What You'll Find at Sommer's Lake

Sommer's Lake is a shallow glacial lake in central Wisconsin that holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish in roughly equal measure. The lake runs about 300 acres and averages 15 to 20 feet deep, with the deepest holes reaching into the low 30s. The bottom is a mix of sand, silt, and scattered rock — typical of Wisconsin's kettle-lake country — and the shoreline alternates between bog, marsh, and low wooded banks.

The lake sits in an area with moderate fishing pressure. You will find other anglers on weekends and during the summer season, but it is not crowded to the point of being unpleasant. The access point is a public boat launch on the north shore, and there is a small parking area. The lake is best fished from a boat, though shore fishing is possible in a few spots along the access road.

Key Takeaways

  • Walleye fishing peaks in spring (April through May) and again in fall (September through October), with summer requiring deeper water and night fishing.
  • Northern pike are present year-round and respond well to large live baitfish and pike-specific lures along weed edges and shallow structure.
  • Panfish — bluegill, crappie, and pumpkinseed — are reliable in spring and fall and can be caught in shallow water near vegetation.
  • A Wisconsin fishing license is required; walleye and pike have bag limits and minimum size requirements that vary by season.
  • The public boat launch is the only motorized access; electric motors are permitted, and the lake is small enough to cover thoroughly in a half day.

Walleye Fishing: Spring and Fall Patterns

Walleye on Sommer's Lake respond most reliably to live bait presentations in spring and fall. In April and May, fish the shallow flats and the transition zones where sand meets weed — typically 6 to 12 feet of water. A live minnow (3 to 4 inches) under a slip bobber or on a simple jig-and-minnow rig will take fish consistently during these months. Early morning and late evening are most productive, but walleye will bite throughout the day in spring.

Summer walleye fishing requires a shift to deeper water and night fishing. By June, most walleye move into the 25- to 35-foot basin in the lake's center. Vertical jigging with live minnows or soft plastics works, but the bite is slower and more technical. Many anglers skip summer and return in September, when walleye move back to shallower structure as water cools. Fall fishing (September through October) mirrors spring — shallow flats, live bait, and early-morning hours produce the best results.

Wisconsin's walleye regulations on Sommer's Lake include a daily bag limit of five fish and a minimum size of 15 inches. Check the current Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change year to year.

Northern Pike: Year-Round Opportunity

Northern pike are present on Sommer's Lake throughout the year and are often easier to catch than walleye, especially for anglers using lures. Pike respond to large, flashy presentations — 4- to 6-inch crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics in bright colors (chartreuse, orange, white). Fish the weed edges, especially where deeper water meets shallow vegetation, and along any rocky structure you can locate.

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most active periods, but pike will bite in summer if you target deeper weed lines and the edges of the main basin. Live bait — large shiners or small bluegill — also works well and often produces larger fish than lures. Pike have no closed season on Sommer's Lake, but the daily bag limit is five fish with a minimum size of 24 inches. Catch-and-release is common and encouraged, especially for larger fish.

Panfish: Bluegill, Crappie, and Pumpkinseed

Panfish on Sommer's Lake are abundant and provide reliable action, especially in spring and fall. Bluegill and pumpkinseed are the most common species, with crappie present in smaller numbers. These fish congregate in shallow water near vegetation — typically 4 to 10 feet — and respond to small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce), live minnows, and crickets or waxworms.

Spring spawning (May through early June) concentrates panfish in very shallow water near the shoreline, making them accessible from shore or a boat in shallow bays. Fall (September through October) sees another strong bite as fish feed heavily before winter. Summer panfish fishing is slower but possible in deeper weed lines and near the lake's structure. There are no size or bag limits on panfish in Wisconsin, so you can keep what you catch.

Access, Launch, and Boat Requirements

Sommer's Lake has one public boat launch located on the north shore. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp with a small parking area — typically enough space for 8 to 12 vehicles. The launch is maintained by the local town and is open year-round, though winter access depends on snow removal. There is no launch fee.

Motorized boats are permitted on Sommer's Lake, and electric motors are common. Gas motors are also allowed, but the lake's small size means you do not need a large engine to cover the water effectively. A 15- to 20-horsepower motor is sufficient for most anglers. The lake is shallow enough that you should watch for submerged stumps and rocks, especially near the shoreline and in the northern bays.

If you do not have a boat, shore fishing is possible at the launch area and along the access road on the north shore. The shoreline is mostly bog and marsh, so wading is difficult, but casting from the bank will reach panfish and some walleye in the shallows.

Seasons and Weather Patterns

Spring (April through May) is the most popular season on Sommer's Lake. Water temperatures rise from the low 40s to the mid-50s, and walleye and pike move shallow to feed and spawn. The weather is unpredictable — cold snaps and rain are common — but the fishing is consistent. Bring layers and be prepared for wind.

Summer (June through August) is warm and can be slow for walleye, though pike and panfish remain active. Water temperatures reach the low 70s, and the lake can be crowded on weekends. Early morning and evening fishing is more productive than midday. Fall (September through October) brings cooler water (low 50s to low 60s) and excellent fishing across all species. The weather is generally stable, and the lake is less crowded than in summer.

Winter fishing (November through March) is possible through the ice, though Sommer's Lake is not known as a major ice-fishing destination. Walleye and panfish can be caught through holes, but you will need current ice conditions and should check with local bait shops before planning a winter trip.

Wisconsin Fishing License and Regulations

You must have a valid Wisconsin fishing license to fish Sommer's Lake. Licenses are available online through the WDNR website, at sporting goods stores, and at many bait and tackle shops. A daily license costs less than a full-season license, so choose based on how often you plan to fish.

Walleye on Sommer's Lake have a 15-inch minimum size and a five-fish daily bag limit. Northern pike have a 24-inch minimum size and a five-fish daily bag limit. Panfish have no size or bag limits. These regulations are current as of the time of writing, but the WDNR updates rules periodically — check the current fishing guide before you go. Catch-and-release is always legal and encouraged, especially for pike over 28 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Sommer's Lake?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons for walleye and pike. Summer is slower for walleye but remains good for pike and panfish. Winter ice fishing is possible but requires current ice conditions and local knowledge.

Can I fish from shore at Sommer's Lake?

Yes, shore fishing is possible at the boat launch area and along the access road on the north shore. You will have the best success with panfish and some walleye in shallow water. A boat gives you access to deeper structure and more water, but shore fishing can be productive in spring and fall.

Do I need a motorized boat to fish Sommer's Lake effectively?

No, but a boat makes it easier to cover the lake and reach deeper structure. The lake is small enough (about 300 acres) that a canoe or kayak with an electric motor can work well. Shore fishing and wading are limited due to marsh and bog, so a boat is the most practical option for most anglers.

What size fish can I keep on Sommer's Lake?

Walleye must be at least 15 inches, and pike must be at least 24 inches. Panfish have no minimum size. Daily bag limits are five fish for walleye and pike, and no limit for panfish. Check the current WDNR fishing guide for any seasonal changes.

Is there a launch fee at Sommer's Lake?

No, the public boat launch is free. There is a small parking area, but no amenities like restrooms or bait shops at the launch itself. The nearest services are in the surrounding towns.