The 5 Best Bass Fishing Spots in Wisconsin


Wisconsin is one of the most famous states for bass fishing. The state boasts of over 7,000 lakes and ponds that are home to some of the toughest and hardest fighting game fish in North America.

Bass fishing is an important outdoor activity for anglers in Wisconsin. And knowing the best spot is ideal if you want to enjoy your fishing excursion. Wisconsin has one of the most diverse bass fishing spots in the U.S with over 4,100 lakes and 1,000 miles of rivers.

Wisconsin was at one point deemed as the number one bass fishing state in the country. Many anglers come here to beat their records or break world records on some of Wisconsin’s finest fishing holes.

Best bass fishing spots in Wisconsin are usually located on larger lakes that have deep water for spawning and deep channels to hold fish during the winter months. Knowing where to go can significantly increase your chances of catching a lot of fish. So, you must research different fishing spots before you hit the road with your gear on tow.

Pelican Lake

Pelican Lake is a well-known bass fishing spot in Wisconsin with a large variety of fish species. It is located is located in central Wisconsin, just a few miles outside of Green Bay and surrounded by marshland. The lake covers an area of about 8,500 acres and has a maximum depth of 16 feet.

Pelican Lake was established as a trout and smallmouth bass hatchery in the early 1920s. Trout were stocked for sport fishing, but due to their limited popularity, stocking was discontinued after 1940. The site still contains one of the best largemouth bass populations in Wisconsin with some excellent fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers alike.

When thinking bass fishing, this is an ideal destination if you want a fun-thrilled fishing excursion.

Door County

Door County is a leading tourist destination in Wisconsin, renowned for its cherry orchards, vineyards, and large stretches of unspoiled Lake Michigan shoreline. The county was created by an Act by the Wisconsin Legislature on April 17, 1851, and was so named because it lies at the end (door) of a peninsula that extends into Lake Michigan from Upper Michigan in what is now called “the thumb” region.

Since bass fishing is a popular sport in Wisconsin, as a fisherman this is your ideal location because there are many places to go fishing. And, it’s best if you learn more about what this beautiful county has to offer and how you can experience bass fishing at its finest!

Door County is known as one of the best places for both freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. Known for its picturesque landscapes and quaint villages, Door County has been attracting visitors for years with its great water activities and serene atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a day on the water chasing after your favorite species or just taking it all in from the shoreline, Door County has plenty to offer any type of angler.

Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is the longest river in the United States. It starts in Minnesota and then runs all the way down to Louisiana. Along this 4,000-mile journey, it crosses over 10 states and creates a wide variety of environments for fish to live in.

The Wisconsin DNR has been working with other government agencies to establish a fishing program on the Mississippi river since 1991. In order to create a better fishing experience for those who travel from other states or countries, they have been restoring some of these riverside habitats as well as adding new ones. This ensures that there are plenty of places for people to catch bass throughout their fishing experience on the Mississippi River.

Along with improving fishing conditions within Wisconsin, the DNR has also been implementing many different studies into bass behavior and suitable ways of maintaining them. This makes The Mississippi river one of the best bass fishing spots in Wisconsin as the only river that has a fishery that has been recognized by the state.

If you’re an angler looking to fish, the Mississippi river should be top of your bucket lists. However, it might be a little difficult to find out where to go and what you need to do when you get there due to the fun-packed activities.

Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is one of the best bass fishing spots in Wisconsin because it’s located between the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Besides, it is also very close to major cities like Milwaukee and Chicago. Making the lake offers a lot of activities alongside fishing that is so much fun for all levels of fisherman.

It has many different types of fish on a total surface area of 940 acres. The lake was originally built in 1836 when the Chicago Millers wanted to create a millpond to increase their power source. They were looking for water that was located in between two rivers, but they found that there wasn’t enough water for them so they had to dig out Lake Geneva which was originally just marshy land.  After digging out Lake Geneva, it became clear that there wasn’t much different fish living in the lake because it didn’t have any good spawning grounds or places to make homes.

The situation made the pond transform into a lake that is nicknamed ‘The Jewel of the Dells’ because it has some great fishing opportunities for people who love bass fishing. It also contains many other fish species including bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, carp, and catfish.

There are places where you can rent boats and fish from land as well as areas with docks to fish from the water. There’s also a bait shop on site that sells all sorts of great bait for fishermen or women looking to try out their luck at catching bluegills or largemouth basses.

Flambeau River

Flambeau River is a peaceful, scenic, and family-friendly destination for people looking to fish. It is one of the best bass fishing spots in Wisconsin. Fishermen can enjoy its beautiful scenery, vast wildlife, and rich history.

In Flambeau River, you can expect to find great fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike. The Flambeau River is a tributary of the Chippewa River and provides excellent fishing opportunities for a wide range of species.

The Flambeau River – 60-mile-long begins in Iron County and flows into Rusk County. It also flows through Sawyer County before emptying into the Chippewa River northwest of Ladysmith. It has been called “Wisconsin’s most famous trout stream”. Flaming Gorge Dam, which is the world’s largest dam for generating electricity from hydropower, sits on the Flambeau River near Ladysmith, Wisconsin.

The river is well-known for its largemouth bass population as well as historical significance since it was used as an important transportation route in the early days of Wisconsin’s statehood.

The Flambeau River offers anglers some of the best opportunities in Wisconsin for catching large numbers of fish during all seasons of the year. It also provides anglers with great trout fishing opportunities on its shores making visitors have memorable moments.

Bottom Line

Many people who enjoy fishing as a sport would love to find the best bass fishing spots in Wisconsin. However, bass fishing is a sport that requires patience and skill and it can be difficult for novices to find their footing. The best way for someone new to start is by visiting a number of different lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams around Wisconsin – not just one or two locations. These top five bass fishing spots in Wisconsin can be a great starting point for those looking to take up this sport.

We know that when you find an ideal spot, it is often hard to share with others who are interested in becoming serious fishermen. The listed spots above can help you try your luck at spotting the bass fish in Wisconsin.

Alternatively, you can try other different types of fishing spots in Wisconsin to explore. Each fishing spot has its advantages and disadvantages that will make certain spots better for some people than others.

Aaron Warner

Aaron Warner is an avid angler with over 15 years of experience. He has participated and won fishing tournaments all over the country and enjoys fishing for bass, trout, walleye and other species.

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