What You'll Find at Pickerel Lake

Pickerel Lake is a shallow, weedy 1,200-acre lake in Vilas County in northeastern Wisconsin, roughly 20 minutes south of Eagle River. The lake holds walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish — bluegill and crappie — in a system where vegetation and shallow structure dominate. Most of the lake runs 8 to 15 feet deep, with scattered deeper holes and a basin that reaches into the 30s. The weed growth is heavy from mid-June through September, which concentrates fish but also demands specific tactics and equipment.

Pickerel Lake draws anglers looking for walleye and pike in a less-crowded setting than some of the region's flagship lakes. The shallow depth and abundant weeds mean fish are often accessible to wade fishers and small-boat anglers, though navigation requires attention to depth and vegetation. Spring and fall produce the most consistent results, when weeds thin and fish move into predictable zones.

Key Takeaways

  • Pickerel Lake holds walleye, pike, and panfish in a shallow, weedy system where most water runs 8 to 15 feet deep.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) offer the best fishing, when weeds are thinner and fish are more active.
  • Summer weed growth is heavy; use shallow-running crankbaits, soft plastics, and live bait presentations that work around vegetation.
  • Public boat access is available at the Pickerel Lake public landing on the north shore; no launch fee is charged.
  • Wisconsin fishing licenses and current regulations apply; walleye and pike have bag and size limits that vary by season.

Seasons and Best Times to Fish

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season. Walleye move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively in the weeks before and after the spawn. Pike are active in the same period, and panfish congregate in shallow bays. Water temperatures in the 45 to 55 degree range trigger feeding, and the absence of heavy weed growth makes navigation and casting easier. Early morning and evening produce the most strikes, though overcast days can extend the bite through midday.

Summer (June through August) is productive but demanding. Weed growth becomes thick by mid-June, and fish move into and around vegetation. Walleye often hold in deeper pockets within the weeds or at the weed edge. Pike hunt in the thickest cover. Panfish scatter across shallow flats. Early morning before the sun climbs high is the most reliable window. Nighttime fishing for walleye using live bait or slow-moving presentations can be effective when daytime heat pushes fish deep.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring. Weeds begin to thin in late September, and fish move back into more predictable shallow zones. Water temperatures in the 55 to 65 degree range trigger aggressive feeding. Walleye and pike are less selective, and panfish school up in preparation for winter. This window lasts through October, though by late October water temperature drops and fishing slows.

Winter (November through March) is closed to public fishing on most Wisconsin lakes, including Pickerel Lake, to protect spawning fish and allow ice-out recovery.

Access and Launch Information

The primary public boat access is the Pickerel Lake public landing on the north shore, managed by Vilas County. The landing has a single-lane concrete ramp, parking for roughly 15 vehicles with trailers, and a small pier. No launch fee is charged. The landing is open year-round during daylight hours, though winter access depends on road conditions and ice safety.

From Eagle River, take Highway 70 east, then turn south on County Road M. Follow signs to the public landing. The drive is roughly 20 minutes. Cell service is spotty in the area; download offline maps before you leave town if you rely on GPS.

Shore access is limited. Most of the shoreline is private residential property. A small public beach area exists near the boat landing, but fishing from shore is not practical for most of the lake. Wading is possible in shallow bays on the north and west sides, particularly in spring and fall when water levels are stable.

Walleye Fishing Tactics and Timing

Walleye on Pickerel Lake respond to live bait presentations and crankbaits that work shallow structure. In spring, cast shallow-running crankbaits (1 to 3 feet) along the weed edge and in bays where spawning fish gather. Jigs tipped with live minnows — shiners or chubs — work well in 4 to 8 feet of water. Fish early and late in the day; overcast conditions extend the bite.

Summer walleye are harder to locate but not impossible. Focus on the deeper pockets within weed beds, the outside edge of vegetation, and any hard-bottom areas you can identify with a depth finder. Soft plastics rigged on light jig heads allow you to work through weeds without constant snagging. Live bait fished on a slip sinker rig in 10 to 15 feet of water is a reliable summer approach. Night fishing with live bait under a slip bobber in 6 to 12 feet of water produces consistent results when daytime fishing is slow.

Fall walleye return to aggressive feeding as weeds thin. Crankbaits, jigs, and live bait all work. Focus on the transition zones where weeds thin and open water begins. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, but the bite can extend through midday in fall.

Pike and Panfish Opportunities

Northern pike on Pickerel Lake are abundant and willing. They hunt in the thickest weed cover and along weed edges. Cast large soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), spinnerbaits, and topwater lures in and around vegetation. Pike are less time-sensitive than walleye; they feed throughout the day, though early morning and late evening are still most reliable. Spring and fall are best, but summer pike fishing in early morning can produce large fish before the heat drives them deep.

Panfish — bluegill and crappie — are plentiful in shallow bays and around vegetation. In spring, they congregate in water 2 to 6 feet deep to spawn. Small jigs tipped with live bait, tiny soft plastics, and small spinners all work. Summer panfish scatter but remain accessible in early morning and evening. Fall panfish school up again in 4 to 10 feet of water. A simple bobber rig with a live minnow or wax worm is effective and requires no special technique.

Regulations and Licensing

Wisconsin fishing licenses are required for all anglers 16 and older. Licenses are sold online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods retailers in Eagle River, and at the Vilas County clerk's office. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license; choose based on your trip length.

Walleye on Pickerel Lake have a daily bag limit of five fish, with a 15-inch minimum size. Northern pike have a daily bag limit of three fish, with a 24-inch minimum size. Panfish (bluegill and crappie combined) have a daily bag limit of 25 fish. These limits are current as of 2024 but may change; check the Wisconsin DNR website before your trip to confirm.

Catch-and-release is permitted year-round. If you plan to keep fish, bring a cooler with ice. Most lodges and resorts in Eagle River offer fish cleaning services for a small fee.

Lodging and Nearby Services

Eagle River, 20 minutes north, is the nearest town with lodging, restaurants, and tackle shops. The town has motels, vacation rentals, and a few small resorts that cater to fishing trips. Tackle shops in Eagle River stock live bait, lures, and local information. Gas stations and grocery stores are available on the main road through town.

Pickerel Lake itself has no lodging directly on the water. A few private cabins and cottages rent to visitors, but availability is limited and must be booked well in advance through vacation rental sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Pickerel Lake in winter?

Pickerel Lake is closed to public fishing from November through March to protect spawning fish and allow recovery during ice-out. Ice fishing is not permitted. Spring season opens in April.

What size boat do I need?

A small boat (14 to 18 feet) is ideal for navigating the shallow, weedy system. Kayaks and canoes work in spring and fall when weeds are thinner, but summer weed growth makes them difficult to paddle. A depth finder is useful to avoid shallow areas and locate deeper pockets.

Is the public landing crowded?

Pickerel Lake is less crowded than some nearby lakes like Vilas or Cisco. The public landing sees moderate use on weekends in spring and fall, but weekday fishing is usually quiet. Summer can be busier, particularly on weekends.

What's the best bait for walleye?

Live shiners and chubs are most effective, particularly in spring and fall. Nightcrawlers work in summer. Leeches are less common on Pickerel Lake but can be effective. Most tackle shops in Eagle River stock all three options.

Do I need a guide?

Guides are not required, but the shallow, weedy system rewards local knowledge. If you're unfamiliar with the lake, a half-day guide trip can teach you where fish hold and which techniques work best. Several guides based in Eagle River fish Pickerel Lake regularly.