Fishing Geneva Lake

AKA: Lake Geneva

Popular Fish Species
Geneva Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
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Geneva Lake, WI

Popular Fish Species Geneva Lake, WI

Geneva Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Geneva Lake. They are plentiful, plus they grow big and fat. Some sizeable smallies roam the waters of Geneva Lake, thanks to excellent fisheries management by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, as well as the availability of extensive cover for both baitfish and bass. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Lake Geneva Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Thriving in the cool waters of Geneva Lake, northern pike are a very popular target for local anglers. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can be a big help.

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to good fisheries management, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Geneva Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, white bass, yellow perch, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and northern pike at Geneva Lake in Wisconsin.

Offering both warm-water and coldwater fish species, Geneva Lake provides an exciting array of fishing opportunities. Over 20 miles of shoreline surround this 5,300-acre lake in the southeast part of the state, at Lake Geneva, WI.

Geneva Lake Fishing Video

Located in southeastern Wisconsin, Geneva Lake is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. Nestled in the picturesque town of Lake Geneva, this lake offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.

One of the prized catches in Geneva Lake is the trout species. Anglers can target rainbow trout, brown trout, and lake trout, which are regularly stocked in the lake. These trout species provide exciting challenges for anglers, with their cunning nature and propensity for putting up a fight. Trolling with spoons or spinners, fly fishing with streamers or nymphs, or using live bait are common techniques employed to entice these trout.

Both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are abundant in Geneva Lake. The lake's structure, including rocky shorelines, submerged vegetation, and drop-offs, provide excellent habitats for these bass species. Anglers can try their luck with a variety of lures and baits, such as plastic worms, crankbaits, or topwater lures, to target these bass and experience the thrill of a successful catch.

Walleye and channel catfish are also popular gamefish in Geneva Lake. These species can be found near submerged structures, weed edges, and deep holes. Anglers often employ techniques such as jigging, live bait rigging, or trolling with crankbaits to entice these fish.

Black crappie, white crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill are also common catches in Geneva Lake. These species can be targeted near weed beds, submerged trees, and other underwater structures. Anglers can use a variety of baits and lures, including jigs, minnows, or small spinners, to entice these panfish and enjoy a productive day of fishing.

Geneva Lake in southeastern Wisconsin offers a wide array of fishing opportunities. With popular fish species such as rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, crappie, pike, perch, and bluegill, anglers can enjoy a diverse and rewarding fishing experience. The presence of boating and camping facilities further enhances the appeal of Geneva Lake, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

During the cold of winter, when there is safe ice, locals do plenty of ice fishing. Late spring, summer and fall offer some of the best boating and fishing in the area. Anglers can fish for bass, trout, walleye, northern pike, crappie and sunfish. Big Foot Beach State Park offers access to the shoreline for fishing from the bank as well as launching of canoes and kayaks. Marinas and boat rental outlets offer pontoons, pleasure boats, jet skis, water ski boats and numerous varieties of fishing boats for rent. The Lake Geneva Shore Path also provides access for bank fishing. There are several boat ramps available to the public, located around the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Geneva Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Geneva Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Geneva Lake is not only a great fishing spot but also offers excellent opportunities for boating and camping. Anglers can explore the expansive lake, access various fishing spots, and enjoy the scenic views from their boats. The lake's shoreline provides camping facilities, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Clear Water Outdoor Kayak Rental
Rentals: Kayaks
262 203-1510

Jerry's Majestic Marine Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
262 275-5222

Marina Bay Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
262 248-4477

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Flat Iron Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Wrigley Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and no parking.

Fontana Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, west side, off Lake Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Linn Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Linn Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Williams Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off E Geneva Street, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Abbey Marina
271 Fontana Blvd
Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, WI 53125
262 394-5544