Wisconsin Anglers 2024
FluffChucker reply :
Just out of curiosity, how many Wisconsin anglers use this site? What part of the state are you from?
Personally, I am from the Hayward area. Spend the majority of my bass fishing time going after SMB on the lakes and rivers up here.
Ondrejka reply :
On 3/22/2016 at 11:02 PM, FluffChucker said:Just out of curiosity, how many Wisconsin anglers use this site? What part of the state are you from? What do you consider your favorite water in the state to fish?
Personally, I am from the Hayward area. I've only lived up here for two years now, so I've still got some local learning to do, but I would say my favorite area lake is probably Round. Something about clear water SMB that I just can't get enough of. If my schedule, and the weather cooperate this spring, I'd like to spend some time up on Chequamegon Bay since it's a short little drive north.
Originally from Milwaukee, transplanted to KS in 2000. Used to vacation in Minocqua for 13 years every summer. Miss it and the Northwoods every day and can't wait to get back for good. Would give anything to fish Chequamegon or Sturgeon Bay for those horse brown fish.
Curious though, any idea what lakes in that area Joe Bucher fishes during his Smallie segments?
FluffChucker reply :
I haven't the slightest clue.
Minoqua is a great area though. I've fished over there for muskies a couple of times. Really, the entire northern 1/3 of the state is pretty fun to fish in. Lots of hidden gems, and even better not-so hidden gems.
Scott F reply :
I'm a flat lander currently living in Illinois. My plan when I retire in 2 years is to buy a place to live for the summers near Minocqua. Even now, I spend 4 or 5 weeks a year fishing Wisconsins lakes and rivers mostly for smallies. I love how many bass are in Wisconsin's waters and how few people fish for them. I'd like to keep it that way so I won't list my favorite lakes on a web forum viewed by thousands of bass fishermen.
KYBassin' reply :
Born and raised in the Madison area, now living in KY. I grew up fishing several lakes in the Hayward area during family vacations. I now get the opportunity to spend 2 weeks a year in northern WI, 1 week for a fishing trip with the guys and 1 week for a family vacation very similar to those I had growing up (my wife and kids love it as much as I do).
Much like Scott, I prefer not to share my favorite fishing spots. Too valuable to broadcast in a message board.
Man, I can't wait to be back up there.
strikefc34 reply :
southeastern Wisconsin
1411 reply :
Oconomowoc, WI - Have been laid up for two days, passing time binge watching Bassresource videos on you tube.
Wishin' I was fishin'
Cmiller reply :
Born and raised in Madison, I have fished Mendota exclusively my entire life. It's the most heavily pressured lake in the area, the challenge makes it a lot of fun for me.
Shockwave reply :
I'm in SE WI. Specifically the Oak Creek area. I've been checking this site out for a couple years now. I'm here pretty hard during the fishing season. When bowhunting season comes around, I tend to move towards the hunting forums so my attendance is definitely more sporadic in late fall. I make up north to Minoqua, Tomahawk and Boulder Junction areas several times a year to fish and it's a blast every time. I've learn a buttload from this site and from watching Glenn's videos!
fishfor5 reply :
Stevens Point Area
wisconsin heat reply :
Eau Claire area is where I am from. Not a lot of lakes in my area (for Wisconsin), but I get by. Lake Wissota is a good fishery that I haven't fished enough of yet.
Joey Bass reply :
On 3/23/2016 at 4:50 AM, Scott F said:I'm a flat lander currently living in Illinois. My plan when I retire in 2 years is to buy a place to live for the summers near Minocqua. Even now, I spend 4 or 5 weeks a year fishing Wisconsins lakes and rivers mostly for smallies. I love how many bass are in Wisconsin's waters and how few people fish for them. I'd like to keep it that way so I won't list my favorite lakes on a web forum viewed by thousands of bass fishermen.
I think those are some of the very same lakes i fish when I'm up there...what lake did you say that was
Scott F reply :
On 4/5/2016 at 4:17 AM, Joey Bass said:I think those are some of the very same lakes i fish when I'm up there...what lake did you say that was
Lake Nunoyodambusiness.
