Smallmouth bass are found in many of the area waters. In this area, your best bet at a trophy smallmouth bass would be to fish in the rivers or river mouths during the spring when bass move into the shallows to spawn. From summer through fall, fishing for smallmouth bass offshore around rocky structures will be key to finding large numbers of big smallmouth bass. Away from the bay of Green Bay, there are several waters in the county that have solid populations of smallmouth bass with some quality fish available too. Take a look below to learn more about the best smallmouth bass waters of Oconto County.
Green Bay
Green Bay is home to some very good fishing for a variety of fish in the Oconto County area. Anglers do well in the river mouths in the spring and the fall. Several species of fish can be caught along the shorelines near these river mouths in the spring and fall as well. For most of the summer though, the better fishing will be further offshore and it can be difficult to find the fish out in the bay. When you get on them though, the fishing can be outstanding. Walleye are king in this part of Green Bay, but anglers also catch smallmouth bass, muskie, northern pike and perch.
Oconto River
The Oconto River flows into Green Bay and it offers some very good fishing opportunities in Oconto County, Wisconsin. Walleye get the most attention here, but smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskie and perch are all possible on the river. Fish will move up the river all the way to Stiles Dam. Anglers have a lot of water to fish from the dam all the way out to the bay.
Pensaukee River
The Pensaukee River is a fairly shallow river that empties into Green Bay very close to the town of Pensaukee. There is a boat launch here that many anglers use to fish the river or the bay. This river is popular among paddlers. The shallow waters are perfect for canoe, kayaks, rowboats and inflatables. This river doesn’t see the huge spawning migrations that you will see on some of the other tributaries on Green Bay, but some nice fish are still caught here, especially in the spring and fall. Smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, muskie and perch are common catches in the river.
Area Lakes
Boulder Lake
Boulder Lake is a 370 acre lake located in Oconto, Langlade Counties. It has a maximum depth of 11 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, panfish and largemouth bass are common in the lake while walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike are listed as present. The water is very clear.
Machickanee Flowage (Stiles)
Machickanee Flowage (Stiles) is a 436 acre lake located in Oconto County. It has a maximum depth of 21 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and panfish. According to the DNR, all of these species of fish are common in the lake. The water is murky.
Maiden Lake
Maiden Lake is a 269 acre lake located in Oconto County. It has a maximum depth of 52 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, muskie and panfish. According to the DNR, smallmouth bass and walleye are common in the lake while largemouth bass and panfish are listed as present. The water is very clear.
Oconto Falls Pond
Oconto Falls Pond is a 180 acre lake located in Oconto County. It has a maximum depth of 28 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, northern pike, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, smallmouth bass and northern pike are common in the lake while largemouth bass and panfish are listed as present.
Paya Lake
Paya Lake is a 105 acre lake located in Oconto County. It has a maximum depth of 40 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, largemouth bass and panfish are common in the lake while smallmouth bass are listed as present. The water is very clear.
Waubee Lake
Waubee Lake is a 116 acre lake located in Oconto County. It has a maximum depth of 23 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from multiple public boat landings. Fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, largemouth bass and panfish are common in the lake while muskie, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye are listed as present.
Wheeler Lake
Wheeler Lake is a 281 acre lake located in Oconto County. It has a maximum depth of 35 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye and panfish are common in the lake while northern pike are listed as present.