UTERMuskellunge fishing in Wisconsin freshwater
In Wisconsin freshwater, muskellunge peak May–July and September–November and are around May–November, spawning in May, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Season opens late spring in the north — Hayward, the Chippewa Flowage, the Vilas lakes.
Big-fish month: suckers and big rubber baits.
Muskellunge in Wisconsin freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MaySpawning
- JunePeakSeason opens late spring in the north — Hayward, the Chippewa Flowage, the Vilas lakes.
- JulyPeak
- AugustAround
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeakBig-fish month: suckers and big rubber baits.
- NovemberPeakLast open water — the giants.
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish muskellunge 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 muskellunge
- 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.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 38–82°F water, best at 55–75°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch muskellunge in Wisconsin freshwater?
Peak season is May–July and September–November, with fish spawning in May (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Muskellunge are in Wisconsin freshwater May–November. June: Season opens late spring in the north — Hayward, the Chippewa Flowage, the Vilas lakes.
Where do muskellunge hold in Wisconsin freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river — around Lake Winnebago, Wolf River, Chippewa Flowage, Madison chain, Lake Geneva, Mississippi River.
What is the best bait for muskellunge in Wisconsin freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). 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 muskellunge 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.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores muskellunge for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about muskellunge · Wisconsin fresh water, the whole year