Hybrid Striped Bass Fishing In Wisconsin

Guide to catching striped bass and hybrid stripers on local lakes

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Last updated on January 24, 2026.

Best striper and wiper lakes, lures and bait

While hybrid striped bass are not native to Wisconsin, they have been stocked in certain lakes to provide additional angling opportunities. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about hybrid stripers fishing and identify popular hybrid striper waters in the state.

Striper Fishing Video

Fishing for Hybrid Striped Bass in Wisconsin

When fishing for wipers, concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow, over the deep water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. Check Wisconsin fishing reports for current information. For the ultimate thrill try large topwater baits if you see any surface feeding action. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take hybrid striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it offers a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for wipers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes. Hybrid striped bass, known for their strength and spirited fights, provide an exhilarating angling experience.

Hybrid Striper & Wiper Fishing Lakes

Columbia Lake offers the primary hybrid striper fishing opportunity in Wisconsin lakes.

State Fish Records

The state record hybrid striped bass was caught from Columbia Lake.

When fishing for hybrid stripers concentrate on the deeper areas the lake, except in Spring. If you can locate schools of shad, wipers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow over the deep water, you can catch hybrid stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. And for the ultimate thrill, try large topwater baits whenever you see surface feeding activity. When the wipers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also work when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent approach. Consider using flashy lures in bigger sizes.

Wisconsin Striper Fishing Information

Wisconsin DNR Fishing Regulations - Striped Bass

Additional Striper Information

While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams become the ideal spawning grounds for stripers.

Stripers Forever

Striped Bass - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Striped bass and hybrid stripers, by state

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