Fishing Season is Here: Great Angler Tips for Fishing and Other Activities in Minocqua, Wisconsin

Apr 24, 2023

Minqua is a year round fishing destination and 2,300 bodies of water located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. With one of the country’s largest concentrations of freshwater lakes, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular destination for anglers and outdoor aficionados. Game fishing season opens the first Saturday of every May for walleye, northern pike, and bass, but you can snag perch, crappie, and bluegill as open options year round. During the month of May through the first week of June walleye northern pike crappie perch and bluegill are top priority. Not into fishing? No problem! There’s plenty more to do in Minocqua besides! We’ll cover plenty of other great activities and adventures in this post, too.

Local Fishing Hot Spots in Minocqua Area to Snag the Best Catch

Minocqua Chain of Lakes is a very popular area of lakes right in the middle of Minocqua, and while it’s a very busy region in the summer, you’ll still find plenty of quiet areas in the evenings for a more leisurely experience. It’s one of the most popular fishing areas, but also has lots to do for the angler averse. The lake includes 5 different lakes with plenty of opportunities to catch quite a bit! First up is Tomahawk Lake, a 3,462 acre lake that’s 84 feet deep with unparalleled clarity. You’ll find muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. Minocqua Lake has 1,339 acres and is 60 feet deep with moderately clear water. You’ll find muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish. Kawaguesaga lake is 700 acres and 44 feet deep; you’ll find panfish to be the most common catch followed by muskie, smallmouth bass, and walleye. Mid Lake is 221 acres, and just 12 feet deep; its most common catches are muskie, northern pike, and panfish. Little Tomahawk Lake is 153 acres and 48 feet deep; common catches here include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass,walleye, and muskie.

Outside of the Minocqua Chain of lakes you’ll find plenty more boating and fishing areas. Squirrel Lake is a gorgeous 1,309 acre lake with a 46 foot depth, and anglers have noted muskie, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish as the most common fish to catch, although northern pike have been found as well. Clear Lake is 95 feet deep and 873 acres, with common catches including muskie, walleye, trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish. Shishebogama Lake is 700 acres and 42 feet deep and a great spot to snag some muskie, walleye, largemouth bass, and panfish.

Other local hot spots include Blue Lake. Amber Lake, Bolger Lake, Booth Lake, Buckskin Lake, Carrol Lake, Madeline Lake, Pine Lake, Stone Lake, Sweeny Lake.

Here’s a great guide to local fishing tips and tricks in Minocqua by fish type!

Amazing Adventures and Activities for the Angler Averse

Sure, fishing may be one of the greatest American pastimes, but we understand that it’s not for everyone. It requires an immense amount of practice, patience, and persistence. Sometimes, folks just want to get right into the excitement and action on vacation instead of sitting and waiting. We get it! That’s why we’ve rounded up our picks for great things to do outside of boating and fishing.

Why not take a visit to the Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo and Nature Center! This incredible 168 acre zoo and safari park is a fun, educational experience with plenty of excitement for the whole family. You’ll explore more than a thousand animals encompassing more than two hundred species! It’s the second largest zoo in Wisconsin, and is just a short drive away from the fisherman’s paradise. You can opt to stroll on your own, or take a guided tour from the local staff. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there’s also plenty of opportunity to participate in hand-feeding the animals for a truly memorable visit.

Take a walk in the wild side with a ziplining tour through the treetops with Northwoods Zipline. Adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers will check off all their boxes during this two and a half hour zipline through the lakes and forests of Minocqua. With 9 different ziplines and 5 adventure bridges to cross, there’s never a dull moment here. Plus, there’s an exhilarating tree-top obstacle course, swings, and climbing areas to enjoy.

Hit the trails with an ATV tour and experience the lake from a new perspective. A&M UTV Rentals offers ATV Tours through the more than 200 miles of trails in the forest and around the lakes. Rentals are available for a maximum of 8 hours, perfect for a full day of sightseeing and thrill seeking for any wilderness enthusiast.

Grab your bicycles and mountain bikes and head for a trail ride, or your best running and hiking shoes for a trail hike and dash at Bearskin State Trail. With more than 18 miles of scenic trails and landscapes through lakes, creeks, and forest, you’ll get up close and personal with nature. Bring your binoculars and digital cameras to capture some great nature photography or go birding, too!

Book a ticket to watch the Min-Aqua Bats amazing water ski show during the summer! This local Minocqua team of waterskiers perform must-see tricks such as juggling, jumps, and flips from their water skis!

Looking for some more ways to unwind and relax in Minocqua? Check out this local guide of activities and fun things to do in the area.