Junebugman reply :
Lol!!!!!! Excuse me never heard of that lake before that's what I should tell the guys from across the border "mn" I live in the rice lk area lots of good lake around here and real good bass fishing over in polk cty too! That's where I got my biggun in lake nunayodambusiness lol!!! Junebugman
dwtaylor reply :
Fond Du Lac here.
I have a love/hate relationship with Winnebago.
Further North reply :
Chippewa Falls area now, grew up in SE WI. Wouldn't go back on a bet...few lakes, more people...
I fish all over the area, from where I live to Lake Superior, into Da Yoop a little (haven't done that in a few years). I like rivers as much - maybe more - than lakes, especially the ones too small for boats.
I get up around Hayward a few times a year.
On 3/30/2016 at 11:29 AM, wisconsin heat said:Eau Claire area is where I am from. Not a lot of lakes in my area (for Wisconsin), but I get by. Lake Wissota is a good fishery that I haven't fished enough of yet.
A relatively short drive will get you on lakes better than WIssota. I live 10 minutes from Wissota but probably only fish there two or three times a year. I won't post them on the forum, but PM me and I'll get you started on some of them.
TX18_E90 reply :
SE Wisconsin
Big Cedar, Pewaukee, Lake Como, & Little Sturgeon Bay (Green Bay) are my favorite lakes to go. Don't get up to Door County but once or twice a year though.
We are having a family Vacation in the Dells this year. Have a cabin on Lake Delton. It does look very big on map. Could use some tips for there and Lake WI.
FluffChucker reply :
On 4/5/2016 at 10:45 AM, Further North said:Chippewa Falls area now, grew up in SE WI. Wouldn't go back on a bet...few lakes, more people...
I fish all over the area, from where I live to Lake Superior, into Da Yoop a little (haven't done that in a few years). I like rivers as much - maybe more - than lakes, especially the ones too small for boats.
I get up around Hayward a few times a year.
A relatively short drive will get you on lakes better than WIssota. I live 10 minutes from Wissota but probably only fish there two or three times a year. I won't post them on the forum, but PM me and I'll get you started on some of them.
I'm fairly certain I've seen you on other fly fishing related forums before, yes? If so, that explains the "too small for boats" philosophy that we both share. The small rivers up in northern Wisconsin are what brought me up here in the first place. Admittedly, after selling the drift boat I haven't spent as much time as I used to on them, but I still spend about 10-15 days a year kayaking or rowing friends drift boats down them. In fact, while not for bass, we're kayaking a popular trout stream this weekend for the first time this year. Hard not to love the small streams.
Further North reply :
On 4/15/2016 at 9:03 PM, FluffChucker said:I'm fairly certain I've seen you on other fly fishing related forums before, yes?
I'm sure you have...I get around... 
On 4/15/2016 at 9:03 PM, FluffChucker said:If so, that explains the "too small for boats" philosophy that we both share. The small rivers up in northern Wisconsin are what brought me up here in the first place. Admittedly, after selling the drift boat I haven't spent as much time as I used to on them, but I still spend about 10-15 days a year kayaking or rowing friends drift boats down them. In fact, while not for bass, we're kayaking a popular trout stream this weekend for the first time this year. Hard not to love the small streams.
I'm kind of a hybrid...I love small water...but not exclusively. There's something to be said for big water - think Lake of the Woods and other massive Canadian shield lakes, think lakes in WI that are several hundred to a few thousand acres...I like those as well.
There's a lot to be said about wading a stream for trout, or a small river for smallies and muskies...and there's also something about getting out on a lake and working structure and finding fish. What I love about where we live is we can do either almost any day we want.
...But wait...you sold a drift boat? that's just crazy...
There's a lot of water around here that's un-reachable with a powered boat and that you can't really wade to in a reasonable day unless you have access between bridges. I'm not a fan of fishing from a canoe...I like to stand up...so I've been sorta playing withthe idea of a drift boat for a while now...but since I fish by myself a lot...I'd want it powered somehow...and that complicates things a little...
KYBassin' reply :
At the end of May I'll be in Northern WI for a week to fish with a few buddies. We are all from WI but currently live out of state. We would greatly appreciate any/all insight you could provide us leading up to our trip. Thanks.
Further North reply :
What part of Northern WI?
East, central, west...near what towns?
One thing I can tell you is that in my part of the state water temps are way ahead of normal. I was seeing 52° Saturday on a deep, cold lake and heard reports of near 60° on a Chippewa River reservoir. I would plan my fishing accordingly.
