Wisconsin’s abundant lakes and rivers offer anglers a variety of delicious fish species to catch and eat. From the Great Lakes to inland waterways, fishing enthusiasts can enjoy diverse aquatic environments teeming with tasty catches. The best fish to catch and eat in Wisconsin include walleye, yellow perch, bluegill, and trout.

Walleye, prized for its flaky white meat, is a top choice among Wisconsin anglers. These fish thrive in larger lakes and are most active during low-light conditions. Yellow perch, another popular option, can be found in both inland lakes and the Great Lakes. Their mild, sweet flavor makes them a favorite for fish fries.

Bluegill and trout round out the list of excellent eating fish in Wisconsin. Bluegill are abundant in many lakes and provide a delicate, sweet taste. Trout, found in cold streams and rivers, offer a rich flavor and are considered a healthy protein source. When fishing in Wisconsin, anglers should consult local regulations and advisories to ensure sustainable practices and safe consumption.

Overview of Wisconsin Fishing

Wisconsin offers abundant fishing opportunities across its diverse waterways. The state boasts over 15,000 lakes and 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, providing anglers with year-round options.

Major fishing destinations include the Great Lakes, Mississippi River, and inland lakes. Lake Michigan and Lake Superior offer excellent salmon and trout fishing. Green Bay is known for walleye and bass.

The Mississippi River and its tributaries like the Black River provide habitat for catfish, bass, and panfish. Inland lakes such as Lake Wisconsin and Lake Onalaska are popular for a variety of species.

Shore fishing is accessible on many waterways. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources maintains public access points and fishing piers throughout the state.

Popular game fish in Wisconsin include:

• Walleye
• Musky
• Northern Pike
• Largemouth Bass
• Smallmouth Bass
• Trout
• Salmon
• Panfish (bluegill, crappie, perch)

Fishing seasons and regulations vary by species and location. The DNR provides up-to-date information on licenses, seasons, and catch limits to promote sustainable fishing practices.

Popular Freshwater Fish in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers teem with a diverse array of freshwater fish species. Anglers and fish enthusiasts can find prized game fish alongside tasty panfish in the state’s abundant waterways.

Walleye

Walleye are a favorite among Wisconsin anglers. These fish thrive in larger lakes and rivers, preferring cooler, deeper waters. Walleye fishing is best during low-light periods, with peak activity at dawn and dusk.

Walleye typically grow to 14-20 inches long and weigh 1-3 pounds. Larger specimens can reach over 30 inches and 10+ pounds. Their flesh is white, flaky, and mild-flavored, making them popular for eating.

Key walleye fishing spots include Lake Winnebago, the Wisconsin River, and the Mississippi River. Anglers often use live bait like minnows or night crawlers, as well as jigs and crankbaits.

Musky and Muskellunge

Muskellunge, often called musky, are legendary predators in Wisconsin waters. These large, aggressive fish can grow over 50 inches long and weigh more than 50 pounds.

Muskies are known for their fierce fights and elusive nature. They inhabit lakes and rivers across the state, with notable populations in the Chippewa Flowage and Lake Wissota.

Anglers target muskies using large lures like bucktails, jerkbaits, and topwater baits. Musky fishing requires patience and persistence, as they’re often called “the fish of 10,000 casts.”

While not commonly eaten due to their trophy status, some anglers do harvest muskies for food. Their meat is white and firm but can have a strong flavor.

Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

Bass fishing is hugely popular in Wisconsin, with both smallmouth and largemouth species widely available. Smallmouth bass prefer cooler, rocky habitats in lakes and rivers. Largemouth bass thrive in warmer, weedy areas.

Smallmouth bass typically weigh 1-4 pounds, while largemouth can reach 5-8 pounds or more. Both species are known for their hard-fighting ability when hooked.

Popular bass fishing techniques include using plastic worms, jigs, and topwater lures. Key locations for bass include the Mississippi River backwaters, Lake Winnebago, and the Madison Chain of Lakes.

Bass are good eating fish, with firm, white meat. Many anglers practice catch-and-release to maintain healthy populations.

Panfish Variety

Wisconsin’s waters are home to several panfish species, including yellow perch, crappies, and bluegills. These smaller fish are abundant and make excellent table fare.

Yellow perch are found in many lakes and rivers. They typically measure 6-12 inches long. Perch have a mild, sweet flavor and are often considered one of the best-tasting freshwater fish.

Crappies, both black and white varieties, inhabit weedy areas of lakes and slow-moving rivers. They average 8-12 inches in length. Crappies have white, flaky meat with a delicate flavor.

Bluegills are common in most Wisconsin waters. These small sunfish rarely exceed 10 inches but are prized for their taste. They have sweet, firm flesh that’s excellent when filleted and fried.

Trout and Salmon Types

Wisconsin offers diverse trout and salmon fishing opportunities. Rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout inhabit many cold-water streams and rivers across the state.

Lake trout thrive in deep, cold lakes like Lake Superior and some inland waters. They can grow quite large, with some specimens exceeding 20 pounds.

