Fishing Lake Winnebago

AKA: Winnebago Lake

Most Popular Fish
Lake Winnebago Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Winnebago, WI

Popular Fish Species Lake Winnebago, WI

Walleye Fishing

Walleye are popular in Lake Winnebago again this year thanks to a plenty of forage in the lake. 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. Rocky and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. 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. 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. 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. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Lake Winnebago 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 Lake Winnebago. 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.

Muskie Fishing

Fishing for muskellunge in Lake Winnebago 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.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow perch, muskie, northern pike and sturgeon at Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin.

Lake Winnebago Fishing Video

Renowned for excellent walleye fishing, Lake Winnebago is considered by many to be Wisconsin's premier fishery. There are 88 miles of shoreline surrounding this 135,000-acre (215 sq miles) lake in the southeastern part of the state, at Fon Du Lac, WI.

Lake Winnebago, located in east-central Wisconsin, is the largest inland lake in the state and offers a fantastic fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels. This expansive lake covers a vast area and provides ample opportunities to target a variety of popular fish species.

Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass are among the sought-after gamefish in Lake Winnebago. Anglers can explore the lake's numerous rocky structures, submerged vegetation, and drop-offs to find these bass species. Techniques such as casting with crankbaits, jigs, or topwater lures are commonly used to entice these aggressive and hard-fighting fish.

Lake Winnebago is also renowned for its excellent panfish fishery. Black crappie and bluegill can be found in abundance throughout the lake. Anglers targeting these panfish often focus on the numerous weed beds, submerged trees, and brush piles. Small jigs, live bait, or fly fishing methods are commonly employed to attract these panfish, providing anglers with a fun and rewarding fishing experience.

Muskie can also be found in Lake Winnebago. These elusive and powerful predators require patience and persistence to catch. Anglers pursuing muskie often use large bucktails, jerkbaits, or live bait to entice these trophy fish. Lake Winnebago's vast size and diverse structure provide ample opportunities to encounter and hook into a muskie of a lifetime.

Catfish enthusiasts will find both flathead catfish and channel catfish in Lake Winnebago. These species are known for their size and the thrilling fights they put up. Anglers targeting catfish often use live bait such as cut bait or large nightcrawlers, fishing near deep holes, channel edges, or submerged structures where these catfish tend to congregate.

Walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch are also popular fish species found in Lake Winnebago. These species offer additional angling opportunities and contribute to the lake's diverse fishery. Anglers employ various techniques such as jigging, trolling, or casting with live bait or artificial lures to target these fish.

Lake Winnebago offers a diverse and rewarding fishing experience with its abundance of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, muskie, flathead catfish, channel catfish, walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. With its vast size, varied structure, and convenient boating and camping facilities, Lake Winnebago is a premier fishing destination in Wisconsin, attracting anglers from near and far.

A dozen boat landings and a half dozen marinas serve the boating public. For anglers who prefer to fish from the bank, there are numerous places to access the shoreline at parks, boat launch ramps, and along some of the roads which contour the shoreline. Ice fishing, when the ice is safe, is popular with local anglers. Whether fishing through the ice, bank fishing or fishing from a boat, the lake is loaded with a wide variety of fish species to catch. Walleye, crappie, bass, perch, muskie, northern pike, bluegill and monster sturgeon all reside here. Several marinas, campgrounds, restaurants, tackle stores and lodging are all available at, or nearby, the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Winnebago

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Winnebago Amenities

Marina: YES
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 Winnebago provides excellent boating opportunities, with numerous boat launches and marinas available for anglers to access the lake. Boaters can explore the expansive water body and search for their preferred fishing spots.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Lake Winnebago Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
920 948-4900

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Asylum Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Sherman Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Black Wolf Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, southwest side, off Fon Du Lac Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Brothertown Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Harbor Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Doty Park Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off 5th Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Ecker Lakeland Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Ecker Lakeland Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited, gravel parking.

Fisherman's Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Fishermans Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Grundman County Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Grundman Lane, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Highway 45 Wayside Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Lakeshore Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Jefferson Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Brighton Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Mill Street Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Mill Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited, paved parking.

Stockbridge Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off W Lake Street, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

West 24th Avenue Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off W 24th Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Bayshore Marina
617 Bay Shore Dr
Oshkosh, WI 54901
920 231-9936

Calumet Harbor Marina
N10361 Calumet Harbor Road
Malone, WI 53049
920 360-3411

High Cliff State Park Marina
N6779 Lower Cliff Rd.
Sherwood, WI 54169
920 989-1349

The Pioneer Marina
1100 Pioneer Dr
Oshkosh, WI 54903
920 233-1981