What You'll Find at Old Abe Lake

Old Abe Lake is a shallow, weedy impoundment in Clark County that holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass. The lake runs roughly 800 acres and averages 8 to 12 feet deep, with extensive vegetation and a soft bottom—conditions that make it productive for pike and bass but require you to work around cover rather than fish open water. Walleye are present and catchable, especially in spring and fall when they move into shallower zones.

The lake sits near Thorp, about 30 miles south of Wausau. Access is straightforward: a public boat launch on the south shore puts you on the water without a long carry. The setting is quiet and rural, with minimal development and few other anglers on most days, which makes it a solid choice if you want to avoid crowded ramps.

Key Takeaways

  • Old Abe Lake holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass in shallow, weedy water that requires working around vegetation and soft bottom.
  • A public boat launch on the south shore provides direct water access; check current conditions and water level before launching a larger boat.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent walleye action, while pike and bass respond year-round to presentations in and around weed beds.
  • Wisconsin fishing regulations apply; walleye have a daily bag limit and size restriction that vary by season, so check the current digest before you fish.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season for walleye. As water temperatures climb from the mid-40s to the low 60s, walleye move into the shallows to spawn and feed. Jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics work well along the edges of weed beds and in the deeper pockets between vegetation. Early morning and evening produce better than midday.

Summer (June through August) slows walleye fishing as the fish retreat to deeper, cooler zones and the weed growth becomes dense. Pike and largemouth bass, however, remain active in the vegetation. Throw spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and topwater lures along weed lines and in open pockets. Early and late in the day are most productive; midday heat pushes fish deeper.

Fall (September through October) brings another strong walleye bite as water cools and fish move back into shallower feeding zones. Conditions mirror spring: jigs and live bait work well, and low-light periods are most reliable. Pike remain catchable throughout fall and often grow aggressive as they feed heavily before winter.

Winter (November through March) is possible but challenging. The lake does freeze, and ice fishing for walleye and pike is an option if ice conditions are safe. Check with local bait shops or the Wisconsin DNR for current ice thickness and safety information before heading out.

Access and Launch Details

The public boat launch is located on the south shore of Old Abe Lake, near Thorp. It is a concrete ramp suitable for small to mid-size boats; larger boats or those with deep drafts may encounter shallow water during low-water periods. There is parking for a modest number of vehicles, and the ramp is maintained by Clark County.

Before launching, check water levels and recent rainfall. Old Abe is a shallow lake, and extended dry periods can lower the water table enough to make launching difficult or to strand boats in shallow areas. A quick call to a local bait shop or the Clark County Parks Department can confirm current conditions.

There is no overnight camping at the launch, but several campgrounds operate within 20 to 30 minutes of the lake. The nearest town with fuel, food, and lodging is Thorp, about 5 miles away.

Species, Regulations, and Tackle

Walleye are the primary target for many anglers. Wisconsin's walleye regulations include a daily bag limit and minimum size restriction; these vary by water body and season, so check the current Wisconsin Fishing Regulations Digest before you fish. Jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) tipped with live minnows, soft plastics, or live crawfish are the standard approach. Casting along weed edges and in deeper pockets between vegetation produces best in spring and fall.

Northern pike are abundant and aggressive. They respond to spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and large soft plastics worked through and around weed beds. Pike have no size restriction in most Wisconsin waters, but check the current digest for any changes. Summer and fall are most productive, though pike bite year-round in this lake.

Largemouth bass are present in good numbers but are secondary to walleye and pike for most anglers. They respond to the same lure presentations as pike and are most active in summer and early fall. Bass fishing is catch-and-release only in Wisconsin, so plan accordingly.

Tackle and Technique for Shallow, Weedy Water

Old Abe's shallow depth and heavy vegetation demand a different approach than open-water lakes. Use a medium-power rod (6 to 7 feet) with a sensitive tip so you can feel the bottom and detect strikes in cover. Braided line (20 to 30 pounds) cuts through weeds better than monofilament and provides better sensitivity.

For walleye, cast jigs into pockets and along weed edges, then work them slowly along the bottom. Pause frequently and let the jig sit; walleye in shallow water often bite on the drop or during the pause. Live minnows (shiners or chubs, 3 to 4 inches) are more effective than soft plastics in spring and fall.

For pike and bass, use heavier lures (spinnerbaits, 3/8 to 1/2 ounce) that cut through vegetation without fouling. Crankbaits that run shallow (2 to 4 feet) work well along weed lines. Topwater lures produce exciting strikes in low-light conditions, especially in summer and fall.

What Makes Old Abe Different

Old Abe is not a trophy lake, but it is consistent and forgiving. The shallow water and dense vegetation mean fish are concentrated and predictable—you do not need to search vast open areas or fish deep structure. The weed growth that makes it challenging also makes it productive: vegetation holds baitfish, which hold predators.

The lake is also quiet. You will not encounter the boat traffic or noise of larger, more popular Wisconsin lakes. If you prefer a peaceful day with steady action over the chance at a giant fish, Old Abe delivers. The fish are smaller on average than in deeper lakes, but they bite consistently and the setting is pleasant.

Nearby Options and Alternatives

If Old Abe is too shallow or weedy for your preference, several larger lakes lie within 30 to 45 minutes. Rib Lake, to the north, is deeper and clearer with a different fish community. Mosinee Paper Lake, to the east, is another option for walleye and pike in a larger system.

If you are targeting trophy walleye or pike, consider the Wolf River or the Eau Claire River, both of which flow through the region and hold larger fish. These rivers require different tactics (live bait, trolling, or casting in current) but reward patience with bigger catches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Old Abe Lake?

A boat is the most practical way to reach productive water, but shore fishing is possible along the south shore near the launch. The weed growth and shallow depth make boat access more rewarding, especially for walleye and pike. A small aluminum boat or canoe works well on this lake.

What is the best time of day to fish Old Abe?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and evening (late afternoon through sunset) are most productive for walleye and pike. Midday fishing is slower, especially in summer. If you can only fish midday, focus on the deepest pockets and the thickest weed cover, where fish retreat during bright light.

Is Old Abe Lake good for beginners?

Yes. The shallow water, concentrated fish, and straightforward access make it a good learning lake. Fish are forgiving and bite consistently in spring and fall. The main challenge is working around vegetation, but that is a skill worth developing and Old Abe is a patient teacher.

Can I fish Old Abe in winter?

Ice fishing is possible when the lake freezes solid, usually by late December. Check ice thickness (at least 4 inches for walking, 8 inches for a vehicle) with local sources before heading out. Walleye and pike bite through the ice, and the shallow depth makes finding fish easier than on deeper lakes.

What should I bring for a day at Old Abe?

Bring a life jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent (mosquitoes can be heavy in summer), and water. The lake is remote enough that services are not nearby; pack lunch and snacks. A depth finder is helpful but not essential on such a shallow lake. Weed-cutting tools or a weed rake can save frustration if vegetation is thick.