KYBassin' reply :
On 4/19/2016 at 12:01 PM, Further North said:What part of Northern WI?
East, central, west...near what towns?
One thing I can tell you is that in my part of the state water temps are way ahead of normal. I was seeing 52° Saturday on a deep, cold lake and heard reports of near 60° on a Chippewa River reservoir. I would plan my fishing accordingly.
Wow. That much ahead of schedule already huh? Could be interesting. We'll be fishing in the northwest region, a little north of Eau Claire.
Scott F reply :
The ice just went off the lakes around Minocqua on the 16th so I know the water temps there are nowhere near 50 yet.
Further North reply :
On 4/19/2016 at 8:15 PM, KYBassin' said:Wow. That much ahead of schedule already huh? Could be interesting. We'll be fishing in the northwest region, a little north of Eau Claire.
Right in my back yard - any particular lakes?
If you don't want to ID them on line, PM me.
FluffChucker reply :
Quote...But wait...you sold a drift boat? that's just crazy...
Yes, unfortunately I sold a drift boat. Not because I wanted to, but because I just simply didn't have the room for two boats and a car. I loved and abused that drift boat for many hundreds of days on the water. From Idaho to Wisconsin, to Tennessee. It saw a lot of water
Given the choice between only a drift boat or a motor boat, I'd take the motor boat every day. So much less hassle as far as dealing with trying to line up shuttles and always having a second rower. One thing you quickly learn is that no matter how adamant someone is that they can row a drift boat, 90% of the time they're lying. I love rowing, but I also love fishing. I didn't get to do nearly enough of the latter. I also enjoy fishing by myself a lot of the time. Too many 'back seat drivers' 
I can also verify the 60* water temps in NW Wisconsin. While I didn't find 60* this weekend, i did find 57* and I know the guys fishing one of the Chippewa River flowages told me he saw 61*. I've seen a bunch of bass cruising the shallows already, so barring any kind of major weather changes over the next few weeks opener sure will be interesting. Hopefully people will practice some quick, responsible C&R.
KYBassin' reply :
Blows my mind that you guys are already seeing/hearing about 60 degree water temps...and bass already cruising shallow. Now, I don't live up there, but I'm guessing this is at least a few weeks sooner than normal.
Further North reply :
On 4/20/2016 at 11:26 PM, FluffChucker said:Given the choice between only a drift boat or a motor boat, I'd take the motor boat every day. So much less hassle as far as dealing with trying to line up shuttles and always having a second rower. One thing you quickly learn is that no matter how adamant someone is that they can row a drift boat, 90% of the time they're lying. I love rowing, but I also love fishing. I didn't get to do nearly enough of the latter. I also enjoy fishing by myself a lot of the time. Too many 'back seat drivers'
We may be twin sons of different mothers...when it comes to boats anyways...
What you wrote above is exactly why there's not a drift boat parked alongside my motor boat...and it's why I'm so intrigued by some kind of powered drift boat.
On 4/20/2016 at 11:26 PM, FluffChucker said:I can also verify the 60* water temps in NW Wisconsin. While I didn't find 60* this weekend, i did find 57* and I know the guys fishing one of the Chippewa River flowages told me he saw 61*. I've seen a bunch of bass cruising the shallows already, so barring any kind of major weather changes over the next few weeks opener sure will be interesting. Hopefully people will practice some quick, responsible C&R.
The lake I was on was at 52° tops...but it's a deep, clear, cold lake, even in the summer. The only things I saw cruising the shallows was one 30-something inch musky ans a mid 20's pike. I was mostly doing my annual "shakedown" cruise with the boat to make sure everything was working right...everything but my trim gauge was 100% and that took about 2 minutes to diagnose and another 5 to fix when I got home.
KYBassin' reply :
How are the water temps doing up there? Was out this past weekend here (KY), saw quite a few males in the swallows, a few beds.
FluffChucker reply :
Not a lot of change, I'm guessing. In fact, if anything, the lakes have probably gone down a few degrees We've had rain for three straight days, and temps really haven't been very warm. Upper 50's mostly, with nighttime lows in the 30's. That trend looks to continue until next week when it appears we'll start getting into the 60's and near 70 again.
