FISHING IN WISCONSIN
The state of Wisconsin, with its tranquil landscapes and more than 15,000 lakes, is an angler's haven. While Boulder Junction is the self-proclaimed Musky Capital of the World, there are also thousands of hot fishing spots for large and smallmouth bass, crappie, northern pike, and walleye. Wisconsin has one of the largest concentrations of natural lakes in the world, even more than Minnesota.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN WISCONSIN
LAKE WINNEBAGO
BAYSHORE COUNTY PARK
Take in an amazing view of Green Bay while you catch perch and musky at Bayshore County Park.
GOVERNOR NELSON STATE PARK
Enjoy the eight miles of trails Governor Nelson State Park has to offer and catch a view of the capital city, along with a few fish.
GET A WISCONSIN FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN WISCONSIN
MUSKELLUNGE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
It was once believed that there were at least four species of muskellunge, but these varieties are now considered to be one species
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 8-foot, extra-heavy-power rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 80-pound-test braid fishing line |
| Lure | Small Jigs, Spoons, Spinnerbait, Jerkbait |
WALLEYE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Walleye have needle-like teeth, bite well when the waters are cold, and make excellent table fare.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 and 7 feet long medium-action graphite rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8 or 10 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jigs, Plastic Baits, Crankbaits, Bottom Bouncers |
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits |
NORTHERN PIKE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Northern pike can be distinguished by their needle teeth, vacant eyes, thick slime, and serpentine shape.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 20-30-pound, 12-inch black wire leaders (They will bite through monofilament line) |
| Lure | In-line spinner, Spoon, Minnow-imitating plug, Spinnerbait, Jig and worm, Surface plug |
BLUEGILL
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Today the bluegill is one of the most popular panfish species in North America.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 4-or-5 weight fly rod (most effective) or ultra-light spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 3-4 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Small Worms, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Hotdog, Doughballs, Small Spinnerbaits like Beetlespins or Tiny jigs |
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | Ultralight spinning or spincast combos |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 4-10 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Fishing Hooks, Jigs (various colors and weights), Spoons, Mini-Crankbaits (use bobbers or floats as well) |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
