Springtime in Wisconsin brings warming waters and incredible smallmouth bass fishing.
Bass anglers hook up throughout summer and well into fall from the serene Northwoods to the picturesque Driftless Region. Smallies aren’t just plentiful here, they can be huge, too.
Many waters have a catch-and-release restriction from early May through mid-June. Check the current state regulations before heading out to your favorite water.
There’s plenty of fish to go around, as most rivers and lakes throughout the state hold good numbers of smallmouth, but we’ve narrowed down the truly epic spots for you.
The Best Smallmouth Rivers in Wisconsin
Some of the best fishing for bronzebacks is in moving water. Here are the top rivers for smallmouth fishing in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin River
The state’s longest river offers an exceptional smallmouth fishery as it winds its way through forests and rocky outcroppings, creating an ideal habitat for smallmouth bass stretching for miles.
Depending on the time of day, you can toss everything from topwater lures to finesse rigs. Work soft plastics along the rocky riverbed for some massive catches.
Spring and early summer are prime smallmouth season on the Wisconsin River. The warming waters trigger the smallmouth bass to become more active and move into shallower waters to spawn and feed.
Target structures like submerged rocks, fallen trees, and deep pools where smallmouths lurk.
Kayak and canoe enthusiasts will discover secluded bends and twists with trophy-sized smallmouth.
Bring along medium-action rods paired with fluorocarbon lines to handle the varied conditions of the Wisconsin River. Patience is key as the smallmouth bass can exhibit changing feeding patterns throughout the day.
It’s a rocky river in the upper sections, though closer to its confluence with the Mississippi near Prairie du Chien, sandy flats make up most of the bottom. Be careful in a boat, as plenty of submerged trees are just waiting to eat your prop.
The section from Merrill to Brokaw is must-fish territory. Smallies are everywhere here.
The Wisconsin River runs across the state, so there are plenty of towns along the way to find whatever you need. Camping, resorts, and cabin rentals are available all along the river.
Flambeau River
The picturesque Flambeau offers exceptional smallmouth bass fishing in its North and South forks and mainstem.
Several spots stand out for the number of smallies.
First on the list is the stretch below the Flambeau Dam, where you’ll find a mix of deep pools and fast currents.
The turbulent waters around the dam create ideal conditions for baitfish, attracting hungry smallmouth. You should have success with both live bait and lures.
Another prime location is near the confluence of the North and South Forks. The rocky bottoms, submerged logs, and overhanging vegetation provide perfect hiding spots for bass. Fish these structures during the early morning or late evening when smallmouth are most active and you will connect with hard-fighting bass.
If you want a more secluded experience, the stretch of river within the Flambeau River State Forest offers miles of pristine waters. Access might require a bit of a hike or a canoe trip, but the reward is often larger, less pressured fish.
The clear waters here allow for sight-fishing, especially during the summer when bass often hold in shallower areas.
Park Falls is an excellent central point for this river. It has most of the amenities you may need. Up the road a bit is the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, which we’ll mention later in this article and has several resorts scattered around.
Menominee River
The Menominee River runs along the border between Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This river combines rocky structures, deep pools, and fast-flowing sections and offers some of the best smallmouth fishing in the region.
One of the best things about the Menominee River is its accessibility. Whether you prefer shore fishing, wading, or boating, there are plenty of options to find your perfect spot.
The Pemene Falls and Quiver Falls areas hold excellent smallmouth bass populations. The waters near these falls create perfect conditions for smallmouth bass, providing the oxygen-rich water they thrive in and plenty of forage. Target them with lures or live bait, with early morning and late evening being particularly productive.
The Kingsford Stretch offers fantastic smallmouth fishing and easy access, with several boat launches and public access points. This area’s mix of fast and slow waters and abundant structure make it a great smallmouth spot.
Several towns dot the river with amenities and lodging. There are a few campgrounds along the way, and the river flows into Green Bay at Menominee and Minette, cross-border towns that give you access to everything you’ll need for the trip.
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River offers a mix of backwaters, flowing channels, and structured riverbeds perfect for anglers targeting smallmouth bass. The Wisconsin stretch of the Mississippi, with its cleaner water and abundant food sources, is renowned for producing a high volume of smallmouth and trophy-sized fish.
Target the area around the Prairie du Chien. Here, the river’s meandering channels and rocky outcrops provide ideal habitats for smallmouth that shift with fluctuating water levels.
Cast spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics near structures to find feeding bass.
The Pool 8 region near La Crosse is another hotspot. It has excellent backwaters and submerged structures, making it a prime smallmouth habitat. Try your hand at drop-shotting or jigging early mornings and late afternoons.
The St. Croix River confluence area offers a scenic fishing locale with a massive smallmouth population. Clear waters and abundant prey make this a prime spot for using finesse techniques, with live bait and light tackle yielding epic catches.
The Mississippi makes up most of the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota, and there are plenty of cities along the way to get what you need for the trip. Camping is available throughout the area.
Wolf River
The pristine Wolf River offers some of the best smallmouth bass habitats in the state, ranging from fast-flowing stretches to deep pools. The river’s natural beauty is matched only by the quality of its fishing, making it a must-visit for any smallmouth addict.
