Trip Experience
Wisconsin Fishing
Reel in Some Unexpected Moments
Whether you fish for family tradition, fresh air or trophy-sized fins, your next catch is waiting for you in Wisconsin. Board a charter for great escapes on Great Lakes, wade through bubbling streams or drop a line in any of the thousands of lakes and rivers–yep, even if they’re frozen. Here, fishing is for all seasons, all reasons and all types of anglers.
Fly (Fish) Your Way Through Wisconsin
Warm Up to Ice Fishing
The fishing scene doesn’t freeze when winter comes to Wisconsin.
Book a Boat: Charter Adventures
Fly (Fish) Your Way Through Wisconsin
For first-time fliers or experienced enthusiasts, Wisconsin offers over 13,000 miles of bubbling brooks and streams for fly fishing. Think trout, salmon, steelhead and bass—there’s no shortage of fish, stream type or freshwater fun. Plus, the natural beauty of the state’s wilderness is surreal. We think it’s the perfect setting for your next catch with friends.
Warm Up to Ice Fishing
The fishing scene doesn’t freeze when winter comes to Wisconsin. Here, snow marks the season of adventure for anglers who don’t mind ice and a little snow. So, bundle up, grab your gear and head straight for the lake—there aren't many experiences better than reeling in a monster catch through thick sheets of solid ice. Did someone say legendary photo op?
Book a Boat: Charter Adventures
From urban excursions on Lake Michigan to quaint inland marinas, you can board a charter boat in all corners of the state. Forget about equipment and planning, just bring your crew, and they’ll provide the boat, the captain, the views and the fishing experience of a lifetime.
Peaceful Escapes
Wisconsin’s Best-Kept Secret Fishing Spots
If you’re looking for a quiet catch away from the mainstream locations, we’ll let you in on some of our best-kept secrets. From secluded streams to ponds hidden from the hustle and bustle, there are plenty of places to cast a line. Just you, your best fishing buds and your next catch.
No Boat, No Problem
Piers Perfect for Your Next Catch
With freshwater finds across the state, your next catch is just around the corner. Grab your crew and cast a line off the docks, piers or charter boats of metropolitan areas like Milwaukee, Madison or Green Bay. Or, pack a tackle box for a peaceful day of solo angling away from the action. Here, there's no wrong way to play.
Water-to-Table
You Catch It, They Cook It
If you’re craving classic Wisconsin flavors, few things taste better than fish fresh off the hook, battered, fried and served with a side of lake views and your closest chums. You don’t need to master your technique, either—there are plenty of places that will cook your catch for you.
Hooked on Wisconsin Fishing
Trip Ideas
Try These Trout Fishing Spots
Namekagon River: Wisconsin's Moving National Park
Pike Wild River
Black Earth Creek
Kickapoo River
Bois Brule River
Try These Trout Fishing Spots
Namekagon River: Wisconsin's Moving National Park
Pike Wild River
Black Earth Creek
Kickapoo River
Bois Brule River
By the Season
When to Fish in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s fishing season officially starts in May. Expect a variety of fish to spend their days in shallow, warm waters, since the spring months do come with a bit of a chill. For coho salmon specifically, prime time to jump on a charter is May to mid-June. Dress in windproof layers, especially if you’re by Lake Michigan—you’ll definitely feel that cooling lake effect!
Warmer temps bring all sorts of prized catches to your net—including the king-sized chinook salmon. Keep an eye out for panfish, bass, northern pike and trout, who you’ll hear feeding on mayflies before you see them! It’s best to cast a line in the morning or evening to beat the heat, but if you’re out in the sun, just make sure to layer on SPF.
Set out on the water with the stunning backdrop of Wisconsin’s blazing autumn colors. As summer ends, the fishing scene only grows. Map out musky in Oneida County, watch for walleye in the Northwoods waters or maybe even snag a sturgeon in Lake Superior.
Ice fishing season starts as soon as the waters freeze over in Northern Wisconsin. Before you head out to bait some walleye or panfish, be sure to pack all the warm essentials, necessary gear and most importantly—make sure you’re up to date on the ice conditions. Angle safely!
Boat-Sized Fun
Chase Memories by Charter
When you and your crew climb aboard a charter boat, there’s no gear or experience needed. You’ll be in great company on the Great Lakes as your captain coaches your search for trophy salmon and trout. Pro tip: Bring a camera. This boat may be big, but the fish on your line will be even bigger—you’ll want photos to share with your story.
Snow Days
Go From Gills to Thrills
When the crew needs a break from reeling in the lines, rev up the snowmobiles. Cruise miles of tracks through the Northwoods, and warm up with some hot plates at a local hidden gem.
Lakeside Lodging
Your Next Catch is Right Outside Your Cabin
When you book a lakeside cabin in Wisconsin, your next musky catch, summer splash or snowy shoreline hike with friends is right outside your door. From rustic decor to luxe lodging, here, you can’t get enough of those up-at-the-cabin moments.
Story
Escape to the Lake: 5 Family Cabins in Northern Wisconsin
