Fishing Lake Wissota
AKA: Wissota Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Wissota, WI
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are a popular species of many locals at Lake Wissota, as they are tough fighters and exciting to catch. 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, consider ice fishing for smallies.
Walleye Fishing
Thanks to good fisheries management by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Lake Wissota 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, stay around 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.
Black Crappie Fishing
Black crappie reside in good numbers throughout Lake Wissota, and they are averaging a very good size this year. Crappie fishing is excellent and they are running in sizeable schools. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of crappie.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, white bass, yellow bass, yellow perch, musky, northern pike, sauger and sturgeon at Lake Wissota in Wisconsin.
Lake Wissota Fishing Video
The relatively clear water of Lake Wissota is home to a nice variety of fish species. Perch, walleye, sauger, sunfish, bass, muskie, pike, catfish, crappie, sunfish and sturgeon all populate this 6,300-acre reservoir in the west-central part of the state, at Chippewa Falls, WI.
Lake Wissota is located in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, and offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers. The lake spans across 6,300 acres and is known for its diverse fishery, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts of all ages.
Walleye fishing is particularly popular on Lake Wissota. Anglers target these prized gamefish using a variety of techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs, jigging, or casting with live bait or artificial lures. The lake's structure, including deep basins, points, and submerged humps, provides ideal habitat for walleye.
Muskie, often referred to as the "fish of a thousand casts," is another sought-after species on Lake Wissota. These elusive and powerful fish require patience and dedication to catch. Anglers target muskie using large, flashy lures or live bait. The lake's weedy areas, rock structures, and drop-offs are prime spots for muskie fishing.
Black crappie, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass are also popular species among anglers on Lake Wissota. These fish can be found near submerged structures, weed beds, and rocky areas. Anglers often use jigs, soft plastics, or live bait to entice these species, and early morning or evening hours tend to be the most productive.
Sauger, a close relative of walleye, is another prized catch in Lake Wissota. Anglers target sauger using similar techniques as walleye fishing. These fish can be found near deeper holes, river channels, or current breaks, especially during the colder months.
Bluegill, flathead catfish, channel catfish, northern pike, yellow perch, and yellow bass also inhabit Lake Wissota. Bluegill provide excellent panfishing opportunities, and anglers can find them near weed beds and other submerged structures. Flathead and channel catfish can be targeted using a variety of baits such as live bait, cut bait, or stinkbaits. Northern pike and yellow perch offer additional fishing options for anglers seeking diverse experiences on the lake.
Lake Wissota in Wisconsin is a fantastic fishing destination with its abundant walleye, muskie, black crappie, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, sauger, bluegill, flathead catfish, channel catfish, northern pike, yellow perch, and yellow bass. The lake's diverse fishery, coupled with its boating opportunities and camping facilities, ensures a memorable experience for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
During warm months anglers can fish the 51 miles of shoreline from a boat or by fishing from the bank. In winter, when there is safe ice, many of these species can be taken through the ice. Walleye, saugeye, perch, sunfish and northern pike are the targets of local ice fishing enthusiasts. Visitors have access to the lake via half a dozen boat launch ramps, parks, a beach and various spots around the lake where the road is close to the water. Many of these access points are suited for portage of canoes and kayaks. Pontoon boats and fishing boats are available for rent at the lake. Camping, lodging, stores and restaurants are all at or nearby Lake Wissota to enhance your weekend fishing trip, or extended vacation.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Wissota
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Wissota Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Lake Wissota is a popular boating destination, with multiple boat ramps and marinas available for easy access. Anglers can explore the lake's various fishing spots, access deeper waters, and cover more ground.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Lake Wissota Lodge
Rentals: Pontoon boats
715 723-1000
Hideaway Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
715 720-7367
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Chippewa Rod and Gun Club Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off 74th Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Lake Wissota Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off 175th Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Lake Wissota Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Riverdale Landing, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited parking.
Lake Wissota State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, in the Lake Wissota State Park, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Wissota
Wisconsin Fishing Guide Chris Powell - crappie, bluegill, bass, walleye. pike
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Wisconsin Fishing License.
Camping facilities in the surrounding area make it convenient for anglers to extend their stay and enjoy the lake's natural beauty.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Pine Harbor Campground - 715 723-9865
O'Neil Creek Campground - 715 723-6581
Lake Wissota WI Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Wissota
Lake Wissota State Park
18127 Co Hwy O
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
715 382-4574
Fishing lakes in each state.
062024
Lake Wissota in Wisconsin.
WISCONSIN
Information about fishing lakes in WI
Lake Wissota offers fishing for perch, walleye, sauger, sunfish, bass, muskie, pike, catfish, crappie, sunfish and sturgeon in west-central Wisconsin.
