Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Wisconsin (Complete Guide)

Wisconsin offers some of the best fishing in the United States. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Wisconsin are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species in Wisconsin.

Month	Wisconsin Fishing Location
January	Lake Winnebago (Oshkosh) – Ice fishing for walleye and perch.
February	Fox River (De Pere) – Ice fishing for walleye.
March	Wisconsin River (Rhinelander) – Early spring fishing for muskie.
April	Menominee River (Marinette) – Spring fishing for walleye.
May	Lake Michigan (Kenosha) – Spring fishing for coho salmon.
June	Chippewa Flowage (Hayward) – Summer fishing for muskie.
July	Green Bay (Sturgeon Bay) – Summer fishing for smallmouth bass.
August	Apostle Islands (Bayfield) – Summer fishing for lake trout.
September	Wolf River (Fremont) – Fall fishing for white bass.
October	Mississippi River (La Crosse) – Fall fishing for walleye and sauger.
November	Door County Peninsula (Sturgeon Bay) – Late fall fishing for brown trout.
December	Lake Geneva (Lake Geneva) – Ice fishing for perch and walleye.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Wisconsin. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Sections of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Wisconsin

Brule River (Brule) – Best months: April to October, Target fish: Steelhead, brown trout.

Namekagon River (Trego) – Best months: May to October, Target fish: Smallmouth bass, musky.

Kickapoo River (Ontario) – Best months: May to September, Target fish: Brown trout, brook trout.

Wisconsin River (Rhinelander) – Best months: April to October, Target fish: Smallmouth bass, walleye.

Willow Flowage (Hazelhurst) – Best months: June to September, Target fish: Musky, largemouth bass.

Red Cedar River (Menomonie) – Best months: May to September, Target fish: Smallmouth bass, walleye.

Peshtigo River (Peshtigo) – Best months: April to October, Target fish: Brown trout, smallmouth bass.

Wolf River (Fremont) – Best months: April to September, Target fish: Walleye, white bass.

Big Green Lake (Green Lake) – Best months: May to October, Target fish: Lake trout, smallmouth bass.

Black River (Medford) – Best months: June to September, Target fish: Smallmouth bass, musky.

Lower Wisconsin River (Boscobel) – Best months: April to October, Target fish: Smallmouth bass, catfish.

Sheboygan River (Sheboygan) – Best months: March to October, Target fish: Steelhead, brown trout.

Flambeau River (Park Falls) – Best months: May to September, Target fish: Musky, smallmouth bass.

Milwaukee River (Milwaukee) – Best months: March to October, Target fish: Steelhead, brown trout.

Yellow River (Babcock) – Best months: May to September, Target fish: Smallmouth bass, northern pike.

Fox River (Appleton) – Best months: April to October, Target fish: Smallmouth bass, walleye.

Briggsville Creek (Briggsville) – Best months: April to September, Target fish: Brown trout, brook trout.

Bois Brule River (Brule) – Best months: April to October, Target fish: Steelhead, brown trout.

Rock River (Fort Atkinson) – Best months: May to October, Target fish: Smallmouth bass, catfish.

Crawfish River (Jefferson) – Best months: April to September, Target fish: Smallmouth bass, northern pike.

Best Times: Sections of Lakes to Fish in Wisconsin

Lake Michigan (Port Washington) – Best months: April to October, Target fish: Chinook salmon, lake trout.

Green Bay (Sturgeon Bay) – Best months: May to October, Target fish: Smallmouth bass, walleye.

Lake Superior (Bayfield) – Best months: June to September, Target fish: Lake trout, steelhead.

Lake Winnebago (Oshkosh) – Best months: May to October, Target fish: Walleye, white bass.

Lake Wisconsin (Merrimac) – Best months: April to October, Target fish: Walleye, musky.

Big Green Lake (Green Lake) – Best months: May to September, Target fish: Lake trout, smallmouth bass.

Lake Mendota (Madison) – Best months: April to October, Target fish: Walleye, musky.

Lake Geneva (Lake Geneva) – Best months: May to September, Target fish: Smallmouth bass, walleye.

Lake Koshkonong (Fort Atkinson) – Best months: April to October, Target fish: Walleye, catfish.

