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.
Navigate to Explore Ice Fishing Spots In Wisconsin
Walleye Fishing On Lake Chetek Wisconsin
Walleye fishing on Lake Chetek Wisconsin offers anglers a thrilling experience in one of the state’s premier fishing destinations. This 3,974-acre lake is known for its healthy walleye population and diverse structure. Discover the best ice fishing spots in Wisconsin right here on Lake Chetek this winter season.
Prime Locations For Walleye
Lake Chetek’s numerous points and drop-offs provide excellent habitat for walleye. Anglers targeting walleye fishing on Lake Chetek Wisconsin often find success near the lake’s deeper basins and along weed edges.
The north end of the lake, particularly near the inlet, is a hotspot for walleye during early and late ice. These areas are also among the best ice fishing spots in Wisconsin for consistent walleye action throughout the season.
Effective Techniques And Baits
When walleye fishing on Lake Chetek Wisconsin, jigging with minnows or using tip-ups baited with large shiners are proven tactics. Glow jigs tipped with waxworms can be particularly effective during low-light periods.
Anglers should focus on transition areas between shallow and deep water, especially during dawn and dusk. These techniques have made Lake Chetek one of the best ice fishing spots in Wisconsin for walleye enthusiasts.
Seasonal Patterns And Timing
Understanding seasonal patterns is crucial for successful walleye fishing on Lake Chetek Wisconsin. Early ice often produces the best action, with walleye actively feeding in shallower areas. As winter progresses, focus on deeper basins and the edges of underwater structures.
Late ice can bring another surge of activity as walleye begin moving toward spawning areas. This seasonal variety contributes to Lake Chetek’s reputation as one of the best ice fishing spots in Wisconsin throughout the entire ice fishing season.
Lake Winnebago Ice Fishing
Lake Winnebago stands as Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, spread across 137,700 acres. The lake turns into an ice fishing powerhouse from December through March, drawing sturgeon spearers and walleye hunters from across the Midwest.
The east shore offers the most consistent action. Fishing near Quinney and Stockbridge brings steady catches of perch and crappie. The north end near High Cliff State Park holds schools of white bass. For sturgeon spearing, the Upriver Lakes zone near Harrison and Pipe delivers year after year.
Walleye bite peaks during the early morning and late evening hours. Most fishers set up along the east shore’s rock reefs or the north end’s mud flats. Tip-ups with large shiners catch the biggest fish while jigging with minnows works well for numbers.
Location | Target Species | Best Time | Depth (ft) | Access Point | Amenities |
High Cliff | Walleye, Perch | Dawn/Dusk | 12-15 | State Park Landing | Parking, Restrooms |
Stockbridge | Sturgeon, Walleye | Mid-day | 15-20 | Harbor | Bait Shop, Food |
Quinney | Perch, Crappie | All Day | 8-12 | Public Launch | Parking |
Pipe | Sturgeon | Mid-day | 15-18 | Village Launch | Restaurant |
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.
Location | Target Species | Best Time | Depth (ft) | Access Point | Amenities |
Little Sturgeon | Walleye, Whitefish | Evening | 20-25 | Resort Launch | Lodging, Food |
Riley’s Bay | Whitefish | Midday | 15-20 | County Park | Parking |
Long Tail Point | Walleye | Dawn/Dusk | 18-22 | Metro Launch | Bait Shop |
Sugar Creek | Pike, Walleye | Morning | 8-12 | Public Access | Parking |
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.
Location | Target Species | Best Time | Depth (ft) | Access Point | Amenities |
University Bay | Bluegill, Crappie | Morning | 15-20 | County Ramp | Parking, Restrooms |
Second Point | Pike | Dawn/Dusk | 20-25 | State Street | Parking |
Warner Bay | Perch | Midday | 30-35 | City Park | Bait Shop Nearby |
Governors Island | Pike, Walleye | Evening | 25-30 | Marina | Full Service |
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.
Location | Target Species | Best Time | Depth (ft) | Access Point | Amenities |
Monona Bay | Perch | Morning | 20-25 | Brittingham | Parking, Restrooms |
Yahara River | Crappie | Dawn | 12-15 | Machinery Row | Street Parking |
Turville Point | Pike | Afternoon | 15-20 | Beach Access | Basic Parking |
Frost Woods | Bluegill | All Day | 8-12 | Beach Park | Limited Parking |
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.
Location | Target Species | Best Time | Depth (ft) | Access Point | Amenities |
Nine Springs | Bluegill | Morning | 8-12 | Creek Access | Basic Parking |
Goodland Park | Pike | Dawn/Dusk | 15-18 | County Park | Full Facilities |
South End | Perch, Pike | Midday | 12-15 | Fish Camp | Bait Shop, Parking |
East Shore | Bluegill | All Day | 6-10 | Private Access | Limited Parking |
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
Shishebogama Lake in Vilas County, Wisconsin, is renowned for its exceptional muskie fishing opportunities. This 743-acre lake, with its diverse structure and abundant forage, provides an ideal habitat for trophy muskies. Anglers targeting muskie fishing in Shishebogama Lake often find success along the lake’s numerous weed edges, points, and deep drop-offs.
When muskie fishing Shishebogama Lake, anglers should focus on key areas such as the lake’s north end, where a large shallow flat transitions into deeper water. This area is particularly productive during early summer and fall. The south end of the lake, with its complex structure of islands and bays, offers excellent muskie fishing opportunities throughout the season. Successful muskie fishing on Shishebogama Lake often involves using large bucktails, topwater baits, and jerkbaits, with many anglers opting for figure-eight techniques at the boat to trigger strikes from following fish.
