Fishing Lac Vieux Desert

AKA: Lac Vieux Desert Lake

Most Popular Fish
Lac Vieux Desert Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
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Lac Vieux Desert, WI

Popular Fish Species Lac Vieux Desert, WI

Walleye Fishing

Walleye are popular with anglers and are thriving in the fertile waters of Lac Vieux Desert 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, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around 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. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. 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.

Muskie Fishing

Fishing for muskellunge in Lac Vieux Desert could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for musky can be very exhilarating. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find muskie during summer.

Lac Vieux Desert Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Northern pike are voracious feeders and they have the tools necessary to catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. They are currently thriving in the cool waters of Lac Vieux Desert. 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 also be a big help.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, musky and northern pike at Lac Vieux Desert in Wisconsin.

Lac Vieux Desert Fishing Video

A shining star among the multitude of lakes in the Land O Lakes area, Lac Vieux Desert is a 4,300-acre lake on the northeastern border of the state. With healthy populations of many fish species, and 19 miles of shoreline, anglers are drawn here to fish for walleye, bass, trophy musky, perch, pike, crappie and sunfish.

Lac Vieux Desert is located in the northern part of Wisconsin, straddling the border with Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This expansive lake offers a fantastic fishing experience, attracting anglers from both states.

One of the popular fish species in Lac Vieux Desert is largemouth bass. Anglers target them using a variety of techniques, including casting soft plastics, working topwater lures, or using spinnerbaits. The lake's structure, including weed beds, submerged timber, and rocky areas, provides ideal habitat for largemouth bass.

Smallmouth bass are also abundant in Lac Vieux Desert and are highly sought after by anglers. They are known for their acrobatic fights and aggressive nature. Anglers often target them by casting jigs, crankbaits, or using live bait like leeches or minnows near rocky structures, drop-offs, or points.

Muskie, the apex predator of freshwater, thrives in Lac Vieux Desert. Anglers looking for a thrilling challenge target muskie using large baits such as bucktails, jerkbaits, or topwater lures. This species requires patience, persistence, and dedication due to their elusive nature and their tendency to follow rather than strike.

Walleye is another popular species in Lac Vieux Desert. Anglers pursue walleye using techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or worm harnesses, jigging with live bait or artificial jigs, or drifting with live bait rigs. Dawn and dusk are often the best times to target walleye, especially near transition areas between shallow and deep water.

Black crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill are also prominent species in Lac Vieux Desert. Anglers can target black crappie using small jigs, live bait, or bobber rigs near submerged structures or brush piles. Northern pike can be caught using larger lures like spoons, spinners, or swimbaits. Yellow perch and bluegill are often targeted using small jigs, worms, or live bait near weed beds or drop-offs.

Lac Vieux Desert, situated on the border of Wisconsin and Michigan, offers excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, muskie, black crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill. With its diverse fishery, expansive waters, and camping amenities, the lake provides anglers and outdoor enthusiasts with a memorable experience in both fishing and recreational activities.

This is an ideal destination for fishing from a boat, as areas for fishing from the bank is limited. Boat launch ramps, rental boats, lodging and camping is all available at the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lac Vieux Desert

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lac Vieux Desert Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Lac Vieux Desert offers not only exceptional fishing opportunities but also ample boating and camping options. Anglers and boaters can explore the lake's expansive waters and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding area. Camping facilities near the lake provide an opportunity to extend your stay and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lac Vieux Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Lac Vieux Landing, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Mann Avenue Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Mann Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.