Northern Wisconsin's Hottest
MUSKIE WATERSThe Northern 1/3 of Wisconsin offers endless potential muskie hotspots. Picking which lake to try first is harder than choosing the right color lure. The following are 10 waters that have been coming on strong in recent years. Because of the impressive release ethic, they should keep getting better and better. (1) Big Lake Sissabagama Located about 18 miles south of Hayward Big Sissabagama can be accessed on the west side of the lake off County Road BB. It is heavily fished and many of these anglers are targeting muskies. It is one of the most consistent lakes in the north- western part of the state. Expect fish of all sizes, with the average being 37 inches, with the possibility of hitting the 50 inch mark. There is good vegetation and rock structure. The shallow rock areas are marked with buoys. Expect muskies to use shallow rocks on dark breezy days and deeper rocks on high-sky days.
Note: The Wisconsin Conservation Congress of the Wisconsin DNR has proposed rule changes which would take effect on April 1, 2000 if approved.
INCREASE THE MINIMUM LENGTH LIMIT FOR MUSKELLUNGE FROM 34" TO 40" ON BIG SISSABAGAMA LAKE
Muskellunge fishing on Big Lake Sissabagama is good but could be even better if more fish were released. The present size limit of 34" does not sufficiently protect the fish. Many people release muskies but many people are still killing fish and preventing the population from reaching larger sizes. A size limit of 40" would protect more fish and improve musky fishing both in size and number of fish caught.
(2) Chippewa Flowage This north-western Wisconsin water boosts the current world record muskie. Located 8 miles southeast of Hayward, it is very easy to access. Quality launches surround the water. This area seems to be on a roll. Area guides state, "If you can't catch as good fish on the flowage this year, you're never going to." The muskie's activity level is on the up side. Prime areas are quite shallow with an abundance of wood and weed growth. The flowage's muskies are notorious for feeding in shallow areas. These fish are often lying in heavy slop-top cover - stuff most folks wouldn't think of fishing. The area DNA manager reports the muskie feeding on white suckers, redhorse and carp. This is a classic surface bait and spinner lake, with the majority of the fish taken on these. Yellow and hot fluorescent colors work best.
For more information on these 2 areas, call:
Hayward Chamber of Commerce at 715-634-8662If in the Hayward area visit:
The Official National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum
Visit On-line:
Chippewa Flowage(3) Big Yellow Lake Big Yellow Lake is located in western Burnett County about 3 miles north of Webster and a little west of Highway 35. There is good access off Hwy 35 and another at the west end of the lake by the entrance to Little Yellow Lake. The lake is relatively shallow with a maximum depth of 31 feet. It may not be worthy of super-trophy status but has trophy-potential and seems to be on the upswing for activity. There is a possibility of a 30 pounder and possibly even a 40 pounder. But most fish will be smaller. The population is above average and these are healthy, hard-fighting fish. The size limit is currently 40 inches. There are massive weedbeds which are easy to find. These fish are suckers for spinners. Jerkbaits and cranks work well too. In fall, trolling crankbaits in open water is often the best way to go.
For more information on this area call:
Webster Chamber of Commerce at 715-866-4251(4) Soo Lake Soo Lake (Lac Sault Dore on some maps) is located in west-central Price County about 6 miles west of Phillips. There is good access off Highway W. If you really love shallow-water visible-structure-fishing for muskies and you love to throw surface lures and you don't go out after dark to do it, this is your lake. The average depth is 7 feet with a 21-foot maximum depth. It is definitely a caster's lake. It has good potential for trophy fish and 50-inch muskies lurk in the dark water. The overall population is above average. The most productive structures are visible. If it looks good - Fish It! These muskies are notorious for going shallow. They love topwaters and bulged spinners. Jerks and cranks work better on some of the deeper structures.
For more information on this area see:
Park Falls Chamber of Commerce(5) High & Fishtrap Lakes These 2 neighboring lakes are located north-central Vilas County south of County B and about 4 miles northeast of Boulder Junction. Many areas guides and anglers like to spend a half day at each of these lakes. They both offer a rare combination of quality and quantity in muskie fishing. Growth rates are slightly above average. They produce consistently throughout the season. Small cranks like Jake; small spinners like Funky Chicken and tube-type spinners work best. Perch, prisms, yellows and purple are good color choices. Daylight hours do well but these are prime night fisheries. Later in the season try fishing the deepest weeds, concentrating on edges with live baits on quick-strike rigs. The best landing is on the north side of High Lake Take time and exercise caution as the channel between the lakes can be tricky.
For more information on this area call:
Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce at: 715-385-2400(6) Minocqua & Kawaguesaga Lakes Located in northern Oneida County, adjacent to the city of Minocqua, these 2 lakes are part of the great chain of lakes. Quality access is easy to find due to the tourist concentration in Minocqua. Recreation traffic can be a nuisance and may be too much for the short-fused angler. It is good trophy water with an overall rating of "fair". The noise and activity tend to drive many to quieter waters. But the traffic dies in the fall. The quick growth of weeds in the spring makes them hotspots. Small minnow baits and in-line spinners or bucktails work well with the "quirky" addition of big spinner baits. Because of the traffic the best times are early, late or after dark. During the peak traffic times the fish avoid feeding. The more traffic during the day the better the bite at night. Concentrate on weed edges after dark. Throw crankbaits parallel to the edge or big bucktails and topwaters over the tops of vegetation. Check for schools of baitfish as these predators will be taking advantage.
For more information on this area call:
Minocqua Arbor Vitae Woodruff Area Chamber of Commerce at: 715-356-5266(7) North & South Twin Lakes These lakes are located in eastern Vilas County just west of Phelps on the north side of Highway 17. These lakes mean muskies - and big muskies. The bigger fish are coming on and the future looks great for these waters. These lakes have great vegetation in weeds and rushes. Early in the season, South Twin seems to be consistent. Concentrate on new vegetation using jigs. Twin fish must like them. In summer the Twins produce well after dark although they produce well during the day also. Try Ernies or Depth Raiders along weed edges or through some of the sparse weed areas. On hot, humid, calm nights slow-moving surface lures like the Hawg Wobbler or Creeper are very effective. A weighted Burt jerkbait often triggers fish on tough nights. The fall is when the big fish are consistent. The crankbait/sucker combo is effective. The steep break on the north shore of Big Twin is good in the fall. Besides the deep divers, a big 10 inch Jake crank will produce in the fall. The Twins are great late-fall lakes.
For more information on this area call:
Phelps Chamber of Commerce at: 715-545-3800Catch & Release When unbelievable trophy production for the size of these waters trun to mediocre, it happens for one reason only: HARVEST. Big muskies are old muskies. All the lakes mentioned are showing positive signs of rebounding to or beyond past trophy production. Protect these fish and it will happen. Use quick-strike rigs only when using live or dead bait and set the hook immediately.
Note: Information taken in part from an article in Wisconsin Sportsman Magazine (June 1999) by Pete Maina, one of northern Wisconsin's best muskie guides. Maina can be reached at: 715-462-3952. All links verified April 14, 2001
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