Fishing Shell Lake

AKA: Shell Lake Municipal Campground

Popular Fish Species
Shell Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Local Fishing Guides
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Shell Lake, WI

Popular Fish Species Shell Lake, WI

Shell Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Shell Lake, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Walleye Fishing

Shell Lake is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods 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.

Northern Pike Fishing

Big northern pike are thriving in the cool waters of Shell Lake. This year they are being caught in good numbers with an occasional giant. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. They are extremely active when feeding and they can 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. Summer can be spotty but pike are caught all through the summer. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. Portable fish finders can also be a big help. Throughout the season, 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.

Fish species to fish for...

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

Shell Lake Fishing Video

Surrounded by many smaller lakes, Shell Lake is a 2,600-acre lake in the northwest part of the state. The shell-shaped border of this productive fishery creates nearly 10 miles of shoreline for bass, crappie, sunfish and pike to roam.

Shell Lake is located in Washburn County, in northwestern Wisconsin. It is a picturesque lake known for its clear waters and excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers are drawn to Shell Lake for its diverse fishery and the chance to catch a variety of popular fish species.

Smallmouth bass is one of the prized species in Shell Lake. The lake's rocky shorelines, submerged structures, and deep pockets provide ideal habitat for smallmouth bass. Anglers can target smallmouth bass using techniques such as casting with crankbaits, jigs, or soft plastic baits around rocky structures or drop-offs.

Largemouth bass can also be found in Shell Lake, particularly in the shallower areas with vegetation and submerged timber. Anglers can use topwater lures, spinnerbaits, or plastic worms to entice largemouth bass from their hiding spots.

Muskie, known as the "fish of a thousand casts," is another sought-after species in Shell Lake. The lake's clear waters and abundance of baitfish make it an ideal habitat for muskie. Anglers often use large bucktails, jerkbaits, or live bait such as suckers or large shiners to target these powerful and elusive predators.

Walleye is a popular game fish in Shell Lake. Anglers can find walleye near drop-offs, points, or other underwater structures. Trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs, jigging with minnows or leeches, or casting with stickbaits or jigs are effective techniques for catching walleye.

Black crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill are also abundant in Shell Lake. These panfish species provide excellent angling opportunities, particularly for families and novice anglers. Fishing near submerged vegetation, docks, or using small jigs or live bait can lead to success in catching these popular panfish species.

Shell Lake in Washburn County, Wisconsin, provides excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of popular fish species such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, black crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill. With its clear waters, diverse habitat, and recreational amenities like boating and camping, Shell Lake is a fantastic destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Shell Lake Municipal Campground has a boat launch ramp, parking, swimming beach, docks and access for fishing from the bank. While there are no rental boats available at this campground, everything else you need for boating, fishing and camping is at, or close to, the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Shell Lake

Shell Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Shell Lake offers more than just great fishing. Boating is a popular activity on the lake, with public boat launches available for easy access. The lake's scenic beauty and serene surroundings make it a great spot for camping, allowing visitors to enjoy extended stays and immerse themselves in nature.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Lakeside Watercraft Rental
Rentals: Pontoon boats, canoes and kayaks
715 577-0964

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Shell Lake Municipal Campground Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off W Lake Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.