One of the best spots is the section that runs through Langlade County, with its rocky substrate and moderate current offering ideal smallmouth bass habitat.
You could try spinning, fly fishing, or baitcasting. Topwater lures, soft plastics, and live bait are all effective.
The river widens near New London and offers a mix of deep holes and submerged structures, perfect for targeting larger smallmouth bass. Jigs and crankbaits can yield fantastic results, especially during the early morning or late evening.
Freemont has plenty of lodging and food for your trip. Several campgrounds are in the area, and a few resorts cater to anglers.
The upper reaches of the Wolf River is home to some of Wisconsin’s top-rated trout fishing.
The Best Smallmouth Lakes in Wisconsin
We could go on with even more rivers, but we don’t want to leave out Wisconsin lakes with incredible smallmouth bass fishing.
We’re about to show you some great ones.
Trout Lake
Nestled in the heart of the Northwoods, this clear and deep lake is known for its thriving smallmouth bass population.
The lake’s rocky points, submerged structures, and expansive flats create perfect smallmouth habitat. Try casting along the rocky shorelines and exploring the underwater contours, where smallies lurk in wait.
Trout Lake’s crystal-clear waters mean you often see smallmouth bass striking your lures, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Springtime on Trout Lake presents a prime opportunity as smallmouth bass move into shallower areas for spawning. Finesse techniques like drop-shot rigs and soft plastics have proven effective during this season.
As the summer progresses, transitioning to jerkbaits and topwater lures can trigger aggressive strikes, especially in low-light hours.
Cabin rentals, resorts, and campgrounds dot the shoreline. Bait and tackle shops are around the area to get what you need.
Chequamegon Bay (Lake Superior)
Nestled along the shores of Lake Superior, rugged Chequamegon Bay is an angler’s paradise. Smallmouth bass hold in its nearly unlimited rocky terrain.
Start casting along the rocky shores, then target drop-offs, submerged ledges, and the countless bays and inlets punctuating the shoreline. The bay’s size allows for a variety of angling approaches.
Once the water starts to warm up, the bass prepare for the spawn and feed voraciously. From early May through early October, the bite is fast and furious.
Try soft plastics, jerkbaits, and topwater lures. If they’re acting finicky, switch to a finesse presentation like the Ned rig or try drop-shotting with a Senko.
There are resorts along the shore, Big Bay State Park is a ferry ride away, and Ashland has everything you’ll need. Stop by the Maslowski Beach Artesian Well for some crystal-clear clean water and great access to the lake.
Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay
Door County, surrounded by Green Bay and Lake Michigan, is a smallmouth bass haven.
Sturgeon Bay, in particular, is renowned for its world-class smallmouth bass fishing with plenty of trophy-sized fish.
You can target smallmouths using drop-shot rigs, tube jigs, and crankbaits. Work your favorite presentations around rocky shoreline drop-offs, small islands, underwater rocky bars, weed beds, and across the flats.
As large as Sturgeon Bay is, it’s just one area of Green Bay packed with smallies. Green Bay offers a lifetime’s worth of tempting spots to cast for smallmouth bass that we likely couldn’t fit into an entire book, so you’ll have to choose a starting point and fish the area.
Anglers often find success by narrowing their search. For example, try targeting underwater humps and rock piles, where smallmouth bass congregate.
Try finesse tactics like drop-shotting, tube jigs, crankbaits, and swimbaits.
Techniques such as jerkbaits, topwater lures, and soft plastics should all do the trick.
Sturgeon Bay is a year-round fishing destination, including some top-notch ice fishing (though that’s much less about bass than other species).
Several resorts line Sturgeon Bay and Green Bay. Camping is readily available around the Green Bay region, including at Potawatomi State Park on the shore of Sturgeon Bay. Towns near the water have any necessary supplies and services.
Lake Winnebago
The Winnebago Chain includes more surface acres of water than any other inland fishery in the state. Best known for its walleyes, smallmouths are abundant and waiting for your lure.
Concentrate your smallmouth fishing on rocky structure, which will eliminate the majority of the lake. You’ll find a couple thousand acres of prime shoreline and reefs mainly on the lake’s west side and north end. A few rocky areas and the piers along the eastern shore also hold good numbers of smallies.
When the winds kick up on the west side of the lake, work the east shore or up into the Fox River at Oshkosh.
Hit any rocky structure with live bait, jigs, or crankbaits. Throw large spinnerbaits to keep the walleyes off your line. Think largemouth lures and you’ll often catch big smallmouths.
Oshkosh has everything you need. Plenty of resorts line the shores, and camping is available.
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva, located in southeastern Wisconsin, is a fantastic spot for smallmouth bass fishing. This clear, deep lake boasts plenty of bass-holding structures, including rocky points, drop-offs, and weed beds.
As the water warms in the spring, the bronzebacks migrate to shallower areas for spawning, presenting the perfect time to target them.
Use finesse techniques such as drop-shot and Ned rigs, especially when targeting the rocky points and drop-offs. Additionally, jerkbaits and crankbaits prove effective. As the summer progresses, explore deeper structures.
