Fishing
World-class fishing on Wisconsin's Largest Lake
The Oshkosh area is known internationally as a fantastic fishing destination. It’s ideally located on the west shore of Lake Winnebago and adjacent to other lakes that make up the Winnebago system. There are few places in the world where freshwater fishing is so outstanding yet so convenient. Oshkosh is also the site of major fishing tournaments like Battle on Bago, which gives away more than $250,000 in prizes.
Lake Winnebago is Wisconsin’s largest inland lake and, arguably, its most important fishery. The walleye fishing on Lake Winnebago is widely thought to be some of the best in the country. Anglers come from miles around seeking Winnebago’s jumbo perch. And, bass anglers from around the Midwest are beginning to take notice of Lake Winnebago’s excellent fishing for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
At more than 138,000 acres, Lake Winnebago is a big lake. The lake is part of a system that includes Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Winneconne and Lake Poygan as well as the Wolf and Fox rivers.
Although it covers 215 square miles, the lake is quite shallow. The average depth is just 15.5 feet and its maximum depth is just 21 feet.
The Fish
Walleye flourish in the Lake Winnebago system. Spawning areas in the upstream portions of the lake system are some of the best walleye spawning areas on earth.
Walleye anglers on Lake Winnebago use several techniques. Trolling is perhaps the most popular. Most Winnebago walleye anglers use planer boards, which give the angler precise control of the bait. Jigging and slip-bobber fishing are also popular, particularly during the summer months.
Perch fishing on Lake Winnebago is also outstanding. Unlike walleye, perch are primarily a day-time biter. Many of the techniques used for walleye can be used for perch, although lighter tackle is called for. Like walleye, perch are often found on mid-lake humps.
If you’re out fishing on Lake Winnebago and you see what looks like a shark swim under your boat, you’re not seeing Jaws. These aren’t sharks, but rather lake sturgeon, enormous fish that can reach lengths up to seven feet long and more than 200 pounds. The Lake Winnebago system harbors about 40,000 of these gentle, bottom-feeding fish.
Bass are found throughout the Lake Winnebago system. Both smallmouth and largemouth bass can be found. Smallmouth tend to be found in deeper water and prefer hard bottom structure, such as rocks and gravel. Largemouth tend to be in close to shore and can be found around docks and shallow weed beds. Major bass tournaments are held on Lake Winnebago every year, a testament to the fact that this is a world-class bass fishing destination.
Boat Landing and Fishing Resources
Launching a boat onto Lake Winnebago is easy. There are dozens of excellent launches in the area. Some of the best launches in Oshkosh include Asylum Point County Park at the north end of town, Menominee Park on Millers Bay, William Steiger Park on the Fox River, Rainbow Park on the Fox River and the Mill Street Boat Launch at the mouth of the Fox River. At the south end of town, you’ll find launches in Fugleberg Park and at the 24th Street Boat Launch.
Find more information about the City of Oshkosh boat launches, locations, permits here.
Find more information about Winnebago Country boat launches, locations, permits and more here. You can also find information about Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan and Lake Winneconne on the county website.
Helpful links from the Wisconsin DNR: