UTERWalleye fishing in Wisconsin freshwater
In Wisconsin freshwater, walleye peak April–June and October and December–January and are around year-round, spawning in April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Ice walleye on Winnebago and the northern lakes.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Walleye in Wisconsin freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeakIce walleye on Winnebago and the northern lakes.
- FebruaryAround
- MarchArriving
- AprilSpawningWolf and Fox river walleye runs.
- MayPeakOpener; post-spawn fish shallow.
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish walleye near Lake Winnebago, Wolf River, Chippewa Flowage
Northern muskie and walleye lakes around Hayward and the Vilas County chain, the Winnebago system's walleye, white bass and sturgeon, driftless trout creeks, and the Mississippi.
What to use for walleye
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 34–78°F water, best at 55–70°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch walleye in Wisconsin freshwater?
Peak season is April–June and October and December–January, with fish spawning in April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Walleye are here year-round. January: Ice walleye on Winnebago and the northern lakes.
Where do walleye hold in Wisconsin freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river, bridge, dock / pilings — around Lake Winnebago, Wolf River, Chippewa Flowage, Madison chain, Lake Geneva, Mississippi River.
What is the best bait for walleye in Wisconsin freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for walleye in Wisconsin freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Wisconsin DNR) and change — read the current rule at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/outreach/FishingLicenses.
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