Fishing Geneva Lake

AKA: Lake Geneva

Popular Fish Species
Geneva Lake Fishing Video
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Geneva Lake, WI

Popular Fish Species Geneva Lake, WI

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Geneva Lake. They are plentiful, plus they grow big and fat. Some sizeable smallies roam the waters of Geneva Lake, thanks to excellent fisheries management by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, as well as the availability of extensive cover for both baitfish and bass. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Northern Pike Fishing

Thriving in the cool waters of Geneva Lake, northern pike are a very popular target for local anglers. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can be a big help.

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to good fisheries management, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Geneva Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Offering both warm-water and coldwater fish species, Geneva Lake provides an exciting array of fishing opportunities. Over 20 miles of shoreline surround this 5,300-acre lake in the southeast part of the state, at Lake Geneva, WI.

Geneva Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, white bass, yellow perch, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and northern pike at Geneva Lake in Wisconsin.

Located in southeastern Wisconsin, Geneva Lake is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. One of the prized catches in Geneva Lake is the trout species. Anglers can target rainbow trout, brown trout, and lake trout, which are regularly stocked in the lake. Trolling with spoons or spinners, fly fishing with streamers or nymphs, or using live bait are common techniques employed to entice these trout.

Both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are abundant in Geneva Lake. The lake's structure, including rocky shorelines, submerged vegetation, and drop-offs, provide excellent habitats for these bass species. Anglers can try their luck with a variety of lures and baits, such as plastic worms, crankbaits, or topwater lures, to target these bass and experience the thrill of a successful catch.

Fishing Report

Primary fish species residing in Geneva Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Geneva Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

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