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

Borrow fishing equipment for free with the park’s unique tackle loaner program.

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

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

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


LARGEMOUTH BASS

LARGEMOUTH BASS

FIND WHERE TO CATCH


The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish.

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

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

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


BLACK CRAPPIE

BLACK CRAPPIE

FIND WHERE TO CATCH

Crappies are members of the sunfish and the black bass family.

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)

TYPES OF FISHING IN WISCONSIN



lakes and ponds

LAKES & PONDS

Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.



FLY FISHING

FLY FISHING

Fly fishing is fun, relaxing and easy to learn.

Pre-loader