Lake Monona (Madison) – Best months: April to October, Target fish: Bluegill, largemouth bass.

Lake Petenwell (Arkdale) – Best months: May to September, Target fish: Walleye, northern pike.

Castle Rock Lake (Friendship) – Best months: May to September, Target fish: Walleye, largemouth bass.

Lake Wissota (Chippewa Falls) – Best months: May to September, Target fish: Musky, smallmouth bass.

Lake Poygan (Winneconne) – Best months: April to October, Target fish: Walleye, white bass.

Lake Delavan (Delavan) – Best months: May to September, Target fish: Largemouth bass, northern pike.

Lake Butte des Morts (Oshkosh) – Best months: April to October, Target fish: Walleye, musky.

Lake Onalaska (La Crosse) – Best months: May to September, Target fish: Walleye, bluegill.

Lake Beulah (East Troy) – Best months: May to September, Target fish: Largemouth bass, bluegill.

Lake Shawano (Shawano) – Best months: May to September, Target fish: Walleye, northern pike.

Lake Holcombe (Holcombe) – Best months: April to October, Target fish: Walleye, musky.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Wisconsin

These Wisconsin-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Blue Max Charters Salmon Fishing	Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee Offshore Fishing	Milwaukee, WI
Twenty Four VII Charters	Kenosha, WI
Finquest Sportfishing	Kenosha, WI
Michigan Addiction Sport Fishing	Algoma, WI
Top Notch Sportfishing	Sheboygan, WI
Captain Hooks Fishing Adventures	Minocqua, WI
Lure-In Fishing Guide – Sturgeon Bay	Baileys Harbor, WI
Homewrecker Sport Fishing Charters	Kewaunee, WI
Sea Dog Sportfishing Charters	Sheboygan, WI
Fish-On Guide Services of Wisconsin	Port Washington, WI

Best Times: Ice Fishing in Wisconsin

Lake Winnebago (Oshkosh): Ice fishing on Lake Winnebago is popular from December to February, targeting yellow perch, walleye, and white bass.

Lake Michigan (Bayfield): Ice fishing near Bayfield on Lake Superior is best from January to March, targeting lake trout and whitefish.

Green Bay (Sturgeon Bay): Ice fishing on Green Bay near Sturgeon Bay is productive from January to March, targeting walleye, whitefish, and northern pike.

Lake Mendota (Madison): Ice fishing on Lake Mendota is popular from December to February, targeting walleye, northern pike, and panfish.

Lake Monona (Madison): Ice fishing on Lake Monona is best from December to February, targeting perch, bluegill, and crappie.

Lake Wissota (Chippewa Falls): Ice fishing on Lake Wissota is productive from December to February, targeting walleye, northern pike, and panfish.

Lake Geneva: Ice fishing on Lake Geneva is popular from January to March, targeting perch, walleye, and northern pike.

Lake Winneconne (Winneconne): Ice fishing on Lake Winneconne is best from December to February, targeting walleye, northern pike, and bluegill.

Lake Koshkonong (Fort Atkinson): Ice fishing on Lake Koshkonong is productive from December to February, targeting walleye, northern pike, and bluegill.

Lake Delavan (Delavan): Ice fishing on Lake Delavan is popular from January to March, targeting perch, bluegill, and crappie.

Castle Rock Lake (Adams County): Ice fishing on Castle Rock Lake is best from January to March, targeting walleye, northern pike, and panfish.

Lake Onalaska (La Crosse): Ice fishing on Lake Onalaska is productive from December to February, targeting walleye, sauger, and perch.

Lake Butte des Morts (Oshkosh): Ice fishing on Lake Butte des Morts is popular from December to February, targeting walleye, perch, and northern pike.

Lake Holcombe (Holcombe): Ice fishing on Lake Holcombe is best from January to March, targeting walleye, northern pike, and crappie.

Lake Poygan (Winneconne): Ice fishing on Lake Poygan is productive from December to February, targeting walleye, perch, and northern pike.

Lake Waubesa (Madison): Ice fishing on Lake Waubesa is popular from December to February, targeting panfish such as bluegill and crappie.

Lake Wisconsin (Poynette): Ice fishing on Lake Wisconsin is best from January to March, targeting walleye, northern pike, and panfish.

