Fishing Shawano Lake

AKA: Lake Shawano

Popular Fish Species
Shawano Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
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Shawano Lake, WI

Popular Fish Species Shawano Lake, WI

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to good fisheries management, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Shawano Lake this year. 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, stay around 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. There is always a chance to catch a giant walleye here. The state record is 18 pounds so they do grow big here. Once the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. A great way to choose a spot to fish through the ice is to use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Muskie Fishing

Muskie grow big in this neck of the woods with the state record musky is nearing 70 pounds. Fishing for Muskellunge in Shawano Lake 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.

Shawano Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

As a great, year-round bass fishing lake, Shawano Lake continues to deliver great catches of largemouth bass for anglers. Results by locals, and many bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been as good as advertised. A significant number of large bass also roam these waters for the added bonus of a potential lunker. Thorough fisheries management by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has maintained a quality bass fishery for some time now. Generally speaking, when the bite is good bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive. Any time you find them shallow and they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Shawano Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass is good here, year round. Even in winter when the lake freezes over, bass can be caught while ice fishing.

Shawano Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, musky, northern pike and sturgeon at Shawano Lake in Wisconsin.

With an airport adjacent to the lake, Shawano Lake is a great place to fly in and go fishing. Lodging, boat rentals, fishing guides and tackle shops are all easy access at the lake. Populating this 6,100-acre lake are largemouth bass, muskie, walleye, black crappie, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill. There are 18 miles of shoreline with at least ten places to launch a boat or fish from the bank. Ice fishing for walleye, perch and panfish is a local pastime in winter, once there is safe ice.

Primary fish species residing in Shawano Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Shawano Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
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

Fishing Boat Rentals

American Marine & Motorsports Rental
Rentals: Fishing boats, pontoon boats, canoes and kayaks
715 526-4300

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Cedar Avenue Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, south side, off Cedar Avenue, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Freeborn Street Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Freeborn Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Shawano County Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off E Sunset Circle, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Washington Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, at the mouth of the channel to Washington Lake, off Stark Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.