KYBassin' reply :
On 4/26/2016 at 11:04 PM, FluffChucker said:Not a lot of change, I'm guessing. In fact, if anything, the lakes have probably gone down a few degrees We've had rain for three straight days, and temps really haven't been very warm. Upper 50's mostly, with nighttime lows in the 30's. That trend looks to continue until next week when it appears we'll start getting into the 60's and near 70 again.
Thanks for the update
KYBassin' reply :
Any update on the water temp/spawn situation in Northern WI? Thanks.
FluffChucker reply :
Definitely not spawning right now. The cold temps have sort of lingered, with the exception of the last few days (last Friday we reached almost 90*!). Water temps this weekend on the clear, deep lakes that I fished ranged anywhere from 48* (in the early a.m. to 58* in the bays. Fish were found all over. I had most of my luck on the steeper breaks in the mornings, and was able to fish some shallow flats in the afternoons when I found pockets of fish cruising around.
Temps on the darker lakes will be at least a few degrees warmer. I'd venture a guess to say they are probably in the mid to upper 50's. Perhaps 60*+ in some of the shallower bays.
This weeks forecast calls for rain, and colder conditions so I wouldn't expect to see much improvement this week. In fact, tomorrow our high is only 54*, and Friday is 50*, Sat 55* and Sunday 55* before the warming trend starts again next week with highs in the 60' through the early part of the week. We've still got lows dipping into the 30's a fair number of nights this week which hurts more than anything.
Shockwave reply :
How'd everyone do during the bass opener? I'll be on Pewaukee this Thursday for my first time getting out for bass this year. What kinda temps are you guys seeing arouns SE Wi so far?
I got up to Sturgeon Bay a few weeks ago and had an absolute blast. We got several 26-28 inch walleye and a couple smaller eaters. I have a couple of new walleye spots to add to the GPS now!
KYBassin' reply :
On 5/10/2016 at 2:40 AM, FluffChucker said:Definitely not spawning right now. The cold temps have sort of lingered, with the exception of the last few days (last Friday we reached almost 90*!). Water temps this weekend on the clear, deep lakes that I fished ranged anywhere from 48* (in the early a.m. to 58* in the bays. Fish were found all over. I had most of my luck on the steeper breaks in the mornings, and was able to fish some shallow flats in the afternoons when I found pockets of fish cruising around.
Temps on the darker lakes will be at least a few degrees warmer. I'd venture a guess to say they are probably in the mid to upper 50's. Perhaps 60*+ in some of the shallower bays.
This weeks forecast calls for rain, and colder conditions so I wouldn't expect to see much improvement this week. In fact, tomorrow our high is only 54*, and Friday is 50*, Sat 55* and Sunday 55* before the warming trend starts again next week with highs in the 60' through the early part of the week. We've still got lows dipping into the 30's a fair number of nights this week which hurts more than anything.
Thanks FluffChucker! Still have a few weeks until I'm up there but I appreciate any info leading up.
Brew City Bass reply :
On 5/10/2016 at 7:53 AM, Shockwave said:How'd everyone do during the bass opener? I'll be on Pewaukee this Thursday for my first time getting out for bass this year. What kinda temps are you guys seeing arouns SE Wi so far?
I got up to Sturgeon Bay a few weeks ago and had an absolute blast. We got several 26-28 inch walleye and a couple smaller eaters. I have a couple of new walleye spots to add to the GPS now!
I was fishing Waukesha on the opener, it was dismal. 25mph winds and a mix of weather. Grinded for 5 hours with two bass to show.
Water temps are in the low 50's, too much rain for it to get warm. I give it two more weeks before spawn.
Going out to Okauchee tomorrow.
Shockwave reply :
On 5/11/2016 at 1:34 PM, Brew City Bass said:I was fishing Waukesha on the opener, it was dismal. 25mph winds and a mix of weather. Grinded for 5 hours with two bass to show.
Water temps are in the low 50's, too much rain for it to get warm. I give it two more weeks before spawn.
Going out to Okauchee tomorrow.
Good luck!! I'll be hitting Pewaukee in a couple hours. Update us on how you do and I'll do the same.
Brew City Bass reply :
On 5/13/2016 at 2:11 AM, Shockwave said:Good luck!! I'll be hitting Pewaukee in a couple hours. Update us on how you do and I'll do the same.
