Fishing Petenwell Lake
AKA: Petenwell Flowage
Popular Fish Species Petenwell Lake, WI
Walleye
Well managed fisheries, with plenty of forage fish, and fertile water make for a good walleye lake. Fishing for walleye in Petenwell Lake lets you know this is one of those lakes. 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.
Crappie
Come fish for both black and white crappie in Petenwell Lake, as crappie is a very popular species this year. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. 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. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. 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. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a quick limit of crappie.
White Bass
After several very successful spawn years, white bass are flourishing in the fertile waters of Petenwell Lake. Anglers should expect some great fishing this year. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, musky, northern pike, sauger, sturgeon and tiger muskie at Petenwell Lake in Wisconsin.
Boasting a wide range of fish species, Petenwell Lake has something for all anglers who enjoy catching fish. This 23,000-acre lake, in the central part of the state, at Necedah, has populations of both warm-water and cold-water species. In summer anglers catch bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch, muskie, sauger, northern pike, tiger muskie and sturgeon.
Petenwell Lake is located in central Wisconsin, in Adams County. As the second-largest inland lake in Wisconsin, it offers excellent fishing opportunities and is known for its diverse range of popular fish species.
Walleye is one of the prized fish species in Petenwell Lake. Anglers can target walleye throughout the year using various techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or live bait rigs, jigging with minnows or artificial baits, or casting with swimbaits or jigs. The lake's structure, including points, rock piles, and drop-offs, provide ideal habitats for walleye.
Muskie, the elusive and challenging apex predator, is another highly sought-after species in Petenwell Lake. Anglers who pursue muskie can experience thrilling battles and the chance to catch a trophy-sized fish. Casting large jerkbaits, bucktail spinners, or topwater lures are common methods used to entice muskie.
Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are also popular game fish in Petenwell Lake. Anglers can find largemouth bass near weed beds, submerged structures, and shoreline cover, while smallmouth bass tend to relate to rocky areas and drop-offs. Techniques such as casting plastic worms, crankbaits, or topwater lures can be effective in enticing these bass species.
Sauger, a close relative of the walleye, can be found in Petenwell Lake. Anglers target sauger using similar techniques as walleye, particularly in areas with moderate current or near river channels.
Flathead catfish and channel catfish provide exciting angling opportunities in Petenwell Lake. These catfish species can be targeted using live bait such as cut bait, live minnows, or nightcrawlers. Fishing near submerged structures, deep holes, or along the channel edges can yield success in landing these powerful fish.
Black crappie, white crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill are other popular fish species found in Petenwell Lake. Anglers can target these species using a variety of techniques, including jigging with small jigs or minnows, casting with spinners or crankbaits, or using live bait rigs. These fish can often be found near submerged structures, weed beds, or drop-offs.
Petenwell Lake in central Wisconsin offers fantastic fishing opportunities for a variety of popular fish species, including walleye, muskie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sauger, flathead catfish, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill. With its scenic beauty, diverse fishing options, and opportunities for boating and camping, Petenwell Lake is a favorite destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable fishing experience.
During winters, when there is safe ice, anglers target perch, walleye and muskie - but are often surprised by catching other fish species. Over 100 miles of shoreline with over a dozen boat landings for public use. In addition to the boat ramps, there are parks, beaches and other areas with access to areas for fishing from the bank. Pontoon boats are available for rent at Barnum Bay Marina. Use the boat landing areas for pleasure boats, canoes, kayaks and fishing boats. Lodging, camping, dining and shopping are all close by to enhance your vacation or weekend fishing trip.
Primary fish species residing in Petenwell Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Petenwell Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Petenwell Lake is a popular destination for boating and camping. Its expansive waters provide ample space for boaters to explore, fish, and enjoy recreational activities.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Barnum Bay Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
715 325-6555
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
10th Street Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off 10th Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Adams County Petenwell Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off 20th Avenue, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Juneau County Wilderness Park Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off 21st Avenue N, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Small Boat Access Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off County Road Z, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Marinas
Barnum Bay Marina
1735 Archer Lane
Nekoosa, WI 54457
715 325-6555
Fishing Guides On Petenwell Lake
Jason Mata, Fishing Guide - walleye
Advantage Fishing Guide Service - walleye
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Petenwell Lake Fishing Video
Fishing License
Click here for a Wisconsin Fishing License.
Campgrounds and resorts are available around the lake, offering opportunities for camping, RV parking, and amenities for a comfortable stay.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Petenwell Wilderness Park Campground - 608 565-7285
Moonlite Trails Campground - 608 565-6936
Adams County Parks & Recreation Campground - 608 564-7513
Lake Arrowhead Campground - 715 325-2941
Pineland Camping Park - 608 564-7818
Petenwell Lake WI Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Petenwell Lake
Petenwell Wilderness Park Campground
N14054 21st Ave N
Necedah, WI 54646
608 565-7285
Fishing lakes in each state.
032424
Petenwell Flowage in Wisconsin.
WISCONSIN
Information about fishing lakes in WI
Healthy populations of bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch, muskie, sauger, northern pike, tiger muskie and sturgeon await anglers wishing to go fishing at Petenwell Lake in central Wisconsin.