Lake Petenwell (Adams County): Ice fishing on Lake Petenwell is productive from January to March, targeting walleye, northern pike, and panfish.

Lake Redstone (La Valle): Ice fishing on Lake Redstone is popular from December to February, targeting walleye, northern pike, and bluegill.

Lake Tomahawk (Minocqua): Ice fishing on Lake Tomahawk is best from January to March, targeting walleye, northern pike, and panfish.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Brown Trout

The best times to fish for brown trout in Wisconsin are spring, summer, and fall. Brown trout fishing is particularly good from April through October. Brown trout are most active during the early morning and late evening hours. Some of the top locations in Wisconsin for brown trout fishing include the Driftless Area streams such as the Rush River, Kinnickinnic River, Black Earth Creek, Bois Brule River, Brule River, and Root River.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout fishing in Wisconsin is best during the spring and fall seasons. The prime months for rainbow trout fishing are typically April through June and September through October. Rainbow trout are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the top locations in Wisconsin for rainbow trout fishing include the Brule River, Bois Brule River State Forest, Rushing Waters Fisheries, Willow River State Park, Root River, and Kinnickinnic River.

Lake Trout

The best times to fish for lake trout in Wisconsin are spring, summer, and fall. Lake trout fishing is particularly good from May through October. Lake trout are most active during the early morning and late evening hours. Some of the top locations in Wisconsin for lake trout fishing include Lake Superior (Apostle Islands, Chequamegon Bay), Green Bay (Sturgeon Bay), Lake Michigan (offshore reefs), Lake Winnebago, and Lake Geneva.

Steelhead

Steelhead fishing in Wisconsin is best during the spring and fall seasons. The prime months for steelhead fishing are typically April through June and September through November. Steelhead are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the top locations in Wisconsin for steelhead fishing include the Brule River, Bois Brule River State Forest, Root River, Sheboygan River, Milwaukee River, and Kewaunee River.

Chinook (King) Salmon

The best time to fish for Chinook salmon in Wisconsin is during the late summer and fall months, typically from August to October. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to target these fish. Some of the best locations in Wisconsin for Chinook salmon fishing include the Lake Michigan tributaries, such as the Manitowoc River, Sheboygan River, Milwaukee River, Root River, and Pike River.

Coho (Silver) Salmon

Wisconsin’s best times to fish for coho salmon are during the late summer and fall seasons. Coho salmon fishing is particularly good from August through October. Coho salmon are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the top locations in Wisconsin for coho salmon fishing include the Lake Michigan tributaries such as the Manitowoc River, Sheboygan River, Milwaukee River, Root River, and Pike River.

Largemouth Bass

The best times to fish for largemouth bass in Wisconsin are spring, summer, and early fall. Largemouth bass fishing is particularly good from May through September. Largemouth bass are most active during the early morning and late evening hours when the water temperatures are favorable. Some of the top locations in Wisconsin for largemouth bass fishing include Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Lake Wisconsin, Lake Geneva, Green Bay (Sturgeon Bay), and Turtle Flambeau Flowage.

Smallmouth Bass

The best times to fish for smallmouth bass in Wisconsin are spring, summer, and fall. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good from May through October. Smallmouth bass are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the top locations in Wisconsin for smallmouth bass fishing include the Door County Peninsula, Lake Michigan (Sturgeon Bay), Wisconsin River (Dells area), Mississippi River (La Crosse), Lake Monona, and Eagle River Chain of Lakes.

Muskie

The best times to fish for muskie in Wisconsin are during the summer and fall seasons. Muskie fishing is particularly good from June through October. Muskies are most active during the early morning and late evening hours, especially around sunrise and sunset. Some of the top locations in Wisconsin for muskie fishing include Lake Minocqua, Chippewa Flowage, Lake Geneva, Eagle River Chain of Lakes, St. Croix River, and Green Bay (Door County).

Northern Pike

The best times to fish for pike in Wisconsin are spring and fall. Pike fishing is particularly good from April through June and September through November. Pike are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the top locations in Wisconsin for pike fishing include the Wolf River, Green Bay (Sturgeon Bay), Lake Winnebago, Fox River, Lake Wissota, and Mississippi River.

