What to Expect at Pettibone Lagoon

Pettibone Lagoon is a shallow, weedy impoundment in central Wisconsin that holds walleye and northern pike. The lagoon sits in Portage County near the town of Plover, roughly 20 minutes south of Stevens Point. It covers about 800 acres and rarely exceeds 15 feet deep, making it a straightforward destination for anglers targeting warm-water species in a confined, manageable space.

The lagoon's shallow depth and heavy aquatic vegetation create ideal habitat for pike and walleye, especially during spring and fall. Summer fishing is possible but requires early morning or evening effort because the water warms quickly and fish move to deeper holes or weed edges. Winter ice fishing draws a steady crowd for walleye and pike through the ice.

Access is straightforward: a public boat launch sits on the north shore, and the lagoon is surrounded by public land managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. No special permits are required beyond a standard Wisconsin fishing license.

Key Takeaways

  • Pettibone Lagoon holds walleye and northern pike in shallow water averaging 8 to 12 feet deep, with the deepest holes around 15 feet.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons for both species.
  • A public boat launch on the north shore provides vehicle access; the lagoon is small enough to fish thoroughly in a single day.
  • Wisconsin fishing license and current regulations apply; check the DNR website for any seasonal restrictions or slot limits before you fish.
  • Summer fishing requires early morning or dusk effort because shallow water warms quickly and fish retreat to deeper structure.

Seasons and Best Times to Fish

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season. Walleye move shallow to spawn in April and remain in 4 to 8 feet of water through May as they feed after spawning. Pike also move into shallow bays and weed edges during this window. Early morning and overcast days produce best; water temperatures in the 45 to 55 degree range trigger aggressive feeding.

Fall (September through October) ranks second. As water cools, walleye and pike move back into shallow structure and feed heavily before winter. Weed beds thin out in October, making fish easier to locate. This season often produces larger individual fish than spring, though fewer total bites.

Summer (June through August) is slow during midday. Fish move to the deepest holes—usually 12 to 15 feet—or hold tight to weed edges in shade. Fish from sunrise to 9 a.m. or from 7 p.m. until dark. Overcast days and periods after rain improve conditions.

Winter ice fishing runs from December through February. Walleye and pike remain active under the ice, and the lagoon's shallow depth means ice forms reliably by mid-December. Tip-ups and jigging with live minnows both work. Check current ice thickness before venturing out.

Species, Tackle, and Techniques

Walleye dominate Pettibone Lagoon's catch. They respond to live bait (shiners, chubs, crawfish) and soft plastics (4 to 6 inch paddle-tail swimbaits in natural colors). Jigs tipped with minnow heads work year-round. Fish structure—weed edges, deeper holes, and any hard bottom—rather than open water. Walleye bite best at dawn, dusk, and throughout the night.

Northern pike are present and grow to 30+ inches. They hunt in weed beds and along weed edges, especially in spring and fall. Use larger baits and lures: 6 to 8 inch swimbaits, spinnerbaits, or live shiners 6 inches or longer. Pike are less predictable than walleye but often bite during the day, particularly on overcast mornings.

For both species, a 6 to 7 foot medium-action spinning rod with 10 to 15 pound braided line or 8 to 12 pound monofilament handles the shallow water and weed cover. Bring a net; the lagoon's shallow banks make landing fish easier if you have one. Polarized sunglasses help you spot weed beds and deeper holes from the boat.

Access, Launch, and Regulations

The public boat launch is located on the north shore, accessible via County Road M near Plover. The launch has a paved ramp, parking for 15 to 20 vehicles, and a small pier. No launch fee is charged. The lagoon is small enough that a 14 to 16 foot boat is sufficient; many anglers use 12 foot aluminum boats or even canoes in calm conditions.

A current Wisconsin fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. Check the Wisconsin DNR website for current walleye and pike regulations, including any slot limits, minimum sizes, or seasonal closures. Regulations can change year to year, and Pettibone Lagoon may have specific rules that differ from statewide defaults.

The lagoon is surrounded by public land, so shore fishing is also possible, though boat access is more productive. No motors larger than 10 horsepower are permitted, which keeps the water calm and the fishery manageable.

What Makes Pettibone Lagoon Different

Pettibone Lagoon is not a destination lake—it is a local fishery that works best for anglers within an hour of Stevens Point. The shallow depth and heavy vegetation make it ideal for beginners or anglers who prefer to stay in one place and fish structure methodically rather than run long distances. The 10 horsepower motor limit keeps boat traffic light and the water calm.

The lagoon's small size means you can cover most productive water in a morning or afternoon session. There is no need to scout multiple bays or spend hours running to distant structure. This makes it a good choice for a half-day trip or for anglers with limited time.

The trade-off is that the lagoon does not hold trophy fish in the same numbers as larger Wisconsin lakes. Walleye average 14 to 18 inches, with occasional fish to 24 inches. Pike average 18 to 24 inches, with some reaching 30 inches. If you are targeting numbers and solid fish on a predictable schedule, Pettibone works well. If you are hunting a 30+ inch walleye, larger lakes like Lake Winnebago or the Wisconsin River system offer better odds.

Nearby Amenities and Lodging

Plover is 5 miles south of the lagoon and offers gas, groceries, and a few casual restaurants. Stevens Point, 20 minutes north, has full services including hotels, tackle shops, and restaurants. The area is rural, so plan to bring food and water for the day.

Camping is available at nearby state parks and private campgrounds. The closest public camping is at Bukolt Park in Stevens Point, about 25 minutes away. Several small motels operate in Plover and Stevens Point if you prefer a bed over a tent.

Tackle and bait shops in Stevens Point stock live minnows, shiners, and standard lures. Call ahead if you need specific baits or hard-to-find gear; small-town shops do not always stock everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Pettibone Lagoon year-round?

Yes. Open water season runs April through October under standard Wisconsin regulations. Winter ice fishing is possible December through February once ice is safe—typically mid-December onward. Check current ice thickness and DNR advisories before fishing in winter.

What is the best bait for walleye at Pettibone?

Live shiners or chubs 3 to 4 inches long work best, fished on a jig or slip sinker rig near weed edges and deeper holes. Crawfish also produce. Soft plastic swimbaits in natural colors (pearl, chartreuse, brown) are effective if you prefer artificial lures.

Do I need a boat to fish Pettibone Lagoon?

A boat is more productive, but shore fishing is possible along the public land surrounding the lagoon. Wading is difficult because the bottom is soft and weedy. A small boat or canoe gives you access to deeper holes and weed edges where fish hold.

What size pike and walleye does Pettibone hold?

Walleye average 14 to 18 inches, with occasional fish to 24 inches. Pike average 18 to 24 inches, with some reaching 30 inches. The lagoon produces solid numbers of keeper-size fish rather than trophy fish.

Is there a motor size limit on Pettibone Lagoon?

Yes. Only motors of 10 horsepower or less are permitted. This keeps the lagoon calm and the fishery manageable for smaller boats and canoes.