The Wisconsin Dells are known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World.” This is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the midwest. With so many awesome hotels and so many attractions, fishing is way down on the list for most people who come to visit Wisconsin Dells. For those of you who are looking to do some fishing while visiting the Dells, there are some pretty good options.
Wisconsin River
The Wisconsin River is the best place to fish in the Dells area. You have so much variety with some quality fish. and so much area to fish. In the Dells area, the Wisconsin River is separated into 2 distinct sections: the Lower Dells & the Upper Dells.
Upper Dells
The Upper Dells is also popular for fishing, however, it isn’t as popular close to town during the spawning migrations because the large migrations of fish will push north towards the Castle Rock Dam, which is another hydroelectric dam that backs up the Wisconsin and Yellow Rivers. Closer to the Dells, anglers do target walleye, sauger and white bass from spring through fall, but there are so many other fish to catch as well. Smallmouth bass, muskie, northern pike, sturgeon, catfish and crappie round out the fishery. The Upper Dells are home to some spectacular scenery as well.
Lower Dells
The Kilbourn Dam, also known as the Wisconsin Dells dam, is a hydroelectric dam that separates the Upper and Lower Dells. The section of the Lower Dells is a 36 mile section that leads to Lake Wisconsin. Many people choose to fish the dam early and late in the year as walleye, white bass, crappie and other species will move up to the dam. In the spring, the spawning migration pushes these game fish up here and in the fall, they move up to feed on a variety of bait fish. While walleye, sauger and white bass get a lot of attention here, the fishing is good on the Lower Dells for smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish and sturgeon. Northern pike and muskie are found in this part of the river too. Just below the dam, you will find the Kilbourn Flowage before it turns back into the river section.
Kilbourn Flowage
Kilbourn Flowage is a 1,868 acre lake located in Juneau, Adams Counties. It has a maximum depth of 35 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, catfish and panfish. According to the DNR, all of the species are listed as present in the lake.
Lake Delton
Lake Delton is close to town and a popular lake for fishing and boating. It does get a lot of pressure, so don’t be surprised if you see quite a few people on the lake. Fishing early in the morning will usually be your best bet, especially during the summer tourist season.
Lake Delton is a 249 acre lake located in Sauk County. It has a maximum depth of 16 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, catfish and panfish. The water is murky. According to the DNR, largemouth bass and walleye are common in the lake while northern pike, catfish and panfish are listed as present.
Castle Rock Lake
Castle Rock Lake is only about 30 minutes from the Wisconsin Dells. It is a huge lake covering 13,955 acres. The lake is located in Adams, Juneau Counties. It has a maximum depth of 35 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a bunch of public boat landings. There are 3 public beaches as well. Fish include walleye, northern pike, white bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, sturgeon, catfish and a variety of panfish. According to the DNR, walleye and panfish are common in the lake while the other species listed are considered present.
Devils Lake
Devils Lake is a popular lake to visit in this area. Devils Lake State Park is here and that gives people access to this scenic lake. There are 2 public boat landings on the lake and 2 public beaches as well. It is a 374 acre lake located in Sauk County. It has a maximum depth of 47 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, trout and panfish. According to the DNR, panfish are abundant in the lake while largemouth bass and northern pike are considered common. The other species of fish are listed as present.
Lake Wisconsin
Lake WIsconsin is about 45 minutes away from the Dells, but the fishing is very good on the lake and there are several fishing guides available if you’re looking to go catch some walleye. Lake Wisconsin is a 7,197 acre lake located in Sauk, Columbia Counties. It has a maximum depth of 24 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a bunch of public boat landings. Fish include walleye, sauger, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, catfish, trout and panfish. According to the DNR, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye are common in the lake.
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is a 139 acre lake located in Sauk County. It has a maximum depth of 19 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from multiple public boat landings. There is also a public beach on the lake. Fish include largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and panfish. The water is murky.
Lake Blass
Blass Lake is a 33 acre lake located in Sauk County. It has a maximum depth of 16 feet. Fish include largemouth bass, northern pike and panfish. According to the DNR, all of these species are common in the lake.
