clarke Beach access point provides easy entry to some of the lake’s best fishing spots.

Lake Waubesa Ice Fishing Guide

Lake Waubesa might be smaller than its chain siblings, but it holds impressive numbers of quality bluegill and pike.

The north end near Nine Springs Creek produces consistent bluegill action. Pike fishers focus on the east shore’s weed edges, particularly near Goodland Park. The south end offers easier access and good parking at Fish Camp County Park.

The Dane County parks system maintains most access points, keeping them plowed through winter.

Northern Wisconsin Lakes

Northern Wisconsin’s lakes offer a different ice fishing experience – clearer water, bigger fish, and often, more solitude than their southern counterparts.

Muskie Fishing Shishebogama Lake

Muskie fishing on Shishebogama Lake is a thrilling pursuit for anglers in Oneida County, Wisconsin. This 716-acre lake is renowned for its healthy muskie population, making it a prime destination for muskie fishing enthusiasts. Shishebogama Lake’s diverse structure provides ideal habitat for muskies, contributing to excellent muskie fishing opportunities throughout the season.

Anglers targeting muskies on Shishebogama Lake can employ various techniques. During summer, casting large lures along weed edges is effective for muskie fishing on Shishebogama Lake. As fall approaches, trolling becomes popular, with many anglers finding success using crankbaits or bucktails. Muskie fishing on Shishebogama Lake often peaks in late summer and early fall when these predators become more active.

Local guides and bait shops offer valuable information for those new to muskie fishing on Shishebogama Lake. The lake’s proximity to Minocqua provides easy access to amenities, making it convenient for extended muskie fishing trips. Whether you’re experienced or a novice, muskie fishing on Shishebogama Lake promises an exciting experience in Wisconsin’s Northwoods.

Ice Fishing In Black Oak Lake

Black Oak Lake stands out with its crystal-clear water, reaching depths over 80 feet. The lake’s exceptional clarity requires a more subtle approach to ice fishing.

Most fishers find success using lighter lines and smaller baits here. The deep basin holds lake trout throughout winter, while walleye cruise the steep breaks. The main public landing on the north shore provides the best access to prime fishing areas.

Boulder Lake For Ice Fishing

Boulder Lake delivers consistent action for walleye and northern pike throughout the ice season. Its complex structure of points and bays creates perfect winter fishing scenarios.

The north end’s rocky points hold walleye, especially during dawn and dusk. Trout fishers focus on the deeper holes near the dam. The main boat landing offers heated bathrooms and plenty of parking.

Popular Ice Fishing Destination: Long Lake

Long Lake earns its reputation as a top panfish destination, with impressive numbers of quality crappie and bluegill. The lake’s numerous bays and channels create perfect winter habitat.

The south end’s brush piles hold the biggest crappies, while pike patrol the weed edges along the east shore. Major access points include the public boat landing and several resort locations that cater to ice fishers.

The Long Lake area features several bait shops and resorts that provide updated fishing reports and rent ice fishing gear. Weekend tournaments throughout winter bring additional excitement to the lake.

Eastern Wisconsin Waters

The waters of eastern Wisconsin offer some of the state’s most diverse ice fishing opportunities, from sheltered bays to vast open waters.

Sturgeon Bay Ice Fishing Guide

Sturgeon Bay combines the best of both worlds – protected waters and Great Lakes fishing opportunities all in one location.

The Sawyer Harbor area produces consistent whitefish action throughout winter. Trophy pike hunters focus on Riley’s Bay and Little Sturgeon Bay. The deep shipping channel holds whitefish schools all season, with most fishers setting up along its edges.

Ice Fishing In Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan’s harbors provide critical shelter for winter brown trout while offering safer ice fishing conditions than the open lake.

The Manitowoc and Two Rivers harbors consistently produce brown trout through the ice. fishers focus on the warm water discharges and deeper holes within the harbor. Recent years have seen growing interest in harbor whitefish fishing.

Central Wisconsin Favorites

Central Wisconsin’s lakes offer excellent ice fishing opportunities without the crowds often found on larger waters.

Boom Lake Ice Fishing

Boom Lake’s structure makes it a prime destination for winter crappie fishing. This flowage section of the Wisconsin River system maintains consistent depths and current.

Early morning and late evening provide the best crappie action near the old river channel. The dam area holds fish throughout winter, while the shallow bays offer good pike fishing opportunities.

Nelson Lake Ice Fishing Guide

Nelson Lake has earned a reputation for its winter musky fishing, though its panfish opportunities often get overlooked.

The deep holes near the dam hold schools of crappie through winter. Musky fishers focus on the north end’s stump fields. Several resorts maintain access points and provide current fishing reports.

The Nelson Lake area has plenty of bait shops and several resorts that cater to ice fishers with heated rentals and guide services.

Southern Wisconsin Options

Southern Wisconsin’s waters offer excellent ice fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced fishermen, often just a short drive from major cities.

Lake Koshkonong For Ice Fishing

Lake Koshkonong’s shallow basin makes it one of the first southern lakes to freeze and attracts fishermen throughout winter.

The north shore’s rock bars hold walleye during early morning and evening hours. Pike hunters find success near the Vinnie Ha Ha area’s weed beds. The lake features multiple public access points, with the most popular being Thiebeau Point and Bingham Point.

Lesser-Known Gems

Some of Wisconsin’s best ice fishing spots fly under the radar, offering quality fishing without the crowds.

Dairyland Reservoir Ice Fishing

Dairyland Reservoir remains relatively unknown despite its excellent winter fishing opportunities. This flowage maintains stable water levels throughout winter, creating reliable ice conditions.

The old river channel holds schools of crappie and walleye. Deep holes near the dam produce consistently throughout the season. Most fishermen access the reservoir through the main public landing or several walk-in points.

Squirrel Lake Ice Fishing

Squirrel Lake’s diverse structure creates multiple fishing opportunities throughout winter. Deep holes and shallow bays provide varied habitat for several species.

The south bay’s brush piles hold impressive numbers of crappie. Northern pike cruise the weed edges along the east shore, while perch schools roam the deep basin.

Mississippi River Section

Lake Pepin Ice Fishing

Lake Pepin, a natural widening of the Mississippi River, offers unique ice fishing opportunities. The river’s current creates distinct challenges and advantages for winter fishermen.

The Bay City area provides consistent action for sauger and walleye. The lake’s main channel edge holds fish throughout winter, while backwater areas offer safer ice conditions. Local bait shops maintain updated ice condition reports crucial for safety.

Conclusion

Wisconsin’s ice fishing waters offer something for everyone, from urban lakes to remote flowages. Each location has its own character and challenges, but all provide opportunities to catch fish throughout winter.

Remember to check local regulations and ice conditions before venturing out, and support local bait shops for the most current information.