Fishing Lake Wisconsin
AKA: Wisconsin Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Wisconsin, WI
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Lake Wisconsin maintains a healthy smallmouth bass fishery. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend 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.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
As a popular bass fishing tournament lake, Lake Wisconsin is well known to locals and anglers in the region as a good bass lake. Both weekend and tournament anglers have been catching bass in good numbers, and fish over 4 pounds are not uncommon. Fishing for largemouth bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being caught. In Lake Wisconsin, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. In winter when the lake freezes over and the ice is safe, bass can also be caught while ice fishing.
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 Wisconsin. 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.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, yellow perch, muskie, northern pike and sturgeon at Lake Wisconsin in Wisconsin.
Lake Wisconsin Fishing Video
The Wisconsin River flows into Lake Wisconsin bringing fertile water, creating a healthy fishery for bass, walleye, perch, crappie, sunfish, muskie, northern pike, catfish and sturgeon.
Lake Wisconsin is located in south-central Wisconsin and spans across Columbia and Sauk counties. Nestled along the scenic Wisconsin River, it offers a variety of fishing opportunities and is a popular destination for anglers of all skill levels. The lake boasts a diverse fishery, making it an enticing spot for fishing enthusiasts.
Walleye fishing is a major draw on Lake Wisconsin. Anglers target these prized gamefish using various techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs, jigging, or casting with live bait or artificial lures. The lake's structure and depth variations provide excellent habitat for walleye, and they can be found near rocky points, drop-offs, and submerged structures.
Muskie, the apex predator of Lake Wisconsin, lure anglers seeking a thrilling fishing experience. Known as the fish of 10,000 casts, muskie fishing requires patience and skill. Anglers typically use large, flashy lures or live bait to entice these powerful and elusive fish. The lake's weedy areas, rock structures, and deeper channels serve as prime muskie habitats.
Black crappie, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass are also popular species among anglers on Lake Wisconsin. These fish can be found in shallower areas near weed beds, submerged structures, and brush piles. Anglers often use jigs, soft plastics, or live bait to target these species, with early morning and late evening being particularly productive times.
Bluegill, a staple panfish, is abundant in Lake Wisconsin. Anglers targeting bluegill often fish near weed beds, brush piles, or submerged structures using small jigs, worms, or crickets. These feisty fish provide excellent action and are a favorite among anglers of all ages.
Flathead catfish, channel catfish, northern pike, and yellow perch are also present in Lake Wisconsin. Flathead catfish can reach impressive sizes and are typically targeted using live bait, such as large minnows or cut bait. Channel catfish, known for their fighting ability, can be caught using stinkbaits or nightcrawlers. Northern pike and yellow perch provide additional opportunities for anglers looking for a variety of fishing experiences.
Lake Wisconsin offers an array of fishing opportunities for anglers. With its abundance of walleye, muskie, black crappie, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, flathead catfish, channel catfish, northern pike, and yellow perch, the lake provides a diverse fishery and ensures there's something for every angler's preference. Combined with its scenic beauty, boating options, and camping facilities, Lake Wisconsin is a fantastic destination for fishing and outdoor recreation in Wisconsin.
The dam at Prairie du Sac creates this 9,500-acre reservoir in the south-central part of the state, at Merrimac, WI. Whether you prefer to fish from a boat, or from the bank, there are 57 miles of shoreline to explore. Around the lake there are more than a dozen boat launch ramps, parks and public access areas. Boat rental outlets on the water offer pontoons, canoes, kayaks, power boats and fishing boats for rent by the day or the hour.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Wisconsin
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Wisconsin Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Lake Wisconsin, with several boat launches and marinas available for easy access. Anglers can explore the lake's various fishing spots, access deeper waters, and cover more ground.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Burhop's Lakeside Lodge
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
608 592-4802
Lake Wisconsin Watersports
Rentals: Pontoon boats
608 493-4044
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Aleway Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, south side, off Lake Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with street parking.
Anderson Novak Memorial Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, west side, off VFW Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fingers Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Park Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited, street parking.
O'Kee Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the southeast side of the lake, off Old Sauk Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Whalen Grade Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off County Road V, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Wisconsin
Lake Wisconsin Fishing Guide - bass, pike, walleye
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.
Camping facilities are also available nearby, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the fishing and outdoor experience.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lake Wisconsin Campground - 608 635-0348
Smokey Hollow Campground - 608 635-4806
Merry Macs Campground - 608 493-2367
Lake Wisconsin WI Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Wisconsin
Lake Wisconsin Campground
N3204 Co Rd V
Poynette, WI 53955
608 635-0348
Fishing lakes in each state.
082824
Lake Wisconsin in Wisconsin.
WISCONSIN
Information about fishing lakes in WI
Lake Wisconsin offers quality bass, walleye, perch, crappie, sunfish, muskie, northern pike, catfish and sturgeon fishing in south-central Wisconsin.
