Fishing Lac Courte Oreilles
AKA: Lac Courte Oreilles Lake
Popular Fish Species Lac Courte Oreilles, WI
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are one of the most sought-after species at Lac Courte Oreilles, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, when the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.
Walleye Fishing
Lac Courte Oreilles is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 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.
Muskie Fishing
As a managed muskellunge fishery, Lac Courte Oreilles has a solid population of muskie and could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for musky can be very exhilarating. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find muskie during summer.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, musky and northern pike at Lac Courte Oreilles in Wisconsin.
Lac Courte Oreilles Fishing Video
Easily accessible at the junction of Highways 27 and 70, Lac Courte Oreilles is loaded with fish and surrounded by beauty. Come spend a day at this boating and fishing haven, and you'll want to return again and again.
Lac Courte Oreilles is located in the northwestern part of Wisconsin, specifically in Sawyer County. This beautiful lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from near and far.
One of the popular fish species in Lac Courte Oreilles is largemouth bass. The lake's structure, including weed beds, submerged timber, and rocky areas, provides ideal habitat for these bass. Anglers often target them using a variety of techniques such as casting soft plastics, working topwater lures, or using crankbaits.
Smallmouth bass are also abundant in Lac Courte Oreilles. They are known for their aggressive strikes and spirited fights. Anglers can target smallmouth bass by casting artificial lures like crankbaits, jigs, or spinnerbaits near rocky structures or drop-offs.
Walleye is another prized species in the lake. Anglers often find success trolling with crankbaits or worm harnesses, jigging with live bait or artificial jigs, or drifting with live bait rigs. The early morning and evening hours are typically the best times to target walleye.
Muskie, the apex predator of freshwater, is a highly sought-after species in Lac Courte Oreilles. Known for their size and ferocity, muskie provide a thrilling angling experience. Anglers pursuing muskie use large baits such as bucktails, jerkbaits, or topwater lures, often requiring perseverance and patience.
Black crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill also contribute to the diverse fishery of Lac Courte Oreilles. Anglers can target black crappie using small jigs, live bait, or bobber rigs near submerged structures or brush piles. Northern pike can be caught using larger lures like spoons, spinners, or swimbaits. Yellow perch and bluegill are often targeted using small jigs, worms, or live bait.
Lac Courte Oreilles in Sawyer County, Wisconsin, is a popular fishing destination known for its abundance of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, muskie, black crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill. With its excellent fishing opportunities, boating facilities, and camping options, the lake offers a well-rounded outdoor experience for anglers and nature enthusiasts.
This 5,000-acre lake is the largest freshwater lake in the area. Fishing enthusiasts prowl these waters for its reputed trophy muskie, quality bass and northern pike fishing. Also thriving within the 25 miles of shoreline wrapping this gem are walleye, crappie, sunfish, perch and bluegill. Boat ramps, rental boats and lodging await your visit. Some of the lodges have areas for fishing from the bank.
Primary fish species residing in Lac Courte Oreilles
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lac Courte Oreilles Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Lac Courte Oreilles offers not only exceptional fishing opportunities but also a great boating and camping experience. Anglers can enjoy exploring the lake's scenic shoreline and various fishing spots, while boaters have access to public boat ramps and marinas. Camping options near the lake provide opportunities to extend your stay and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Lac Courte Oreilles Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Lac Courte Oreilles Landing, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Lac Courte Oreilles
Hayward Guide Service - walleye, crappie
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.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Sand Lake Pines Resort & Campground - 715 865-2309
Stone Haven RV Park - 715 558-5172
Lac Courte Oreilles WI Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lac Courte Oreilles
Angler's Haven Resort
15437 County Road KK
Hayward, WI 54843
715 634-2757
Fishing lakes in each state.
090824
Lac Courte Oreilles in WI
WISCONSIN
Fishing for trophy muskie, bass and northern pike in northwest WI.