Was in the boat for 9 hours, caught 4 all around 15".. What a grind.
I am going to Pewaukee tonight as well.
Brew City Bass reply :
On 5/13/2016 at 2:11 AM, Shockwave said:Good luck!! I'll be hitting Pewaukee in a couple hours. Update us on how you do and I'll do the same.
Was out from 5pm - 12am with no luck. Wind was terrible..
Shockwave reply :
On 5/13/2016 at 2:57 PM, Brew City Bass said:Was out from 5pm - 12am with no luck. Wind was terrible..
Similar day here. A buddy and I were out from 3:30pm - 8:30ish and I got one bass in the boat over on the northwest side of the lake. The wind definitely made it a rough evening. I watched the wind wreak havoc on a sailboat out there. Tore one of the sails right off. We mainly stuck to the bays that were out of the wind. Everyone I talked to on the lake was having similar luck.
Brew City Bass reply :
On 5/13/2016 at 11:17 PM, Shockwave said:Similar day here. A buddy and I were out from 3:30pm - 8:30ish and I got one bass in the boat over on the northwest side of the lake. The wind definitely made it a rough evening. I watched the wind wreak havoc on a sailboat out there. Tore one of the sails right off. We mainly stuck to the bays that were out of the wind. Everyone I talked to on the lake was having similar luck.
I got out to Fowler for a few hours, just got home. Fished right til it started raining, caught 3 bass, 2 northern in three hours. Biggest bass was 17" 2.5lbs.
Shockwave reply :
I haven't fished Fowler before. I've done very well on Lac La Belle but never really thought about fishing Fowler.
Scott F reply :
I arrived in north central Wisconsin Saturday afternoon and was greeted by 36 degree air temps and snow flurries. The surface water temp in the lake I'm on ranged from 45 to 49 degrees this morning. Even with this massive cold front, I managed a half dozen smallmouth and a couple green bass before lunch. I'll be here for the next 16 days, if we don't any more cold fronts like this, things should get better each day.
Brew City Bass reply :
On 5/14/2016 at 10:56 AM, Shockwave said:I haven't fished Fowler before. I've done very well on Lac La Belle but never really thought about fishing Fowler.
Fowler is worth giving a shot. I've pulled some 4lbers out of the lake. They are in there. Most people I see there are casting for muskie, only ever seen a few fishing for bass.
KYBassin' reply :
On 5/16/2016 at 2:13 AM, Scott F said:I arrived in north central Wisconsin Saturday afternoon and was greeted by 36 degree air temps and snow flurries. The surface water temp in the lake I'm on ranged from 45 to 49 degrees this morning. Even with this massive cold front, I managed a half dozen smallmouth and a couple green bass before lunch. I'll be here for the next 16 days, if we don't any more cold fronts like this, things should get better each day.
Thanks Scott. And 16 days?! That sounds awesome.
Shockwave reply :
On 5/16/2016 at 4:04 AM, Brew City Bass said:Fowler is worth giving a shot. I've pulled some 4lbers out of the lake. They are in there. Most people I see there are casting for muskie, only ever seen a few fishing for bass.
I'll probably head out there in the next couple weeks. I'll update with how I do for sure!
KYBassin' reply :
Looks like some warmer, more consistent is moving in to northern Wisco. I'll be up there next Monday so any insight on current conditions would be awesome. Thanks!
FluffChucker reply :
On 5/16/2016 at 2:13 AM, Scott F said:I arrived in north central Wisconsin Saturday afternoon and was greeted by 36 degree air temps and snow flurries. The surface water temp in the lake I'm on ranged from 45 to 49 degrees this morning. Even with this massive cold front, I managed a half dozen smallmouth and a couple green bass before lunch. I'll be here for the next 16 days, if we don't any more cold fronts like this, things should get better each day.
Based on my outing yesterday, I currently have no idea what they're doing right now. All I managed to get was about a dozen 13-15" males in the shallows. Surface water temps up to 60* yesterday though on a crystal clear, deep lake. I imagine those temps will be at least 65* by Sunday and we'll start seeing some fish bedding down. I cruised one large spawning flat for about an hour yesterday and didn't see much in the way of fish or beds. Going to try another lake of similar makeup (clear and deep) tonight to see if I find different results.
