Fishing in the Central WI & Wisconsin River
Explore fishing in the Central WI & Wisconsin River of Wisconsin. Wisconsin River, Lake DuBay, Petenwell Lake, Birch Lak
Wisconsin River offers excellent fishing in the Central WI & Wisconsin River of Wisconsin with good public access.
1. Wisconsin River (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Wisconsin River, WisconsinWisconsin River offers excellent fishing in the Central WI & Wisconsin River of Wisconsin with good public access.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
2. Lake DuBay (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Lake DuBay, WisconsinLake DuBay offers excellent fishing in the Central WI & Wisconsin River of Wisconsin with good public access.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
Boat Launch: DuBay Park Boat Landing →
3. Petenwell Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Petenwell Lake, WisconsinPetenwell Lake offers excellent fishing in the Central WI & Wisconsin River of Wisconsin with good public access.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
4. Birch Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Birch Lake, WisconsinPopular fishing lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- ⚠ This water: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over 14”.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
Boat Launch: Pelican Lake West Boat Ramp →
5. Castle Rock Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Castle Rock Lake, WisconsinPopular fishing lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
6. Clearwater Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Clearwater Lake, WisconsinPopular fishing lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
7. Devil's Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Devil's Lake, WisconsinPopular fishing lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
8. Lake Delton (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Lake Delton, WisconsinPopular fishing lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
9. Lake Lucerne (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Lake Lucerne, WisconsinPopular fishing lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
10. Lake Redstone (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Lake Redstone, WisconsinPopular fishing lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
11. Mirror Lake State Park (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Mirror Lake State Park, WisconsinPopular fishing lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
12. Partridge Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Partridge Lake, WisconsinPopular fishing lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- ⚠ This water: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
Boat Launch: Pelican Lake West Boat Ramp →
13. Trout Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Trout Lake, WisconsinPopular fishing lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
14. Wazeecha Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Wazeecha Lake, WisconsinPopular fishing lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
15. Wilson Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Wilson Lake, WisconsinPopular fishing lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- ⚠ This water: Two northern pike may be kept, except pike from 25-35” must be released.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
16. Plummer Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Plummer Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
17. Beaver Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Beaver Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- ⚠ This water: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
18. Big Pine Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Big Pine Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
19. Cedar Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Cedar Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- ⚠ This water: Only 10 panfish may be kept.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
20. Lake Helen (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Lake Helen, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
21. Moen Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Moen Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
22. Stone Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Stone Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
23. Lake Ree (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Lake Ree, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
24. Tackle Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Tackle Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
25. Thompson Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Thompson Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
Boat Launch: Spirit River Flowage - Spirit Haven Road →
26. Stateline Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Stateline Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- ⚠ This water: Is part of the [Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters](https://www.eregulations.com/wisconsin/fishing/general-information).
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
Boat Launch: Little Oxbow Lake Boat Launch →
27. Abel Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Abel Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
Boat Launch: Pelican Lake West Boat Ramp →
28. Ackerman Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Ackerman Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
Boat Launch: Spirit River Flowage - Spirit Haven Road →
29. Adams Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Adams Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
30. Lake Adelaide (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Lake Adelaide, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
Boat Launch: Birch Lake Boat Launch →
31. Adeline Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Adeline Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
32. Airhole Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Airhole Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
Boat Launch: Pelican Lake West Boat Ramp →
33. Alder Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Alder Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
34. Alga Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Alga Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
Boat Launch: Pelican Lake West Boat Ramp →
35. Alice Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Alice Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
36. Lake Alice (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Lake Alice, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
37. Allen Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Allen Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
38. Alligator Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Alligator Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
Boat Launch: Pelican Lake West Boat Ramp →
39. Alta Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Alta Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
Boat Launch: Pelican Lake West Boat Ramp →
40. Altman Lake (Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie)
Altman Lake, WisconsinNamed lake in the Central WI & Wisconsin River region of Wisconsin.
- Largemouth & smallmouth bass · Limit: 5 total · Min 14 in (northern smallmouth zone Jun 21 - Mar 1)
- Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch) · Limit: 25 total · No minimum
Fishing Tips for the Central WI & Wisconsin River
- Get a licence — All anglers need a valid state fishing licence — check your state's wildlife agency site.
- Check the weather & water conditions — always check forecasts and wind before heading out, especially on big water.
- Know the regulations — size and catch limits vary by water body in Wisconsin; check the local regulations first.
- Best times — early morning and late evening are prime. Many Central WI & Wisconsin River waters fish best in spring and fall.
- Use the right gear — match your rod, line, and tackle to the species you're chasing and the water you're fishing.
More Regions in Wisconsin
- Fox River & Green Bay
- Lake Michigan & Door County
- Lake Superior & North Woods
- Mississippi River & Western
- Southeast & Milwaukee
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