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Fishing At Lake Pepin In 2024

AKA: Pepin Lake

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, sauger, saugeye, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, spotted sunfish, white bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Lake Pepin in Wisconsin.

Lake Pepin, WI

Straddling the state border with Minnesota, Lake Pepin is a 25,000-acre section of the Mississippi River running from Red Wing to Reads Landing. Anglers from both states, and visitors, fish these 50 miles of shoreline in search of smallmouth bass, northern pike and white bass.

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video

Lake Pepin is a natural widening of the Mississippi River located in the western part of Wisconsin, between the towns of Lake City, Minnesota and Pepin, Wisconsin. It offers a diverse fishing experience and is known for its abundance of popular fish species.

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are among the sought-after game fish in Lake Pepin. Anglers can target these bass species along the rocky shorelines, submerged structures, and around the numerous backwaters and bays of the lake. Techniques such as casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or plastic worms can yield success in landing these spirited fighters.

Walleye and sauger are also popular species in Lake Pepin. Anglers target these fish using a variety of techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or live bait rigs, jigging with minnows or artificial baits, or drift fishing with jigs and plastics. The lake's structure, including deep holes, points, and drop-offs, provide ideal habitats for these species.

Saugeye, a hybrid between walleye and sauger, can also be found in Lake Pepin. These aggressive fish provide exciting angling opportunities and can be targeted using similar techniques as walleye and sauger.

Flathead catfish and channel catfish are popular among catfish enthusiasts. Lake Pepin provides excellent habitat for these bottom-dwelling species. Anglers often use live bait such as cut bait or stinkbaits to entice these catfish.

Black crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill are other popular fish species in Lake Pepin. Anglers can find black crappie around submerged structures and can target them using small jigs or minnows. Northern pike can be caught using spoons, spinners, or large jerkbaits, while yellow perch and bluegill are commonly targeted using small jigs, worms, or live bait near weed beds and structures.

Lake Pepin in western Wisconsin offers a diverse fishing experience with popular fish species including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger, saugeye, flathead catfish, channel catfish, black crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill. With its scenic beauty, abundant fishing opportunities, and boating and camping facilities, Lake Pepin is a favorite destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an enjoyable and memorable fishing adventure.

Marinas and boat landings are open to the boating public, and rental boats, bait, tackle, camping and lodging are available at the lake. Colvill Park, Frontenac State Park and Hok-Si-La Municipal Park and Campground afford access for fishing from the bank.

Fishing Boats For Rent In WI

Primary fish species residing in Lake Pepin

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie White Crappie Walleye Sauger Saugeye Bluegill Green Sunfish Pumpkinseed Sunfish Rock Bass Soptted Sunfish White Bass Yellow Perch Northern Pike

Lake Pepin Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Lake Pepin offers ample opportunities for boating and camping. Its expansive waters provide plenty of space for boaters to explore, fish, and enjoy various water activities.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Red Wing Marina & Boat Rental
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoons
651 388-8995

River Valley Marina and Boat Rentals
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
651 388-0481

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Bay City Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Park Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lake Pepin Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Lakeshore Drive, at Roschen Park, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lake Pepin Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, north side, off Prarie Street, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Marinas

Pepin Marina
303 1st St
Pepin, WI 54759
715 442-4900

Red Wing Marina
918 Levee Road
Red Wing, MN 55066
651 388-8995

Click here for a Wisconsin Fishing License.

Campers can find campgrounds and recreational facilities along the lake, allowing them to experience the beauty of the surroundings and enjoy a peaceful camping experience.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Lake Pepin Campgrounds - 651 345-2909

Hok-Si-La Campground - 651 345-3855

Lake Pepin WI Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lake Pepin
Hok-Si-La Municipal Park and Campground
2500 U.S. Hwy 61
Lake City, MN 55041
651 345-3855

 

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Lake Pepin in WI

Fishing for smallmouth bass, northern pike and white bass in western WI.

Lake Pepin, in Wisconsin.