What You'll Find at Shaffer Park

Shaffer Park is a public fishing access point on Shaffer Lake in Oconto County, Wisconsin, roughly 15 miles northeast of Oconto. The lake itself is shallow — most of it runs 8 to 12 feet deep — which makes it a walleye and northern pike fishery rather than a trout destination. The park sits on the western shore and gives you a boat launch, parking, and a small picnic area. It's a straightforward county facility, not a state park, so the amenities are basic but the access is reliable.

Shaffer Lake covers about 1,100 acres and draws a steady mix of local anglers and visitors from the Green Bay area. The shallow structure means fish move predictably with the seasons, and the weed beds that ring much of the lake hold pike year-round. Walleye fishing peaks in spring and fall when the water temperature favors active feeding. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday heat pushes fish deeper or into the thickest cover.

Key Takeaways

  • Shaffer Lake is a shallow walleye and pike lake where the boat launch at Shaffer Park is the main public access point on the western shore.
  • Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons for walleye; summer requires early morning or evening fishing, and winter ice fishing is possible but check ice thickness before going out.
  • You need a Wisconsin fishing license and must follow state regulations on bag limits, which are five walleye per day and five northern pike per day.
  • The park has a paved boat launch suitable for small to mid-size boats, but there is no fuel dock or bait shop on-site, so bring what you need from Oconto.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is prime walleye time. Water temperatures climb from the low 40s to the mid-50s, and walleye move from deep winter holes into shallower feeding zones. Jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics work well along the weed edges and drop-offs. Early morning and dusk produce the most consistent bites. Pike are also active but less predictable than walleye in spring.

Summer (June through August) requires patience and timing. Daytime water temperatures often exceed 70 degrees, pushing walleye into deeper structure or thick weed beds where they're harder to reach. Fish the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset. Pike remain more aggressive throughout the day and will hit topwater lures and larger soft plastics in the shallows, especially around lily pads and submerged timber. Midday fishing is possible if you target the deepest holes — typically 10 to 12 feet — but success drops sharply.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for walleye fishing. As water cools back into the 50s and 60s, walleye return to shallower feeding zones and bite throughout the day. Jigs, live minnows, and crankbaits all produce. Pike are also highly active in fall as they feed aggressively before winter. This is an excellent time to visit if you can make the trip.

Winter (November through March) brings ice fishing. Shaffer Lake typically freezes by mid-December and remains solid through February, though ice thickness varies by year and location. Check current conditions with the Oconto County Parks Department before heading out. Tip-ups and jigging for walleye through holes in the ice are the standard methods. Pike are present but less commonly targeted by ice anglers on this lake.

Boat Launch and Access Details

Shaffer Park has a single paved boat launch suitable for trailers with boats up to roughly 20 feet. The ramp is well-maintained and slopes gradually into the water. Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the launch — space for perhaps 15 to 20 vehicles with trailers. There are no overnight camping facilities at the park itself.

The launch is free to use. No permit or daily fee is required. The park is open year-round during daylight hours, though winter access depends on road conditions and snow removal. There is no fuel dock, bait shop, or tackle rental at Shaffer Park. The nearest services — gas, bait, and tackle — are in Oconto, about 15 minutes away by car. Plan accordingly and bring extra fuel if you're running a larger outboard.

The park has a small picnic area with a few tables and grills, making it suitable for a half-day outing. Restroom facilities are basic but available. Cell service is generally reliable in the area, though it's worth confirming with your carrier before relying on it for emergencies.

Regulations and Licensing

Wisconsin requires a fishing license for anyone 16 years old and older. You can purchase a license online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at any sporting goods retailer, or at many bait shops in Oconto. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you're visiting for a single trip.

Walleye and northern pike are both regulated species on Shaffer Lake. The current bag limit is five walleye per day and five northern pike per day. Size limits vary — walleye must be at least 15 inches, and pike must be at least 24 inches. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you go, as rules can change. The DNR website has a searchable regulation guide by lake and species.

Catch-and-release is always an option if you want to fish without keeping anything. Many anglers practice selective harvest, keeping smaller walleye for eating and releasing larger pike to maintain the breeding population.

What Tackle and Techniques Work Best

For walleye, jigs in the 1/8- to 1/4-ounce range are the workhorse. Pair them with live minnows (shiners or chubs) or soft plastic bodies in natural colors — white, chartreuse, or brown. Cast along weed edges and drop-offs, and work the jig slowly along the bottom. Crankbaits that dive to 6 to 10 feet also produce, especially in spring and fall. Live bait rigs with a slip sinker and a live minnow are effective if you prefer a more passive approach.

For northern pike, larger lures and live bait both work. Soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range, spinnerbaits, and topwater plugs all draw strikes. Pike are less finicky than walleye and will hit aggressively. If you're using live bait, shiners or small bluegill work well. Cast near weed beds, submerged logs, and lily pads — anywhere pike can ambush prey.

Bring a mix of line weights. Six- to eight-pound test is fine for walleye. Pike require heavier line — 12- to 15-pound test — or a short wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader to prevent bite-offs. A net is useful for landing larger fish, especially pike.

Getting There and Nearby Options

Shaffer Park is located at the end of Shaffer Park Road, off County Road T, northeast of Oconto. From Oconto, take Highway 22 north, then follow local roads east toward the lake. GPS coordinates are approximately 44.87°N, 87.68°W. The drive from Oconto is about 15 minutes. From Green Bay, allow 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic and your exact starting point.

If Shaffer Lake doesn't suit your plans, the Oconto area has other fishing options. Oconto River offers walleye and smallmouth bass and is accessible at several public landings. The Fox River system to the south also holds walleye and pike. Local bait and tackle shops in Oconto can point you toward current hot spots and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Shaffer Lake without a boat?

Shaffer Park itself is primarily a boat launch facility. There is no public shore fishing area at the park. However, you may be able to fish from shore at other points around the lake if you can gain legal access to private land — ask locals or check with the Oconto County Parks Department about public shoreline access elsewhere on the lake.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and evening (late afternoon through dusk) are most productive year-round. Walleye bite best during these low-light periods. Pike will bite throughout the day but are more aggressive in morning and evening as well. In summer, these windows are essential because midday heat pushes fish deep.

Do I need a boat to fish Shaffer Lake?

Yes, a boat is the practical way to fish Shaffer Lake from Shaffer Park. The lake is large enough that shore fishing from the park is not an option. A small aluminum boat or pontoon works well for this shallow lake. Kayaks are also used by some anglers, though they limit your range and are less stable in wind.

Is there a bait shop at the park?

No. Shaffer Park has no bait shop, tackle rental, or fuel dock. Bring everything you need from Oconto, including live bait if you plan to use it. Several shops in town stock minnows, tackle, and supplies.

Can I camp at Shaffer Park?

No overnight camping is available at Shaffer Park itself. The park is day-use only. If you need lodging, Oconto has motels and small hotels within 15 minutes of the lake. Some anglers also camp at nearby county or state facilities — check the Oconto County Parks Department website for alternatives.