DevinFishing29 reply :
Hi, I live in the Chequamegon Bay area. Do you think Largemouth will be on beds in inland lakes this weekend? Also when will the Bluegill head to there beds?
Scott F reply :
On 5/20/2016 at 10:10 PM, KYBassin' said:Looks like some warmer, more consistent is moving in to northern Wisco. I'll be up there next Monday so any insight on current conditions would be awesome. Thanks!
The overnight temps in North Central WI have been near freezing every night up until last night. Daytime temps have been going up everyday , but the water is slow to warm. Fishing has been improving slowly everyday and should really pick up in the next few days. I'm seeing the first few smallmouth beds being made right now. It will take at least a week if the good weather holds for the smallmouth to lock on the beds. Largemouth I'd guess would be sometime soon after that.
Scott F reply :
It really picked up this evening. The surface water temps are up to 62 and the top water bite was hot. Lots of smallies up shallow now. Tons of mosquitos and some kind nats that are out by the millions. As long as the weather holds fishing will be great until they get on to the beds.
KYBassin' reply :
Fluff and Scott..thanks for the updates. That topwater smallie bite sounds awesome. I haven't had any serious smallmouth fishing since back in college, on the WI River in Stevens Point. So fun. I hope the bite continues for the rest of your trip....and carries over to mine!
Further North reply :
I saw high 60s to low 70s surface temps on a lake on the northern edge of Chippewa County yesterday.
Some smallies were on beds, some were not...so one largemouth on a bed...but it looked confused. Male smallies on beds were aggressive in protecting their turf.
Lake is 1800 acres, up to 100 ft. deep and clear water.
I was out from noon until just before 8:00 PM, fishing was consistent with a spike in the action right around 6:00 PM.
Scott F reply :
Amazing the difference in water temp from the western part of the state to the north central. Evening time in north central WI, surface temps reached a high of 62 but dropped overnight and have not gotten back to that temp even with daytime highs in the 80s with lots of sun in the last few days. Yesterday, we had high winds that kept me off the lake in the afternoon and evening, and this morning, rain and thunderstorms will keep me off until lunchtime.
KYBassin' reply :
So it sounds like the spawn is getting close, with warm and rainy weather on it's way. I'll be up there next week, I'll make sure to pack rain gear.
FluffChucker reply :
The spawn in here on most lakes now. It's at the beginning stages and not every fish is up on beds, but yesterday I saw quite a few and more and more will make their way in over the next week. With the exception of the storms, at least the temps look to remain fairly steady up here.
slonezp reply :
Anyone been on Delavan or Geneva yet?
Bill Kowalski reply :
Slonezp - I've been on Powers Lake which is South of Delavan and the water temp last week was 52 and the fishing was slow. I would assume the larger lakes like Delavan and Gevena will be much colder still. With the warmer temps coming things should pick up.
Bill Kowalski reply :
I was on Powers Lake again last night and the surface temp was at 72 and the fishing has picked up. My previous post of 52 degrees was an error should of been 62. I noticed the water was stirred up a bit from the storms. Normally a really clear lake I think it was an advantage as well.
basseditor reply :
I just arrived in Green Bay. I don't know where to go? Any tips for nearby? Within an hour or two? I brought limited gear but have a couple of days to fish.
I appreciate any tips of where and what species.
slonezp reply :
On 5/30/2016 at 11:42 AM, basseditor said:I just arrived in Green Bay. I don't know where to go? Any tips for nearby? Within an hour or two? I brought limited gear but have a couple of days to fish.
I appreciate any tips of where and what species.
The smallmouth and walleye fishing is on right now. You have a boat?
basseditor reply :
On 5/31/2016 at 5:07 AM, slonezp said:The smallmouth and walleye fishing is on right now. You have a boat?
Yes. It's not set up very well for fishing, but at least I can get on the water.
CDMeyer reply :
Live on the mighty miss, proud to call home and have the Elites coming to town thus fall
slonezp reply :
On 5/31/2016 at 12:17 PM, basseditor said:Yes. It's not set up very well for fishing, but at least I can get on the water.
You've got the bay, the fox, and if you want to make a short drive, Winnebago to the south and Sturgeon Bay is an hour drive up the peninsula.
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