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  11/29/2022

by Kurt's Island Sport Shop

Minocqua Area Fishing Report

The big question has been if there is any fishable ice? There is some. The bigger question is, will there be fishable ice after the snow? That has yet to be seen.

Many bays (south ends) and smaller lakes report 2 ½ - 4+”. Some areas with ice that has moved due to wind, have up to 7”. North of us on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage, reports are of 4-7” on most bays.

We won’t know how much snow we will get until its here. On the positive side, cold (single digits) and wind should dry and blow most new snow off the existing ice and allow more ice to build.

Not a lot of reports from the ice anglers that have ventured out. Walleye have been rather slow and inconsistent. Some good Pike action earlier in the week, but that has slowed also. Most panfish action has been scattered, though reports of both Walleye and Gills prior to the coming weather (11/29) have been good.

Use caution no matter where you travel. Only foot traffic is advised. Carry safety spikes, rope and wear flotation suits or life jackets for now.

Forecast for the rest of the week looks promising. Opportunities should open up as ice thickens. As earlier stated, pending snow (11/29) will tell.

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.

Minocqua Chain Walleye Project

The Minocqua Chain is a 5,929-acre chain of lakes in Oneida County. The Chain includes Kawaguesaga, Minocqua, Jerome, Mid, Tomahawk, Little Tomahawk and Mud lakes, along with the Minocqua and Tomahawk thoroughfares. The Minocqua Chain forms the headwaters of the Tomahawk River and is part of the Upper Wisconsin River watershed. Tomahawk (3,462 acres), Minocqua (1,339 acres) and Kawaguesaga (700 acres) are the largest lakes of the Chain and provide the majority of the Walleye spawning habitat.

The adult walleye population and natural reproduction of the Minocqua Chain of Lakes in Oneida County has experienced a substantial decline since the early 1990s because of low recruitment of young fish into the population. The Minocqua chain currently has catch and release walleye regulations through the 2024-2025 fishing season. 
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