Manitowish Lake at a glance

Manitowish Lake is a 1,200-acre lake in Vilas County in northern Wisconsin, known for walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass. The lake sits in the heart of the Northwoods, about 20 miles south of the Michigan border and roughly 90 minutes northeast of Wausau. It's a working lake with a mix of residential shoreline and public access points, making it accessible to visiting anglers without requiring a boat launch reservation or special permit beyond a Wisconsin fishing license.

The lake reaches depths of 60 feet in places but averages much shallower, with extensive weed beds and structure that hold fish year-round. Summer and fall are the most popular seasons, though winter ice fishing draws a steady crowd. Spring walleye runs can be productive but brief, and the lake can get crowded on weekends during peak season.

Key Takeaways

  • Manitowish Lake holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass, with walleye being the primary target for most visiting anglers.
  • Public boat launches are available at the town landing on the north shore and at several private resorts that allow day-use access for a small fee.
  • A current Wisconsin fishing license is required; you can purchase one online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website before you arrive.
  • The lake is open year-round, but summer (June through August) and fall (September through October) see the most fishing pressure and the most reliable catches.
  • Walleye regulations allow a daily bag limit of five fish with a 15-inch minimum size; pike and bass have separate limits that change annually, so check current rules before fishing.

Seasons and what fish are biting

Walleye fishing peaks in spring (April through May) when fish move into shallower water to spawn, and again in fall (September through October) as they feed heavily before winter. Spring fishing is often best at dawn and dusk in 8 to 15 feet of water near weed edges. Fall walleye can be caught throughout the day but concentrate in deeper holes and along drop-offs as water cools.

Summer (June through August) is when the lake sees the most traffic, and walleye fishing becomes tougher as fish move deeper and suspend in the water column. Early morning and late evening trips are more productive than midday. Northern pike are active all season but bite most aggressively in spring and fall; largemouth bass fishing is solid from June through September in shallow, weedy areas.

Winter ice fishing runs from December through March when the ice is thick enough to safely support anglers. Walleye, pike, and panfish (bluegill and crappie) are all caught through the ice. The lake typically freezes by mid-December, but always check local ice conditions before heading out.

How to reach Manitowish Lake and where to launch

Manitowish Lake is accessed via Highway 51 north from Wausau, or from US 2 if you're coming from the west. The town of Manitowish Waters sits on the lake's north shore and has gas, lodging, and tackle shops. The main public boat launch is at the town landing on the north shore, accessible from County Road M. There is a parking area and a concrete ramp suitable for trailers.

Several private resorts around the lake allow day-use boat launch access for a fee, typically $5 to $10 per vehicle. These include Manitowish Waters Resort and other properties listed on the Vilas County tourism website. Shore fishing is possible at the town landing and at a few public access points, though most of the shoreline is private residential property.

If you don't have a boat, guided fishing trips are available through local charter services based in Manitowish Waters. A half-day trip typically costs $300 to $400 for two anglers, and guides provide tackle and know the lake's structure well.

Regulations, licenses, and what you need to know

Wisconsin requires a current fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a three-day, annual, or lifetime license online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website (dnr.wi.gov) before you arrive, or at local bait shops in Manitowish Waters. A three-day license costs less than $20 and is valid for three consecutive calendar days.

Walleye regulations on Manitowish Lake allow a daily bag limit of five fish with a 15-inch minimum size. Northern pike have a bag limit of three fish with a 24-inch minimum. Largemouth bass are catch-and-release only (no harvest) on this lake. These rules can change annually, so check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations pamphlet or the DNR website before you fish.

Live bait (minnows, crawfish) and artificial lures are both legal. Spearing is not allowed on Manitowish Lake. If you plan to fish during spawning season (typically April and May), be aware that some shallow areas may be closed to protect nesting fish; the DNR posts these closures on their website and at the boat launch.

What to bring and how to fish Manitowish Lake

Walleye fishing on Manitowish Lake is most productive with live bait (shiners or crawfish) fished on a slip sinker rig or with jigs tipped with minnows. Trolling crankbaits along weed edges and drop-offs also works well, especially in fall. Bring a fish finder if you have one; the lake's structure is complex, and a sonar unit helps locate the deeper holes and weed lines where walleye hold.

For pike, larger lures and live bait work best. Spinnerbaits, large crankbaits, and live shiners (6 to 8 inches) all produce. Pike often hang in weedy shallows, so don't overlook the edges of the lake's extensive weed beds. Largemouth bass respond to soft plastics, topwater lures, and jigs in the same shallow, weedy areas.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and layers even in summer—the Northwoods can be cool and windy. A life jacket is required by law for anyone in a boat. If you're launching from the town landing, arrive early on weekends; parking fills up by mid-morning during peak season.

Lodging and services near Manitowish Lake

Manitowish Waters has several motels, cabins, and resorts within walking distance of the lake. The Manitowish Waters Resort and Northernaire Resort both offer lodging and have boat launch access. Budget options include smaller motels on Highway 51. Campgrounds are available at nearby state forests and private facilities.

The town has two bait and tackle shops that stock live minnows, crawfish, and local lures. They also sell fishing licenses and can provide current information on what's biting. A small grocery store and a few restaurants round out the services. If you need supplies not available locally, Rhinelander (about 30 miles south) has larger stores and more dining options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Manitowish Lake?

No. Shore fishing is possible at the town landing and a few other public spots, though a boat gives you access to more of the lake's structure and deeper water where walleye hold in summer. If you don't own a boat, you can rent one from several resorts or hire a guide.

What's the best time of year to fish Manitowish Lake?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are most productive for walleye. Summer is busier and fishing is slower, but still possible early and late in the day. Winter ice fishing is popular and can be excellent, but requires safe ice conditions.

Can I keep largemouth bass on Manitowish Lake?

No. Largemouth bass are catch-and-release only on Manitowish Lake. You can keep walleye (up to five per day, 15 inches minimum) and northern pike (up to three per day, 24 inches minimum).

Where can I buy a fishing license?

Purchase online at dnr.wi.gov before you arrive, or at local bait shops in Manitowish Waters. A three-day license costs under $20 and is valid for three consecutive calendar days.

Is there a fee to launch a boat at the town landing?

The town landing is free to use. Some private resorts charge $5 to $10 for day-use launch access, but the public ramp has no fee.