Wisconsin is known for some of the best Walleye fishing in the Country.  There are plenty of waters from rivers to lakes that hold Walleye throughout Wisconsin. Many anglers prefer planning a fishing trip to the Northwoods of Wisconsin to catch their fish, most of the lakes in the Wisconsin Northwoods are known for great walleye fishing. Within a 45 minute to an hour radius, you have some of the finest lakes to fish in the entire state. The Eagle River chain of lakes has many lakes with an abundance of walleye. Minocqua, St. Germain and the Hayward Lakes area also have plenty of waters to fish for walleye.

Top Wisconsin Walleye Fishing Lakes

Lake Delavan

Located in Walworth County, Lake Delavan anglers can often reach the 3-fish 18-inch walleye limit.

Lake Mendota

Located in Dane County, Lake Mendota has a 3-fish 18-inch walleye limit.  On Lake Mendota try pitching a half night crawler or leech into pockets on the outside edge of the weeds on a 1/16-ounce black jighead.

Lake Shawano

Located in Shawano County, when walleye fishing Lake Shawano target some of the shallow reefs along the lake's east end that top out at about 10 feet by long-line trolling deep-running minnow-imitating lures. Once fish are located, switch over to a jig-and-minnow presentation, or a minnow under a slip-bobber during periods of low light.

Lake Winnebago

During the Spring and Fall, Walleye can be found close to the shorelines on Lake Winnebago.  In the Summer, large schools of walleye are found roaming the vast open water of Lake Winnebago chasing schools of gizzard shad, emerald shiners and young-of-the-year drum or sheepshead.

Lake Wissota

Located in Chippewa County, when walleye fishing Lake Wissota stay in the 15-25 foot range.  During the day use a jig and minnow and as night approaches anchor and cast some slip bobbers by any drop off.

Wisconsin Ice Fishing Reports

The recent wave of sub-zero temperatures increased ice thickness and frozen formerly slushy areas on many lakes. However, thickness still varies from lake to lake.  In the north, walleye have been the main species of interest and most anglers report sporadic action. The best action has come on cloudy days, when temperatures reach into the 20s. Panfish anglers have seen some fair action in the north, and some good panfish action has been reported on southern lakes.

Wisconsin Fishing Resorts

Dane County Fishing Report

Most of the bays have enough ice to support ice anglers on foot. Most of the ice fishing activity for bluegills has been on Monona Bay and the south end of Lake Waubesa.

Lake Winnebago Fishing Report

Lake Winnebago has up to 12 inches of ice in some areas, clubs have begun marking roads along portions of the east shore. Once roads have been marked on the west shore of Lake Winnebago in the Oshkosh area people can call the Otter Street Fishing Club in Oshkosh at 920-233-6101 for recorded information on the status of their ice roads and bridges. The walleye population is booming in Lake Winnebago so there are lots of nice fish for anglers to go after, but the forage base (shad, emerald shiners, and trout perch) is also booming which may make catching walleyes through the ice a challenge this winter. Also - reminder - you can keep one sauger a day now while fishing Winnebago, but if you do keep one, you can only keep four walleye in addition to your one sauger. There is no size limit on walleye or sauger on the Winnebago System. Perch and bluegills are booming as well on the Winnebago lake system, so if can't get the walleye to bite, you might try some of the bays for panfish.

Kenosha County Wisconsin Fishing Report

Ice anglers in Kenosha have taken browns on minnows and spawn in Southport Marina.

Milwaukee Wisconsin Fishing Report

McKinley Marina in Milwaukee has approximately 5-7 inches of ice. Anglers there have been catching occasional brown trout, and tip ups have produced with both shiners and spawn. Anglers open water fishing the Menomonee River at the MMSD offices have been catching a few northern pike; and the river behind the Summerfest grounds is open, but fishing has been slow.

Wisconsin Fishing Guides

Ozaukee County Wisconsin Fishing Report

In Port Washington open water anglers have been catching browns and occasional rainbows near the power plant discharge. Both spawn and casting artificials have produced fish. The west slip has open water, and the north slip is mostly open.

Racine County Wisconsin Fishing Report

In Racine, fast moving upstream stretches of the Root River are still open. The river is holding good numbers of browns and rainbows in the deeper pools, and drifting spawn sacs has proven effective. The Racine harbor is ice covered, but use caution as the ice thickness varies considerably. Water clarity in the harbor has been somewhat poor, but both browns and rainbows have been caught.