Season | Best Locations for Muskie Fishing Shishebogama Lake | Recommended Baits | Time of Day |
Spring | North end shallow flats | Jerkbaits, small bucktails | Midday |
Summer | Weed edges, deep points | Large bucktails, topwater | Dawn/Dusk |
Fall | South end bays, island areas | Jerkbaits, rubber baits | All day |
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.
Location | Target Species | Best Time | Depth (ft) | Access Point | Amenities |
North Basin | Lake Trout | Morning | 40-60 | Public Landing | Plowed Parking |
East Break | Walleye | Dawn/Dusk | 20-30 | Forest Road | Basic Access |
West Point | Perch | Midday | 15-25 | Trail Access | Limited Parking |
South Bay | Whitefish | Afternoon | 30-45 | Walk-in | None |
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.
Location | Target Species | Best Time | Depth (ft) | Access Point | Amenities |
Dam Area | Trout | Morning | 25-35 | Main Landing | Heated Facilities |
North Point | Walleye | Dawn/Dusk | 15-20 | State Access | Plowed Lot |
East Bay | Pike | Midday | 8-12 | Forest Road | Basic Parking |
West Shore | Perch | All Day | 12-18 | Resort Access | Full Service |
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.
Location | Target Species | Best Time | Depth (ft) | Access Point | Amenities |
South Bay | Crappie | Evening | 18-22 | Public Launch | Parking, Bathrooms |
East Shore | Pike | Morning | 12-15 | Resort Access | Full Service |
North End | Bluegill | All Day | 8-12 | Town Landing | Basic Parking |
Middle Basin | Walleye | Dawn/Dusk | 20-25 | Lodge Access | Bait Shop |
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.
Location | Target Species | Best Time | Depth (ft) | Access Point | Amenities |
Sawyer Harbor | Whitefish | Midday | 35-45 | Harbor Launch | Full Service |
Riley’s Bay | Pike | Dawn/Dusk | 15-20 | County Park | Parking, Restrooms |
Ship Channel | Whitefish | Morning | 50-65 | Marina | Guide Services |
Little Sturgeon | Pike, Whitefish | All Day | 25-35 | State Launch | Bait Shop |
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.
Location | Target Species | Best Time | Depth (ft) | Access Point | Amenities |
Manitowoc | Brown Trout | Morning | 15-25 | Marina | Full Service |
Two Rivers | Brown Trout | Dawn | 20-30 | City Launch | Parking |
Kewaunee | Whitefish | Midday | 30-40 | Harbor | Basic Facilities |
Algoma | Brown Trout | Afternoon | 15-20 | Public Access | Bait Shop |
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.
Location | Target Species | Best Time | Depth (ft) | Access Point | Amenities |
Dam Area | Crappie | Evening | 20-25 | City Park | Parking |
River Channel | Walleye | Dawn/Dusk | 15-20 | Boat Launch | Basic Facilities |
North Bay | Pike | Morning | 8-12 | Street Access | Limited Parking |
South End | Panfish | All Day | 12-15 | Public Access | None |
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.
Location | Target Species | Best Time | Depth (ft) | Access Point | Amenities |
Dam Area | Crappie | Morning | 25-30 | County Park | Full Service |
North End | Musky | Dawn/Dusk | 15-20 | Resort Access | Bait, Lodging |
East Bay | Bluegill | Midday | 8-12 | Public Launch | Parking |
West Shore | Pike | All Day | 12-18 | Private Access | Limited Parking |
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.
Location | Target Species | Best Time | Depth (ft) | Access Point | Amenities |
North Shore | Walleye | Dawn/Dusk | 8-12 | Thiebeau Point | Plowed Parking |
Vinnie Ha Ha | Pike | Morning | 6-8 | Public Launch | Bait Shop |
East Shore | Perch | Midday | 5-7 | Bingham Point | Basic Facilities |
Rock River | Walleye | Evening | 10-12 | DNR Launch | Parking |
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.
Location | Target Species | Best Time | Depth (ft) | Access Point | Amenities |
Dam Area | Walleye | Evening | 15-20 | Main Landing | Basic Parking |
River Channel | Crappie | Dawn | 12-15 | Walk-in | None |
North Bay | Pike | Morning | 8-10 | Trail Access | Limited Parking |
South End | Bluegill | All Day | 6-8 | Public Access | None |
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.
Location | Target Species | Best Time | Depth (ft) | Access Point | Amenities |
South Bay | Crappie | Evening | 18-22 | Resort Access | Full Service |
East Shore | Pike | Dawn/Dusk | 12-15 | Public Launch | Parking |
Main Basin | Perch | Midday | 25-30 | Town Landing | Basic Facilities |
North End | Walleye | Morning | 15-20 | Walk-in | None |
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.
Location | Target Species | Best Time | Depth (ft) | Access Point | Amenities |
Bay City | Sauger | Dawn/Dusk | 25-30 | Village Launch | Full Service |
Stockholm | Walleye | Morning | 20-25 | Public Access | Parking |
Maiden Rock | Pike | Midday | 15-20 | Beach Launch | Basic Facilities |
Pepin Marina | Perch | All Day | 12-15 | Marina | Bait Shop |
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.