Northern Wisconsin Fishing

Seasoned anglers and novices alike enjoy testing their skills in the Minocqua area’s lakes, rivers and streams. Most support a variety of fish, such as Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Large and Smallmouth Bass, Trout and Walleye, and most have public access.

Minocqua Area Fishing Report  4/21/2026

by Kurt's Island Sport Shop

Not much to report on the fishing front. Ice is nearly all gone from the Lakeland area lakes, while reports of some ice on lakes further North (they did get new snow from Marenisco to Boulder Junction on Sunday 4/19).

Most landings are open and the few still with ice should be freeing up with mid-week temps in the mid-70’s and rain on Friday (4/24).

Cool temps the following week leading up to opener (5/2- just 13 days away) with low temps in the 30’s and highs in mid-50’s should help hold Walleyes in the spawning mode for ones that don’t spawn this week.

Popular Fishing Lakes

Some of the more popular fishing lakes favored by visitors and locals include, Big Arbor Vitae, Clear Carrol, Madeline, Squirrel and Squaw. Bassmaster recently named the Minocqua chain one of the 25 best bass lakes in America’s central region and one of the top 100 in the nation. There are numerous wilderness sites for a quiet escape. Some good bets are the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area and the many lakes dimpling the Northern Highlands-American Legion State Forest.

Mid Lake, which has shallow water that warms quickly, is the place to be in spring, when Musky and Northern swim here to spawn.