Fishing Big Eau Pleine Reservoir

AKA: The Big Eau Pleine

Popular Fish Species
The Big Eau Pleine Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Big Eau Pleine Reservoir, WI

Popular Fish Species Big Eau Pleine Reservoir, WI

Big Eau Pleine Reservoir Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

The Big Eau Pleine is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management, and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods 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.

Big Eau Pleine Reservoir Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

A nice population of black crappie resides in The Big Eau Pleine. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. 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. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. 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.

Big Eau Pleine Reservoir Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Big northern pike are thriving in the cool waters of The Big Eau Pleine. This year they are being caught in good numbers with an occasional giant. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. They are extremely active when feeding and they can catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. Summer can be spotty but pike are caught all through the summer. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. 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 also be a big help. Throughout the season, 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.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, musky and northern pike at Big Eau Pleine Reservoir in Wisconsin.

Big Eau Pleine Reservoir Fishing Video

Choose one of the many boat ramps around the lake or rent a boat and enjoy a day on Big Eau Pleine Reservoir. This 6,800-acre lake in the central part of the state has about 40 miles of shoreline to cruise and enjoy the view.

Located in central Wisconsin, Big Eau Pleine Reservoir is a popular fishing destination known for its diverse fish species and picturesque surroundings. Anglers are drawn to its tranquil waters in pursuit of various game fish.

One of the prized catches in Big Eau Pleine Reservoir is the smallmouth bass. These feisty fighters are abundant in the lake and provide exciting angling opportunities. Anglers can target them using a variety of techniques, including casting crankbaits, jerkbaits, or soft plastics near rocky structures, drop-offs, and submerged points.

Another sought-after species in Big Eau Pleine Reservoir is the muskie. Known for their size and strength, muskies offer a thrilling challenge to anglers. Trolling large bucktail spinners, casting oversized crankbaits, or using live baits like suckers can entice these apex predators.

Walleye fishing is also popular on Big Eau Pleine Reservoir. Anglers can target walleye near submerged structures, points, and weed edges using techniques such as jigging, live bait rigging, or trolling with crawler harnesses or minnow imitations.

Channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill are also among the notable fish species in the reservoir. Channel catfish can be caught using cut bait or stink baits near deeper holes or along rocky shorelines. Crappie can be found near submerged brush piles, fallen trees, or other structure, and can be targeted with jigs or live minnows. Northern pike can be caught near weed beds and using spoons, spinnerbaits, or large swimbaits.

In conclusion, Big Eau Pleine Reservoir in central Wisconsin is a prime fishing destination, offering a wide range of popular fish species. Anglers can enjoy pursuing smallmouth bass, muskie, walleye, channel catfish, crappie, pike, perch, and bluegill. With its picturesque setting and recreational amenities for boating and camping, Big Eau Pleine Reservoir provides an unforgettable fishing experience in the heart of Wisconsin.

Fishing enthusiasts will be motivated to wet a line and catch bass, walleye, pike, musky, catfish, perch, sunfish and pike. Stumps and heavy vegetation provide cover for both predator and prey fish species in the murky waters of this flowage system.

Primary fish species residing in Big Eau Pleine Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Big Eau Pleine Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Big Eau Pleine Reservoir is not only a fishing haven but also offers opportunities for boating and camping. Anglers can explore the lake's vast waters, access different fishing spots, and enjoy the scenic beauty from their boats. The reservoir is equipped with boat ramps and has designated camping areas for those looking to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the outdoor experience.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Dubay Waters Boating Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
715 344-2628

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

George's Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off W County Highway C, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Lisa's Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, at the south end of the County Road S Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Marinas

Dubay Waters Boating Marina
1135 County Rd DB
Mosinee, WI 54455
715 344-2628