This area is home to Lake Superior, Chequamegon Bay and a few other good-sized lakes with some very good fishing opportunities. This is one of the best areas in Wisconsin for trophy fish such as smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye with other species available too.
Lake Superior
Apostle Islands
The Apostle Islands are known for their outstanding trout and salmon fishing. Anglers fish this area by trolling and jigging. Lake trout are very popular here, however, anglers also catch brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and coho salmon too.
Chequamegon Bay
Chequamegon Bay is a popular fishing destination in Wisconsin, although, this area doesn’t draw nearly as many visitors as some of the other popular destinations in Wisconsin. The scenery is beautiful and the fishing is outstanding for a variety of different fish.
This area might have some of the best smallmouth bass fishing for big bass in the entire state of Wisconsin. You can also catch lake trout, walleye, salmon, brown trout, northern pike and perch.
Learn more on our Chequamegon Bay Fishing page.
Lake Superior’s South Shore
The communities of Cornucopia, Herbster and Port Wing give people access to Lake Superior’s South Shore. There are beautiful beaches, shops and plenty of small town charm here. For anglers, there is some very good fishing here, but you will need a bigger boat most days because you won’t find protection from the wind here.
On Lake Superior in this area, anglers target lake trout, splake, brown trout, steelhead, chinook salmon, coho salmon and walleye.
Cornucopia
Cornucopia is Wisconsin’s northernmost town and the Western Gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the famous sea cave at Meyers Beach. There is a harbor here that provides a safe port for commercial fishing vessels as well as recreational boaters.
Herbster
Herbster is a small town that is popular for its campground right on the shore of Lake Superior and its mile long beach. The Cranberry River is known for its steelhead fishery.
Port Wing
Port Wing is a solid jumping off point with Bayfield about 45 minutes away and Iron River less than 20 minutes away. Depending on what you are looking for on a trip here, Port Wing might be a nice option. Stay in the Port Wing area and fish Lake Superior or the Flag River, which is known for its steelhead fishery.
Namekagon Lake
Namekagon Lake is a good-sized lake that covers almost 2,900 acres. Anglers target a variety of fish here, but the toothy critters usually get the most attention. It has solid northern pike fishing with walleye and muskie too. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish round out the fishery. This lake is one of the more popular lakes for anglers in this area.
Pike Chain of Lakes
The Pike Chain of lakes is comprised of nine named lakes (from upstream to downstream): Pike Lake, Buskey Bay, Lake Millicent, Hart Lake, McCarry Lake, Twin Bear Lake, Muskellunge Lake, Eagle Lake and Flynn Lake. This chain of lakes is a popular place to fish, boat and just enjoy the outdoors.
This chain used to be known more for its walleye fishing, but things have changed and the bass fishing has taken over. There are still walleye in these lakes, but in much lower numbers. The bass fishing has gotten really good for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. There are good numbers of fish here with big fish potential too. Muskie are here as well, but in low numbers. Northern pike and panfish round out the fishery.
Lake Owen
Lake Owen is a gorgeous lake with clear water and some awesome bass fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass. The lake covers 1,250 acres and it is located in Cable, Wisconsin. In addition to bass, you will find northern pike, walleye and a variety of panfish here too. The clear waters make the fishing a little tougher for some anglers, but if you understand how to fish clear water, you can have a lot of success on Lake Owen. According to the DNR, all of these species of fish are considered common in the lake. The lake’s water clarity is very clear.
Upper Eau Claire Lake
Upper Eau Claire Lake is a 1,024 acre lake located in Bayfield County. It has a maximum depth of 92 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include muskie, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. According to the DNR, northern pike are abundant in this lake. Panfish are common and the rest of the species listed are considered present in the lake. The lake’s water clarity is very clear.
Middle Eau Claire Lake
Middle Eau Claire Lake is a 880 acre lake located in Bayfield County. It has a maximum depth of 66 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include muskie, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. According to the DNR, panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye are considered common in the lake. The lake’s water clarity is very clear.
Lower Eau Claire Lake
Lower Eau Claire Lake is a 784 acre lake located in Bayfield, Douglas Counties. It has a maximum depth of 41 feet. Fish include muskie, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. According to the DNR, panfish, walleye and northern pike are considered common in the lake.
Totagatic Lake
Totagatic Lake is a 538 acre lake located in Bayfield County. It has a maximum depth of 7 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include panfish and northern pike. According to the DNR, northern pike are considered common in the lake.
