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 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.

LocationTarget SpeciesBest TimeDepth (ft)Access PointAmenities
High CliffWalleye, PerchDawn/Dusk12-15State Park LandingParking, Restrooms
StockbridgeSturgeon, WalleyeMid-day15-20HarborBait Shop, Food
QuinneyPerch, CrappieAll Day8-12Public LaunchParking
PipeSturgeonMid-day15-18Village LaunchRestaurant

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.

LocationTarget SpeciesBest TimeDepth (ft)Access PointAmenities
Little SturgeonWalleye, WhitefishEvening20-25Resort LaunchLodging, Food
Riley’s BayWhitefishMidday15-20County ParkParking
Long Tail PointWalleyeDawn/Dusk18-22Metro LaunchBait Shop
Sugar CreekPike, WalleyeMorning8-12Public AccessParking

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.

LocationTarget SpeciesBest TimeDepth (ft)Access PointAmenities
University BayBluegill, CrappieMorning15-20County RampParking, Restrooms
Second PointPikeDawn/Dusk20-25State StreetParking
Warner BayPerchMidday30-35City ParkBait Shop Nearby
Governors IslandPike, WalleyeEvening25-30MarinaFull 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.

LocationTarget SpeciesBest TimeDepth (ft)Access PointAmenities
Monona BayPerchMorning20-25BrittinghamParking, Restrooms
Yahara RiverCrappieDawn12-15Machinery RowStreet Parking
Turville PointPikeAfternoon15-20Beach AccessBasic Parking
Frost WoodsBluegillAll Day8-12Beach ParkLimited 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.

LocationTarget SpeciesBest TimeDepth (ft)Access PointAmenities
Nine SpringsBluegillMorning8-12Creek AccessBasic Parking
Goodland ParkPikeDawn/Dusk15-18County ParkFull Facilities
South EndPerch, PikeMidday12-15Fish CampBait Shop, Parking
East ShoreBluegillAll Day6-10Private AccessLimited 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.

SeasonBest Locations for Muskie Fishing Shishebogama LakeRecommended BaitsTime of Day
SpringNorth end shallow flatsJerkbaits, small bucktailsMidday
SummerWeed edges, deep pointsLarge bucktails, topwaterDawn/Dusk
FallSouth end bays, island areasJerkbaits, rubber baitsAll 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.

LocationTarget SpeciesBest TimeDepth (ft)Access PointAmenities
North BasinLake TroutMorning40-60Public LandingPlowed Parking
East BreakWalleyeDawn/Dusk20-30Forest RoadBasic Access
West PointPerchMidday15-25Trail AccessLimited Parking
South BayWhitefishAfternoon30-45Walk-inNone

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.

LocationTarget SpeciesBest TimeDepth (ft)Access PointAmenities
Dam AreaTroutMorning25-35Main LandingHeated Facilities
North PointWalleyeDawn/Dusk15-20State AccessPlowed Lot
East BayPikeMidday8-12Forest RoadBasic Parking
West ShorePerchAll Day12-18Resort AccessFull Service

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.

LocationTarget SpeciesBest TimeDepth (ft)Access PointAmenities
South BayCrappieEvening18-22Public LaunchParking, Bathrooms
East ShorePikeMorning12-15Resort AccessFull Service
North EndBluegillAll Day8-12Town LandingBasic Parking
Middle BasinWalleyeDawn/Dusk20-25Lodge AccessBait 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.

LocationTarget SpeciesBest TimeDepth (ft)Access PointAmenities
Sawyer HarborWhitefishMidday35-45Harbor LaunchFull Service
Riley’s BayPikeDawn/Dusk15-20County ParkParking, Restrooms
Ship ChannelWhitefishMorning50-65MarinaGuide Services
Little SturgeonPike, WhitefishAll Day25-35State LaunchBait 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.

LocationTarget SpeciesBest TimeDepth (ft)Access PointAmenities
ManitowocBrown TroutMorning15-25MarinaFull Service
Two RiversBrown TroutDawn20-30City LaunchParking
KewauneeWhitefishMidday30-40HarborBasic Facilities
AlgomaBrown TroutAfternoon15-20Public AccessBait 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.

LocationTarget SpeciesBest TimeDepth (ft)Access PointAmenities
Dam AreaCrappieEvening20-25City ParkParking
River ChannelWalleyeDawn/Dusk15-20Boat LaunchBasic Facilities
North BayPikeMorning8-12Street AccessLimited Parking
South EndPanfishAll Day12-15Public AccessNone

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.

LocationTarget SpeciesBest TimeDepth (ft)Access PointAmenities
Dam AreaCrappieMorning25-30County ParkFull Service
North EndMuskyDawn/Dusk15-20Resort AccessBait, Lodging
East BayBluegillMidday8-12Public LaunchParking
West ShorePikeAll Day12-18Private AccessLimited 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.

LocationTarget SpeciesBest TimeDepth (ft)Access PointAmenities
North ShoreWalleyeDawn/Dusk8-12Thiebeau PointPlowed Parking
Vinnie Ha HaPikeMorning6-8Public LaunchBait Shop
East ShorePerchMidday5-7Bingham PointBasic Facilities
Rock RiverWalleyeEvening10-12DNR LaunchParking

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.

LocationTarget SpeciesBest TimeDepth (ft)Access PointAmenities
Dam AreaWalleyeEvening15-20Main LandingBasic Parking
River ChannelCrappieDawn12-15Walk-inNone
North BayPikeMorning8-10Trail AccessLimited Parking
South EndBluegillAll Day6-8Public AccessNone

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.

LocationTarget SpeciesBest TimeDepth (ft)Access PointAmenities
South BayCrappieEvening18-22Resort AccessFull Service
East ShorePikeDawn/Dusk12-15Public LaunchParking
Main BasinPerchMidday25-30Town LandingBasic Facilities
North EndWalleyeMorning15-20Walk-inNone

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.

LocationTarget SpeciesBest TimeDepth (ft)Access PointAmenities
Bay CitySaugerDawn/Dusk25-30Village LaunchFull Service
StockholmWalleyeMorning20-25Public AccessParking
Maiden RockPikeMidday15-20Beach LaunchBasic Facilities
Pepin MarinaPerchAll Day12-15MarinaBait 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.

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