Minocqua • Arbor Vitae • Woodruff • Hazelhurst
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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.

Fishing

Report

Minocqua Area Fishing Report  7/8/2025

by Kurt's Island Sport Shop

July bringing some normalcy to the Lakeland area. Weather in 70’s to low 80’s (Not the 90’s we aren’t used to). Most (but not all) mayfly hatches are over. Conditions looking very “summery”! Despite some high pressure and full moon period this week, conditions overall not bad.

Largemouth Bass: Very Good – Great top-water action with a strong resurgence on Jitterbugs! Whopper Ploppers, Hula Poppers, Chug Bugs, Frogs, Spikers all coming “into season”! Mid day work plastic craws in heavy cabbage beds of 7-12’. Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits and pre-rigged plastic worms also good choices during mid-day also.

Bluegill: Very Good – Gathering in tall cabbage taking small spinners, beetle spins, 1” twister tails or small leeches. Evening on top-water using dry flys or poppers. Nice action and size.

Smallmouth Bass: Very Good-Good – Mornings and evenings on top-water (Whopper Ploppers) mid-morning through afternoons Ned rigs and tube jigs along deep weed edge and showing up on rocks in 14-20’ of water.

Northern Pike: Good-Very Good – Actively taking #3:#4 Mepps, chatterbaits and Boonie Baits (spinnerbaits). Chubs or suckers under floats in cabbage pockets or worked with a wire leadered weedless jig also effective. Nice #’s and size this past week.

Yellow Perch: Good-Very Good – Cabbage flats of 6-10’. Medium leeches or fatheads. ½ crawlers good, but small Gills likely to worry bait off your hook before getting down to Perch.

Musky: Good – Keep in mind, when water temps crest 78 degrees, fighting a musky is hard on these fish. Best to find cooler water or fish cooler times of day. Bucktails have proven best as has top-water action on Fat Bastards, Dr. Evils (calmer mornings) and Whopper Ploppers.

Crappie: Good-Fair – Setting up in taller narrow leaf cabbage on small beetle spins, 2” twister tails and similar plastics. Flowage Crappies in wood of 12-16’ on plastics and small minnows.

Walleye: Fair-Improving – Deep cabbage and coontail edges dropping to sandgrass using jigs or slip-bobbers to deliver large to Xtra large leeches tops. Redtails work, but tough to keep alive as bucket water and lake water many times almost 30 degree difference (48-78 degree +). Crawlers on spinner rigs also picking up Walleyes on slow trolled bottom bouncer rigs.

With lake surface temps cracking 80 degrees by the 4th, mid-day fishing got tough…plus hard on fish. Cooler mornings past couple days pushed temps to 75 degree average, still warm, but a bit easier. With crazy spring weather, mayfly (hexagenia) hatches unpredictable. Check surfaces for skins and locator for clouds half way up in water column. Thought most would be done, but got caught by surprise last week on the tail end of one.

Fishing

Guides

Fishing

Resources

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.

 

Bass Fishing

The Minocqua Chain has been named one of the top 25 Bass fishing hotspots by Bassmaster. Find the Fish

Musky Fishing

Looking for that ‘one for the wall'? The musky is the ultimate trophy & Minocqua area lakes are the right place to find... Find the Fish

Walleye Fishing

One of the most sought fish in the Minocqua area, Walleye are ideal for trying your hand at making a shore lunch. Find the Fish

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FISHING BOAT RENTALS

Beacons of Minocqua

The Beacons of Minocqua Lakefront Resort and Suites is the northwoods year round vacation destination. Nestled within 13 acres of pine-scented trees and peaceful shores, The Beacons provides a relaxed, serene haven for our guests. With its remarkable... Read More

Lakeside Rentals & Storage

Lakeside Rentals, Storage has everything you need for great fun in the sun! From boat rentals to other water toy needs, we have you covered! Lakeside is also a certified full service marina. Our mechanics are Marine Mechanics Institute Certified so... Read More

Minocqua Sport Rental

Minocqua Sport Rentals has been a cornerstone in the Minocqua, WI community since 1984. As a locally and family-owned business, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional snowmobile rentals and repair services. With 40 years of experience, our team... Read More

Boat Launch Permit

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Boat Launch Fees

All tow vehicles accessing the following boat launches from April 1 through November 30 must purchase a daily or annual use permit. Thirsty Whale Boat Landing - 453 E. Park Ave, Minocqua, WI Schoolhouse Bay Boat Landing - 429 E. Park Ave, Minocqua, WI Cedar Street Boat Landing - 968 Cedar Street,...

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Fish Recipes

The fish are caught. They are all cleaned and ready for cooking. Now, how are you going to prepare them? What will you use to complement the flavors of the fish? Here are some tasty ideas...

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Ice Fishing

If you enjoy fishing, don't let the snow and ice slow you down. Ice fishing in the Minocqua area is a great way to enjoy the outdoors during the winter months.