What Lake Redstone offers and who should fish it

Lake Redstone is a 1,200-acre shallow lake in Sauk County, about 15 miles northeast of Baraboo. It holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass in a heavily vegetated system where weed control and water clarity vary year to year. The lake sits at roughly 900 feet elevation and drains into the Baraboo River. It is best known for walleye in spring and fall, and pike in summer when the weeds are thick.

This is a lake for anglers comfortable reading shallow water and working around vegetation. The average depth is around 12 feet, with a maximum of about 30 feet in the deepest basin. Weed growth can be dense enough to make boat navigation slow in mid-summer, and that same vegetation makes it harder to land fish once you hook them. If you prefer open-water structure or deep-water presentations, you will find clearer fishing elsewhere in Wisconsin.

Access is straightforward: a public boat launch sits on the north shore near the town of Redstone. The launch has parking and a paved ramp. No overnight camping is available at the launch itself, but Sauk County has several campgrounds within 20 minutes, and the Baraboo area has motels and rental cabins.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Redstone is a 1,200-acre shallow, weedy lake best for walleye in spring and fall, and pike in summer when vegetation is heaviest.
  • The public boat launch on the north shore near Redstone is the main access point, with parking and a paved ramp available year-round.
  • Wisconsin fishing regulations apply: walleye season runs year-round with a five-fish daily limit, and pike season is year-round with a one-fish daily limit.
  • Water clarity and weed density change significantly from year to year, so checking current conditions before you go will save a wasted trip.
  • Early morning and evening are most productive for walleye; pike bite throughout the day when weeds are thick.

Walleye fishing in spring and fall

Walleye are the primary draw on Lake Redstone, and they concentrate in predictable places during the shoulder seasons. In spring (April through May), walleye move into the shallower northern and eastern bays as water temperature climbs from the mid-40s to the mid-50s. They feed heavily before spawning and again after, making this the most reliable time to catch numbers. Focus on the deeper edges of weed beds—the transition zone where vegetation meets open water—in 6 to 10 feet of water.

Fall (September through October) produces similar results as water cools back down. Walleye move shallow again and feed aggressively before winter. The same bay areas and weed-edge transitions hold fish. Live bait—shiners or crawlers under a slip bobber, or jigged on a light jig head—outperforms crankbaits on this lake. Casting along weed lines with a 1/8-ounce jig tipped with a minnow or leech works consistently in 4 to 8 feet of water.

Summer walleye fishing is slower because fish move deeper and into thicker weed cover to escape warm water and bright light. Early morning and late evening are essential; midday fishing is rarely productive. If you fish summer, focus on the deepest basin (around 25 to 30 feet) and use live bait rather than artificials.

Northern pike and summer conditions

Pike thrive in Lake Redstone's weedy environment and are active throughout summer when other species slow down. They hunt in and around dense vegetation, particularly in the bays on the north and east shores. Heavy weed growth in July and August actually improves pike fishing because it concentrates both predator and prey. Throw large topwater plugs, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range along weed edges and in pockets of open water within the weeds.

Pike bite throughout the day in summer, unlike walleye, so you are not locked into dawn and dusk. Early morning is still productive, but a pike will chase a lure at 2 p.m. if the presentation is right. Expect to lose some fish to weeds; bring heavy tackle and accept that a few snaps are part of fishing this lake. A wire leader is not required but reduces bite-offs if pike are aggressive.

Winter pike fishing is possible through the ice, though the lake does not draw the same ice-fishing crowds as deeper, clearer lakes. Pike remain active under ice and will take live bait or jigged spoons in the deeper basins. Check ice thickness and current conditions before heading out.

Regulations and seasons

Wisconsin's statewide walleye regulations apply to Lake Redstone: the season is year-round, the daily limit is five fish, and the minimum size is 15 inches. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed at any time. Pike season is also year-round with a one-fish daily limit and a 24-inch minimum size. Largemouth bass follow the statewide season (mid-May through March) with a five-fish daily limit and a 12-inch minimum.

A Wisconsin fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Licenses are sold online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, and at many bait shops in the Baraboo area. A daily license costs less than a season license if you fish only once or twice a year.

Access, parking, and nearby services

The public boat launch is located on the north shore of Lake Redstone, near the town of Redstone (Sauk County). The launch has a paved ramp, parking for roughly 20 vehicles, and a courtesy dock. There is no fee to launch. The ramp is maintained year-round and is accessible in winter for ice fishing.

Baraboo, about 15 miles southwest, has gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, and lodging. Several state and county parks in the area offer camping: Roche-A-Cri State Park and Sauk Point County Park are both within 20 minutes. If you prefer a motel, Baraboo has multiple options ranging from budget chains to bed-and-breakfasts. Bait and tackle shops in Baraboo stock live bait, lures, and fishing licenses.

Water conditions and what to expect year to year

Lake Redstone is managed by Sauk County, and weed control efforts vary. In some years, aggressive harvesting keeps the lake more open; in others, weeds are thick throughout summer. Water clarity also fluctuates—sometimes the lake is relatively clear in spring, and sometimes it runs turbid from runoff or algae blooms. These changes affect which techniques work best and which areas hold fish.

Before making a trip, contact a local bait shop or the Sauk County Parks Department to ask about current weed density and water clarity. A 30-minute phone call can tell you whether conditions favor your preferred technique and whether the lake is worth the drive that week. Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons because weed growth is lighter and water conditions are more stable.

Tackle and technique tips

For walleye, bring 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jigs in white, chartreuse, and natural colors. Pair them with live shiners, crawlers, or leeches. A slip-bobber rig is equally effective if you want to cover water without constant casting. Six- to eight-pound monofilament is sufficient; fluorocarbon leader is not necessary on this lake.

For pike, use heavier tackle: 8- to 12-pound monofilament or braided line, and lures in the 4- to 6-inch range. Topwater plugs, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics all work. A wire leader reduces bite-offs but is optional. Expect to spend time picking weeds off your lure; it is part of the game on this lake.

For largemouth bass, standard bass tackle applies: 6- to 8-pound monofilament, soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures. Bass are present but not the primary target for most anglers on Lake Redstone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Lake Redstone?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive for walleye and offer the clearest water and lightest weed growth. Summer is best for pike because they thrive in thick vegetation. Winter ice fishing is possible but less popular than on other Wisconsin lakes.

Do I need a boat to fish Lake Redstone?

A boat is the most practical way to fish this lake because the shoreline is heavily developed and weed-choked. Shore fishing is possible in a few spots near the launch, but you will cover more water and find better conditions from a boat.

Can I keep fish I catch on Lake Redstone?

Yes. Walleye daily limit is five fish at 15 inches minimum, pike is one fish at 24 inches minimum, and largemouth bass is five fish at 12 inches minimum. All are legal to keep within these limits.

How far is Lake Redstone from Madison or Milwaukee?

Lake Redstone is roughly 40 miles north of Madison and 90 miles west of Milwaukee. From Madison, take US-12 northeast toward Baraboo, then follow local roads to Redstone. The drive is about one hour from Madison.

What should I do if the lake is too weedy when I arrive?

Call a local bait shop before you go to check current conditions. If weeds are extremely thick, consider postponing until fall when growth dies back, or try the deeper basin (25 to 30 feet) where weed density is lighter. Pike fishing actually improves with heavy weeds, so that may be worth trying instead.