Salmon species, including coho and chinook, are found in Lake Michigan and its tributaries. These fish provide exciting fishing during their spawning runs.

Trout and salmon are highly regarded for their rich, flavorful meat. They’re often grilled, smoked, or baked. Popular fishing methods include fly fishing, trolling, and casting with spinners or spoons.

Catfish Species

Wisconsin’s rivers and lakes host several catfish species, including channel catfish, flathead catfish, and bullheads. These bottom-dwelling fish are known for their whisker-like barbels and lack of scales.

Channel catfish are the most common, found in many lakes and rivers. They typically weigh 2-4 pounds but can grow much larger. Flathead catfish prefer larger rivers and can reach impressive sizes, sometimes exceeding 50 pounds.

Catfish are often caught using live or cut bait fished on the bottom. Popular spots include the Wisconsin River, Mississippi River, and Lake Winnebago.

Catfish meat is mild and sweet, with a firm texture. It’s excellent when fried, grilled, or used in various recipes. Many anglers target catfish for their fighting ability and table quality.

Top Fishing Spots in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers diverse fishing opportunities across its lakes, rivers, and flowages. Anglers can pursue a variety of species in settings ranging from urban waterways to remote wilderness areas.

Lake Winnebago System

The Lake Winnebago System provides excellent fishing for walleye, sauger, and white bass. This large, shallow lake connects to Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, and Lake Winneconne through the Fox River.

Spring and fall are prime times for walleye fishing. Trolling with crankbaits or drifting with live bait can be effective techniques.

The system also supports a strong white bass fishery. Anglers target these fish during their spring spawning runs up the Wolf and Fox rivers.

Sturgeon spearing is a unique winter tradition on Lake Winnebago. The lake hosts one of the largest lake sturgeon populations in North America.

Great Lakes and Green Bay

Lake Michigan and Green Bay offer world-class salmon and trout fishing. Chinook salmon, coho salmon, brown trout, and steelhead are popular targets.

Charter boats operate out of ports like Milwaukee, Sheboygan, and Sturgeon Bay. Trolling with downriggers is a common method for targeting these species.

Green Bay is known for its walleye and smallmouth bass fishing. The bay’s rocky reefs and weed beds provide excellent habitat for these species.

Perch fishing can be excellent in Green Bay during winter months. Ice anglers target these tasty panfish using small jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms.

Mississippi River and Tributaries

The Mississippi River forms Wisconsin’s western border and offers diverse fishing opportunities. Walleye, sauger, bass, and panfish are abundant in the river’s backwaters and main channel.

Pool 4, near the town of Alma, is particularly known for its walleye fishing. Anglers often use jigs and minnows to target walleyes in current breaks and along wing dams.

The river’s tributaries, like the St. Croix and Chippewa, provide excellent smallmouth bass fishing. These rivers feature scenic bluffs and clear water, making for a memorable fishing experience.

Catfish anglers find success in the Mississippi’s deeper holes and around structure. Channel catfish and flathead catfish can reach impressive sizes in these waters.

Wisconsin River and Reservoirs

The Wisconsin River stretches 430 miles across the state, offering diverse fishing opportunities. Walleye, smallmouth bass, and muskellunge are popular targets.

Castle Rock and Petenwell flowages, two large reservoirs on the river, are known for their walleye fishing. Trolling with crankbaits or drifting with live bait can be effective.

The river’s upper stretches near Wausau offer excellent smallmouth bass fishing. Anglers can wade or float these sections, casting small crankbaits or soft plastics.

Several dam tailwaters along the Wisconsin River provide year-round fishing opportunities. These areas often hold concentrations of walleye and sauger.

Northern Highland Lakes

Wisconsin’s Northwoods region is dotted with thousands of glacial lakes. These waters offer excellent fishing for muskellunge, walleye, and panfish.

The Minocqua Chain of Lakes is a popular destination, known for its musky fishing. Anglers cast large lures or troll to target these elusive predators.

Trout Lake in Vilas County is renowned for its lake trout fishery. Anglers can troll or jig for these deep-water fish, which can reach weights over 20 pounds.

Many smaller lakes in the region offer excellent panfish opportunities. Bluegill, crappie, and perch provide fast action and tasty fillets for anglers of all skill levels.

Flowages and Spring Ponds

Wisconsin’s flowages and spring ponds offer unique fishing experiences. These waters often feature abundant aquatic vegetation and diverse fish populations.

The Chippewa Flowage is known for its muskellunge and walleye fishing. This 15,300-acre impoundment features numerous islands and submerged timber, creating excellent fish habitat.

Dairyland Reservoir on the Flambeau River is another top musky destination. Anglers cast large bucktails or soft plastics around woody structure and weed edges.

Spring ponds in central Wisconsin provide excellent trout fishing opportunities. These cold, clear waters support healthy populations of brook and brown trout.

Many flowages offer good ice fishing for panfish during winter months. Portable shelters and electronics help anglers locate and catch fish through the ice.

