Fishing Lake Onalaska
Popular Fish Species Lake Onalaska, WI
Northern Pike Fishing
These toothy critters are currently thriving in the cool waters of Lake Onalaska. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. Northern pike are veracious 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. Late April and early May are the best time 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.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Yellow perch are a food source for many predator fish in the lake, and are great table fare for anglers. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Lake Onalaska. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to quite good here, year round. In winter when the lake freezes over and the ice is safe, bass can be caught while ice fishing. Lake Onalaska continues to be a good largemouth bass fishery, as it has for several years now. Careful fisheries management by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has maintained a thriving bass fishery, providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Smallmouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been very rewarding lately. Also, there is the potential for catching a monster. Big mouth bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Lake Onalaska on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch and northern pike at Lake Onalaska in Wisconsin.
Lake Onalaska Fishing Video
Located in the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Lake Onalaska is a 8,400-acre lake on the western border of Wisconsin, at La Crosse. These flooded backwaters create miles and miles of shoreline with an endless number of channels, islands and clusters of aquatic vegetation.
Lake Onalaska is located in western Wisconsin, near the city of La Crosse. It is part of the Mississippi River system and offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels of experience.
Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are popular game fish in Lake Onalaska. Anglers can target these species near weed beds, submerged structures, and rocky shorelines using a variety of lures such as crankbaits, plastic worms, or topwater baits. Both species provide exciting action and are known for their aggressive strikes.
Walleye is another sought-after species in Lake Onalaska. Anglers can find walleye near drop-offs, points, and areas with current. Trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs, jigging with minnows or artificial baits, or fishing with live bait rigs can be effective techniques. Walleye can offer both a challenging and rewarding fishing experience.
Channel catfish are abundant in Lake Onalaska, and they are a favorite among catfish enthusiasts. Anglers can target channel catfish using stinkbaits, cut baits, or live bait such as nightcrawlers or minnows. Fishing near structures, deeper holes, or along the bottom can increase the chances of catching a channel catfish.
Black crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill are also popular fish species in Lake Onalaska. Anglers can find them near weed beds, submerged structures, or along the shoreline. Using small jigs, minnows, or live bait rigs can be effective in enticing these panfish species. They provide enjoyable fishing opportunities, particularly for families and youth anglers.
Lake Onalaska in western Wisconsin provides ample fishing opportunities for a variety of popular fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, black crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill. With its location along the Mississippi River and its accessibility for boating and camping, Lake Onalaska is a favorite destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking both a rewarding fishing experience and a memorable recreational getaway.
Ice fishing is popular in winter when there is safe ice. In the warmer months opportunities for boating and fishing abound. The lake has nice populations of walleye, northern pike, perch, catfish, bass, crappie and sunfish. Canoes, kayaks, pontoons and fishing boats are available for rent at the lake. There is access for fishing from shore at numerous places on the northern and eastern shores, and on the island. A half dozen boat landings and boat launch ramps are open to the public.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Onalaska
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Onalaska Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Lake Onalaska is not only a great fishing spot but also offers ample opportunities for boating and camping. Boaters can explore the vast expanse of the lake, enjoy water sports, or simply relax and take in the scenic views.
Fishing Boat Rentals
American Marine
Rentals: Pontoon fishing boats
608 783-2628
Schafer's River Rentals
Rentals: Fishing boats, canoes, pontoon boats and kayaks
608 781-3100
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Dakota Creek Small Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off River Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited, paved parking.
Fred Funk Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off County Road ZB, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Mosey Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off N Shore Lane, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Mulder Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Mulder Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Onalaska
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Wisconsin Fishing License.
There are camping facilities available nearby, allowing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
La Crosse Land Conservation Campground - 608 785-9867
Bluebird Springs RV Park - 608 781-2267
Scenic Acres Camp Ground - 507 643-6043
Mulberry Meadows RV Park - 507 429-1667
Lake Onalaska WI Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Onalaska
La Crosse Land Conservation Campground
400 4th St N
La Crosse, WI 54601
608 785-9867
Fishing lakes in each state.
071724
Lake Onalaska in Wisconsin.
WISCONSIN
Information about fishing lakes in WI
Good walleye, northern pike, perch, catfish, bass, crappie and sunfish fishing opportunities abound at Lake Onalaska on the western border of Wisconsin.
