Wisconsin Fishing

With its thousands of gorgeous, clean lakes, Wisconsin fishing is one of the most popular reasons for a getaway to this wonderful state. Many, many lifetime memories are made when families spend a week or weekend on one of the thousands of Wisconsin lakes, pursuing a prize Walleye, Northern or Musky.

I was never that great at it, but my brother had an actual instinct for the sport. He would take off in the morning and come back with a mess of fish just about every time. He would scout out the best spots on the lake and fill his bucket, bringing us back a feast. He loved it – not only for the challenge, but because he could be alone on the water to think and plan, even though at the time, I just thought he liked baiting the hooks and getting smelly. You know how "boys" are! ;-)

But even better than my brother, was my grandpa. I was only about five years old at the time and I remember my grandpa going after blue gill just for us grandkids. He had the best fish fry recipes known to man and while I hated fish at that age, I loved Grandpa's fish. Crispy on the outside, yet tender, juicy and flaky inside, I would chomp with delight on his blue gill catch of the day, not able to touch another thing on my plate because I would have my fill of his delicious fish. I don't think one has many memories of being four or five years old, but I remember it distinctly and can almost taste it still.

Grandpa has since passed away, but not without passing down some of his fishing secrets to my brother and oldest sister. During our family lake vacations, they would get up before dawn and put on their lake clothes complete with life jackets, and row out onto the water with their poles. By the time the rest of us were getting up for breakfast, they would be back with supper for the evening. I was better at fishing off the pier. And even better at lying over the side of the pier and spotting them in the water. At that age, I was definitely too little to sit still in the boat.

I want this section to help you guys not only learn about the different types of fish that are found in Wisconsin's waterways, but also where to find them and how to handle them. We'll have a Wisconsin fishing report section for our visitors to write in and report their luck and even a place to share their beloved fish recipes.

I'm hoping that veteran anglers will come forward and share their successes and tips as well.

Meanwhile enjoy this video of fishing in Wisconsin to get you in the mood.

Now get on out there, grab your poles and head for the lake. We're talking fishing and you and I know - you love it!

Some common Wisconsin fish are:

Bluegill
Bullhead
Catfish
Crappie
Largemouth Bass
Muskellunge
Northern Pike
Perch
Smallmouth Bass
Trout
Walleye
And more . . .

Click a link to discover

Wisconsin Fishing Reports
Fishing reports, tips and experiences from our friendly Wisconsin anglers.

Fish Recipes
Recipes from the cooks, chefs, wives, husbands, grandmas and grandpas of the fisherman who catch and cook Wisconsin fish. To die-for!

Wisconsin Fishing Top of Page
Back to Home Page