Fishing Techniques and Tips

Wisconsin’s diverse fish species require varied approaches for successful catches. Mastering key techniques and understanding fish behavior can greatly improve angling success while adhering to local regulations.

Seasonal Fishing Strategies

Spring offers prime opportunities for catching walleye and northern pike in shallow waters. Target these species near spawning areas and river mouths. Summer brings excellent bass fishing, with topwater lures effective in early mornings and evenings. Fall sees increased activity for muskie and lake sturgeon as water temperatures cool. Ice fishing becomes popular in winter, particularly for lake whitefish and panfish.

Adjust tactics based on seasonal patterns. Use lighter tackle in spring and heavier gear in fall when targeting larger fish. Concentrate efforts during peak feeding times, which often occur at dawn and dusk.

Bait and Lure Selection

Match bait to target species and conditions. Live bait like minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches work well for walleye and perch. Artificial lures such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics are effective for bass and pike.

For muskie, large bucktails and jerkbaits are top choices. When targeting lake sturgeon, use natural baits like cut bait or nightcrawlers rigged on heavy tackle.

• Walleye: Jigs tipped with minnows or leeches
• Bass: Plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits
• Northern Pike: Spoons, large minnow-imitating lures
• Muskie: Bucktails, jerkbaits, large soft plastics

Water Temperature and Behavior

Fish activity levels and locations change with water temperature. In spring, target shallow, warmer areas where fish congregate. As temperatures rise in summer, many species move to deeper, cooler waters.

Cool water species like trout and salmon prefer temperatures between 50-65°F (10-18°C). Warm water species like bass and pike are most active in 65-75°F (18-24°C) water.

Use a thermometer to identify temperature breaks where fish may concentrate. Fish often gather at thermoclines in deeper lakes during summer months.

Local Regulations and Ethics

Adhere to Wisconsin fishing regulations to ensure sustainable populations. Obtain proper licenses and follow size and bag limits for each species. Some waters have special regulations, so check local rules before fishing.

Practice catch and release for larger fish, especially for species like muskie and lake sturgeon. Use barbless hooks to minimize damage when releasing fish. Handle fish carefully, keeping them in the water as much as possible.

Consider the omega-3 fatty acid content when selecting fish for consumption. Species like lake whitefish and salmon offer high nutritional value. Follow consumption advisories for Great Lakes fish due to potential contaminants.

Preparing Wisconsin Fish for the Table

Proper preparation is key to enjoying delicious and healthy Wisconsin fish. From cleaning techniques to cooking methods, a few simple steps can maximize flavor and nutritional benefits.

Cleaning and Fileting Tips

Start by rinsing the fish in cold water. Remove scales by scraping from tail to head with a knife. Make a shallow cut behind the gills and along the belly to remove the entrails. For most Wisconsin species, filleting is ideal. Cut along the backbone from head to tail, then carefully separate the fillet from the ribs. Trim away any dark meat or fat. Rinse fillets again and pat dry.

To reduce contaminants, remove the skin and fat before cooking. Cut out the dark fatty tissue along the fish’s side. These steps help minimize exposure to potential pollutants that accumulate in fatty areas.

Cooking Techniques for Epic Flavor

Grilling imparts a smoky flavor to Wisconsin fish. Brush fillets with oil and season simply with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat. For a crispy exterior, try pan-frying in a light coating of cornmeal. Heat oil in a skillet and cook fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

Baking is a healthy option that preserves moisture. Place seasoned fillets in a baking dish, add a splash of white wine or lemon juice, and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. For added flavor, top with herbs or a light breadcrumb crust before baking.

Health Benefits of Wisconsin Fish

Wisconsin fish offer excellent nutritional value. They’re high in protein and low in saturated fat. Many species like trout and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. These beneficial fats may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Fish also provide important vitamins and minerals. They’re a good source of vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption for strong bones. B vitamins found in fish support energy metabolism and nervous system function. Selenium in fish acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage.

Eating Wisconsin fish twice a week as part of a balanced diet can contribute to overall health and wellbeing. Choose a variety of species to maximize nutritional benefits.

Conservation and Sustainability

Wisconsin takes fish conservation seriously. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy fish populations and ecosystems.

The DNR sets fishing regulations to prevent overfishing. These include size limits, bag limits, and seasonal restrictions for various species.

Catch-and-release practices are encouraged for certain fish. This helps preserve populations of prized game fish like muskellunge and bass.

Habitat restoration is another key focus. The DNR works to improve spawning areas and protect critical fish habitats in lakes and rivers.

Stocking programs supplement natural reproduction for some species. The DNR raises and releases fish to bolster populations in select waters.

Sustainable aquaculture is growing in Wisconsin. Fish farms provide an alternative source of local fish while reducing pressure on wild stocks.

Anglers can support conservation efforts by following regulations, practicing catch-and-release, and reporting any issues they observe on the water.

By balancing recreational fishing with conservation measures, Wisconsin aims to ensure healthy fish populations for future generations to enjoy.