What to expect at Plum Lake

Plum Lake is a shallow, 1,200-acre impoundment in Oneida County in northeastern Wisconsin, roughly 30 minutes south of Rhinelander. The lake sits at the headwaters of the Wisconsin River system and is known for walleye and northern pike, with a secondary population of largemouth bass. The water is typically murky to stained because of the shallow depth and heavy aquatic vegetation — conditions that make it excellent habitat for pike and walleye but require you to adjust your presentation and timing.

The lake has two public boat landings: one at the north end near the town of Plum Lake, and one at the south end near County Road M. Both are maintained by Oneida County and have paved ramps, parking, and vault toilets. The north landing is more developed and sees heavier traffic. Plum Lake is a popular destination for anglers from the Rhinelander and Wausau areas, so expect moderate to heavy pressure on weekends during the open season.

Key Takeaways

  • Walleye and northern pike are the primary species; walleye fishing is best in early morning, late evening, and at night, while pike respond well to live bait and large crankbaits throughout the day.
  • The lake is shallow (average 8 to 12 feet) and heavily weeded, so use a depth finder to locate the weed edges and deeper holes where fish concentrate.
  • Two public boat landings provide access: one at the north end and one at the south end, both with paved ramps and parking.
  • Wisconsin fishing regulations apply; you need a current Wisconsin fishing license and must follow season dates, bag limits, and size restrictions for each species.
  • Spring and fall typically produce the best walleye action; summer pike fishing can be excellent in early morning and after dark.

Walleye fishing: timing and location

Walleye on Plum Lake are most active during low-light periods — dawn, dusk, and night. Because the lake is shallow and the water is stained, walleye do not need darkness to feed, but they prefer it. Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and the last hour before sunset are the most reliable times to catch them. Night fishing with live bait or jigs can be productive if you have a headlamp and are comfortable navigating the shallow, weedy water.

Focus on the weed edges, particularly where deeper holes (10 to 14 feet) meet shallow flats. Use a sonar unit to map these transitions. Live bait — shiners, chubs, or crawfish — fished on a slip sinker rig or under a bobber works well. Jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics are effective year-round. Trolling crankbaits along the weed lines in spring and fall can also produce, especially early in the season when the weeds are not yet fully grown.

Spring (May through early June) and fall (September through October) are the strongest walleye seasons. Summer walleye are present but tend to move deeper and feed primarily at night. Winter ice fishing for walleye is popular on Plum Lake; jigging with live minnows in 8 to 12 feet of water near weed edges is the standard approach.

Northern pike: shallow-water tactics

Northern pike thrive in Plum Lake's shallow, weedy environment. Pike are less light-sensitive than walleye and will feed throughout the day, especially in the morning and evening. The key is to fish the weed edges and any open pockets within the vegetation. Pike often hunt along the transition zone where weeds meet deeper water, but they also patrol the shallow flats hunting for baitfish.

Live bait — 4- to 8-inch shiners or chubs — is highly effective and can be fished under a bobber in shallow water or on a slip sinker rig in slightly deeper areas. Large crankbaits (3 to 5 inches) that mimic baitfish work well when trolled or cast along weed lines. Spinnerbaits and large soft plastics also produce. Pike in this lake tend to be aggressive, so do not be afraid to use heavy tackle and bright or contrasting colors.

Summer is an excellent time for pike on Plum Lake, particularly in early morning and after dark when the water is cooler and pike are more active. Fall pike fishing remains strong through October. Winter pike fishing is also productive; many anglers target pike through the ice using large shiners or tip-ups.

Seasons and regulations

Wisconsin's general fishing season for walleye and northern pike runs from the Saturday nearest May 1 through March 31 of the following year. Largemouth bass season runs from the Saturday nearest May 1 through November 30. These dates apply to Plum Lake and all inland Wisconsin waters unless a specific lake has a different regulation posted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Bag limits and size restrictions vary by species and change periodically. As of recent regulations, walleye have a daily bag limit of 5 fish with a 15-inch minimum size; northern pike have a daily bag limit of 5 fish with a 24-inch minimum size; largemouth bass have a daily bag limit of 5 fish with a 12-inch minimum size. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations guide before you fish, as limits can change year to year. A current Wisconsin fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Access and facilities

The north boat landing on Plum Lake is located off County Road N, near the town of Plum Lake. It has a paved two-lane ramp, ample parking, and vault toilets. This landing is the more developed of the two and is the primary access point for most anglers. The south landing is accessed via County Road M and has a single-lane paved ramp with parking and vault toilets.

Both landings are free to use. There are no resorts or rental facilities directly on Plum Lake, but the town of Rhinelander (about 30 minutes north) has hotels, restaurants, and tackle shops. Oneida County maintains the landings seasonally; they are typically open from April through November, though exact opening and closing dates can vary. Call the Oneida County Parks Department to confirm access if you are planning a trip outside the peak season.

What makes Plum Lake distinct

Plum Lake's defining characteristic is its shallow depth and heavy aquatic vegetation. Unlike deeper Wisconsin lakes where walleye and pike can be found at 20 to 40 feet, Plum Lake concentrates fish in shallower water where they are more accessible to anglers but also more affected by weather and light conditions. The weeds are both a blessing and a challenge — they hold fish but require careful navigation and frequent line changes due to snagging.

The lake's position at the headwaters of the Wisconsin River system means it receives inflow from smaller streams and wetlands, which keeps the water cool and maintains good oxygen levels even in summer. This supports a healthy fish population and makes it a reliable destination year-round. The moderate size and moderate pressure make it less crowded than some of Wisconsin's larger lakes while still offering solid fishing opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Spring (May through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons for walleye. Summer pike fishing is excellent in early morning and after dark. Winter ice fishing for both walleye and pike is popular and can be very good if you have experience on the ice.

Do I need a boat to fish Plum Lake?

A boat is the most practical way to fish Plum Lake because the shallow, weedy water and the size of the lake make shore fishing limited. Both public landings have paved ramps and parking. If you do not own a boat, you may be able to rent one in Rhinelander.

What should I bring to avoid getting snagged on weeds?

Bring extra line, extra hooks, and extra lures — snagging is common in weedy water. A sonar unit helps you identify weed edges and deeper holes so you can avoid the densest vegetation. Weedless jigs and soft plastics designed for heavy cover reduce snags compared to open-water lures.

Can I fish Plum Lake in winter?

Yes. Ice fishing for walleye and pike is popular on Plum Lake from December through March, weather permitting. You will need an ice fishing license (included in a standard Wisconsin fishing license) and should check ice thickness and local conditions before heading out.

Are there largemouth bass on Plum Lake?

Yes, largemouth bass are present but are not the primary target. They are found in the weedy shallows and can be caught on soft plastics and crankbaits, particularly in summer. Bass season runs from May through November.