Fishing Lake Poygan

AKA: Poygan Lake

Popular Fish Species
Lake Poygan Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Poygan, WI

Popular Fish Species Lake Poygan, WI

Lake Poygan Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are one of the more popular species at Lake Poygan, 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 smallmouth bass. 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

Lake Poygan 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

Fishing for muskellunge in Lake Poygan 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, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, white bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Lake Poygan in Wisconsin.

Lake Poygan Fishing Video

Trolling or jigging for walleye and white bass consumes a great deal of attention at Lake Poygan, a 14,000-acre lake in the southeast part of the state, at Winneconne. For anglers chasing bass, crappie sunfish, perch and northern pike, there are 88 miles of shoreline to explore.

Lake Poygan is located in east-central Wisconsin, in Winnebago County. It is part of the expansive Winnebago system, which includes Lake Winnebago, Lake Butte des Morts, and Lake Winneconne. Lake Poygan is a popular fishing destination known for its diverse fish species and excellent angling opportunities.

Walleye fishing is one of the primary attractions on Lake Poygan. Anglers can target walleye throughout the year, but the spring and fall seasons are particularly productive. Trolling with crankbaits, casting with jigs or swimbaits, or jigging with live bait rigs are effective techniques for catching walleye on Lake Poygan.

Largemouth bass are another popular species that anglers target on Lake Poygan. These bass can be found near weed beds, submerged structures, and shoreline cover. Casting plastic worms, crankbaits, or topwater lures can entice largemouth bass to strike.

Flathead catfish and channel catfish are sought-after species for those looking for a thrilling catfishing experience on Lake Poygan. These catfish can be targeted using various techniques, such as bottom fishing with live bait or cut bait, or using prepared stink baits. Fishing near deep holes, submerged logs, or along the channel edges can increase the chances of success.

Black crappie and white crappie are abundant in Lake Poygan and provide anglers with excellent panfishing opportunities. These species can be found near submerged structures, such as brush piles or fallen trees. Jigging with small jigs or minnows, or using live bait rigs, are effective methods for catching crappie.

Largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill are other popular fish species found in Lake Poygan. Anglers can target these species using techniques such as casting with spinners or crankbaits, or using live bait rigs. Fishing near weed beds, submerged structures, or drop-offs can yield success in landing these fish.

Lake Poygan in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, offers a diverse range of popular fish species, including walleye, largemouth bass, flathead catfish, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill. With its scenic beauty, abundant fishing opportunities, and options for boating and camping, Lake Poygan attracts anglers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a memorable fishing experience in Wisconsin.

The boundary of this lake and Lake Winneconne blend together to make one big waterway when water levels are high. Camping is close by, and everything you need for boating is available at the lakes, including a marina, rental boats and boat launch ramps.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Poygan

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Poygan Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Lake Poygan is also a favorite destination for boating and camping. It offers ample opportunities for recreational activities on the water, including boating, water skiing, and tubing. There are boat ramps and marinas available for easy access, as well as campgrounds and resorts nearby for those looking to extend their stay and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Indian Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, north side, off Conlon Court, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Lake Poygan Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Poygan Shores Lane, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Poygan Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Richter Lane, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Poygan West Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, west side, off Badger Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Wienners Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, north side, off Park Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited, street parking.

Marinas

Hidden Harbor Marina
7312 County Rd B
Winneconne, WI 54986
920 229-3250