The Conover & Phelps area is home to some very good fishing. North Twin Lake gets most of the attention here, but there are other quality lakes in the area too. Walleye and muskie fishing are especially popular among anglers, but you can also catch trout, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and bluegill.
Fishing by Species – Conover & Phelps, WI
Walleye Fishing
North Twin, Big Sand, Long Lake, and the Buckatabon Lakes all offer quality walleye fishing. These larger lakes hold good numbers and the potential for trophy fish. For more action, try the nearby Eagle River Chain just to the south. Spring and fall are the best times to fish for walleye.
Muskie Fishing
North Twin and Big Sand are muskie hotspots, but muskies are also present in other lakes around Conover and Phelps. Anglers can target these elusive fish by casting or trolling big baits in summer and fall.
Northern Pike Fishing
Northern pike are found in most area lakes, especially those with healthy weed beds. Look for them in the shallows in spring and early summer, then deeper weed edges later in the season.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Largemouth bass fishing is solid in warmer, weedy lakes across the area. Soft plastics, topwater frogs, and spinnerbaits all work well around shoreline cover and weed edges.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Lakes like Big Sand and North Twin provide excellent habitat for smallmouth bass. Focus on rocky shorelines, drop-offs, and mid-lake structure with jigs and crankbaits.
Crappie Fishing
Crappie fishing is good in spring and fall when fish are shallower. Use small jigs or live minnows around brush piles, weed lines, or docks to find schools of fish.
Bluegill & Panfish
Panfish are abundant and provide fun fishing for all ages. Try worms under a bobber near docks or shallow weeds, especially in spring and summer.
Trout Fishing
Stormy Lake—at 523 acres and 63 ft max depth—is the area’s best bet for trout. The DNR lists both trout and smallmouth bass as common here, making it a quality cold-water option with a peaceful setting and clear water.
North Twin Lake
North Twin Lake is one of the top fishing lakes in the area. It’s a large, deep lake with excellent structure and populations of walleye, muskie, smallmouth bass, and panfish. Known for big fish and beautiful scenery, it draws anglers year-round.
Big Sand Lake
Big Sand Lake is clear, deep, and known for good numbers of walleye, muskie, smallmouth bass, and panfish. It’s a great option for multi-species anglers and families looking for quality fishing in a scenic Northwoods setting.
Buckatabon Lakes (North & South)
These two connected lakes offer solid fishing for walleye, muskie, northern pike, and panfish. With less pressure than some of the larger area lakes, they’re perfect for a quieter, productive fishing day.
Long Lake
Long Lake offers a more remote fishing experience with good populations of walleye and northern pike. It’s a quieter lake that’s ideal for anglers looking for solitude and natural beauty.
Kentuck Lake
Kentuck Lake is popular for its diverse fishing options, including bass, pike, and panfish. The clear water, public access, and shoreline structure make it a great lake for anglers of all skill levels.
Stormy Lake
Stormy Lake is 523 acres and 63 feet deep, offering a quality multi-species experience with clear, cold water. Trout and smallmouth bass are both listed as common, and anglers can also find largemouth bass, northern pike, and panfish here.