Carp

The best times to fish for carp in Wisconsin are during the warmer months of spring, summer, and early fall. Carp are more active in May through September. They tend to be more active during the early morning and late afternoon hours when the water temperatures are favorable. Some of the top locations in Wisconsin for carp fishing include the Milwaukee River, Fox River, Lake Winnebago, Rock River, Mississippi River (Pool 9), and Lake Monona.

Yellow Perch

The best times to fish for perch in Wisconsin are spring and summer. Perch fishing is typically good from May through August. Perch are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the top locations in Wisconsin for perch fishing include Lake Michigan (Sheboygan, Milwaukee), Green Bay (Sturgeon Bay), Lake Winnebago, Lake Wisconsin, and Big Green Lake.

Catfish

The best times to fish for catfish in Wisconsin are during the warmer months of spring, summer, and early fall. Catfish are more active from May through September. They tend to be more active during the late afternoon and evening hours when the water temperatures are favorable. Some of the top locations in Wisconsin for catfish fishing include the Mississippi River, Wisconsin River (Wisconsin Dells), Lake Onalaska, Lake Winnebago, Fox River, and Rock River.

Crappie

The best times to fish for crappie in Wisconsin are spring and fall. The prime months for crappie fishing are typically April through June and September through October. Crappie are most active during the early morning and late evening hours when they tend to feed. Some of the top locations in Wisconsin for crappie fishing include Lake Wisconsin, Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Castle Rock Lake, Lake Wissota, and Lake Winnebago.

Walleye

The best times to fish for walleye in Wisconsin are during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) seasons, with early morning and late evening being the most productive. The top locations for walleye fishing in Wisconsin include Lake Winnebago, Green Bay, Lake Wisconsin, Mississippi River, and Turtle Flambeau Flowage.

Whitefish

The best times to fish for whitefish in Wisconsin are during the colder months of late fall, winter, and early spring. The prime months for whitefish fishing are typically November through March. Whitefish are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the top locations in Wisconsin for whitefish fishing include Lake Superior (Ashland, Bayfield), Green Bay (Sturgeon Bay), Apostle Islands, Door County, and Chequamegon Bay.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Ontario. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Minnesota. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Michigan.

Best Fishing in Wisconsin on Seasonal Basis

Winter

• Lake Winnebago: In winter, anglers can target ice fishing for yellow perch on Lake Winnebago.
• Lake Michigan (Bayfield): Lake Michigan near Bayfield offers opportunities for ice fishing for lake trout in the winter.
• Green Bay (Oconto): Ice fishing for walleye is popular on Green Bay during the winter months.
• Wisconsin River (Wisconsin Dells): The Wisconsin River in the Wisconsin Dells area provides excellent ice fishing for bluegill and crappie in the winter.

Spring

• Menominee River: In the spring, anglers can target walleye in the Menominee River. These fish move upriver for spawning and can be caught using jigs or live bait.
• Lake Geneva: Lake Geneva is a popular destination for spring fishing, especially for largemouth bass.
• Wolf River: The Wolf River is famous for its spring walleye run. Anglers flock to this river to catch walleye during their spawning season.
• Fox River: The Fox River is another great spot for spring fishing. Anglers can target northern pike as they become more active in the warmer weather.

Summer

• Lake Winnebago: During the summer, anglers can target walleye in Lake Winnebago.
• Green Bay (Sturgeon Bay): Green Bay, specifically Sturgeon Bay, offers excellent fishing for smallmouth bass in the summer.
• Wisconsin River (Dells area): The Wisconsin River in the Dells area is a great spot for summer muskie fishing.
• Door County (Washington Island): Door County, particularly around Washington Island, provides summer opportunities to catch salmon and trout.

Fall

• Lake Michigan (Sheboygan): In the fall, anglers can target chinook salmon in Lake Michigan near Sheboygan.
• Wolf River: The Wolf River is a popular destination for fall fishing in Wisconsin. Anglers can target walleye during their fall spawning run.
• Mississippi River (La Crosse): The Mississippi River near La Crosse offers excellent opportunities to catch crappie in the fall.
• Door County: Door County is a prime fall smallmouth bass fishing location.