Fontana-on-Geneva and Lake Geneva offer everything you’ll need for a productive stay. Big Foot Beach State Park has excellent camping and reasonable rates, so check it out before you go.
Big Saint Germain Lake
Big Saint Germain Lake is a fantastic smallmouth bass fishery in the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods. It’s a large lake with clear water and a wide range of underwater structures.
Start your search around some of the lake’s abundant rocky points and submerged rock piles, which are ideal hiding spots and ambush points for smallmouth bass.
Spring and early summer see an upsurge in smallmouth activity as bass move into shallower waters for spawning. This early season is when you have the best odds at catching monsters.
Drop-shot rigs, tube jigs, and finesse plastics prove effective here. Additionally, topwater lures during the warmer months work well, as smallmouths aggressively surface to strike at prey.
Exploring the lake’s deeper sections, submerged humps, and channels will produce smallmouth throughout the summer and fall.
After a day on the water, stop by Fibbers Bar and Restaurant or one of the other establishments in the area. There are plenty of resorts and camping options, and most cater to anglers.
Chippewa Flowage
Nestled in the pristine wilderness of northern Wisconsin, the Chippewa Flowage stands out as a massive haven for smallmouth bass enthusiasts. Bass anglers ply its diverse underwater landscape, featuring rocky points, submerged islands, and expansive weed beds.
During the warmer months, target the rocky shorelines and submerged structures. Finesse techniques such as drop-shot rigs and soft plastic baits prove effective for these aggressive fish. Crankbaits and jerkbaits can lead to epic days on the water.
The remote setting of the Chippewa Flowage adds to the allure of smallmouth bass fishing here. There are more smallies in this lake than you’ll know what to do with.
Several resorts and campgrounds catering to anglers dot the shoreline and islands of the lake. You should be able to find what you need.
Castle Rock Lake
Castle Rock Lake, situated in central Wisconsin, is the state’s fourth-largest lake and a haven for smallmouth bass fishing. The lake has clear waters and abundant structure, including rock piles, submerged points, and drop-offs.
Try swimbaits, jigs, and Carolina rigs. The lake’s size allows you to explore different areas and techniques.
During the warmer months, hungry bass become more active near the shallows, presenting an excellent time for anglers to capitalize.
Camping is available around the lake, including at Buckhorn State Park and Juneau County Castle Rock Park. A few resorts and several cabin rentals round out the places to stay. Bait, tackle, and food are readily available around the lake.
Lake Pepin
This natural lake is nestled along the Mississippi River, sharing a border with Minnesota. Its unique river currents, underwater structures, and ample forage make Lake Pepin a hotbed for smallmouth bass and those trying to catch them.
Focus on its rocky shorelines, submerged points, and rocky structures, where smallmouth bass congregate in search of prey. The changing river currents create dynamic conditions, adding a bit of a challenge to the experience.
Smallmouth bass move into shallower waters for spawning in spring and early summer, providing anglers with an excellent window to target these prized fighters. Use soft plastics, crankbaits, and jigs. Topwater lures can also be productive during low-light conditions in the summer.
Pepin has most of what you’ll need for the trip. Stop by the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum for some Little House nostalgia.
Vilas County Chain of Lakes
The Vilas County Chain of Lakes in the Eagle River Area of northern Wisconsin is a fantastic smallmouth bass fishing paradise. This unique network of connected lakes offers a wide range of habitats, from rocky structures to shallow weed beds.
Eagle Lake, in particular, with its clear waters and varied underwater features, is known for smallies. During the spring, smallmouth bass move into the shallower bays for spawning, presenting the prime opportunity for you to catch big fish.
As summer unfolds, smallmouth bass often head deeper, especially in the bright daytime. Hit submerged points, drop-offs, and any rocky structures you encounter. Try topwater lures when bass are in the shallows and finesse tactics like drop-shot rigs in deeper waters.
Shore fishing along the rocky sections can prove very effective.
Resorts dot the area, and Eagle River has everything you need for a successful trip.
Turtle Flambeau Flowage
Turtle Flambeau Flowage is a sprawling body of water known for its excellent smallmouth bass fishing.
The flowage’s numerous islands, rocky points, and submerged structure provide ideal conditions for smallmouths to grow to trophy sizes. Another reason to fish Turtle Flambeau Flowage is the captivating beauty of the Northwoods.
Smallmouth bass are more active during the summer months. Use finesse techniques, such as drop-shotting and wacky rigs, as well as crankbaits and topwater lures around rocky points and submerged structures.
The flowage’s remote location offers anglers a peaceful escape into nature. That also means you’ll need to plan ahead and bring everything you’ll need. A few resorts and campgrounds in the area cater to anglers.
The Turtle Flambeau Flowage also offers excellent crappie fishing among its angler attractions.
Big Eau Pleine Reservoir
Big Eau Pleine Reservoir, near Mosinee in central Wisconsin, is another noteworthy destination for smallmouth bass anglers.
The reservoir’s varying depths and underwater structures allow anglers to catch bass using numerous fishing techniques. Try jerkbaits, crankbaits, and finesse tactics like shaky heads or drop-shot rigs to entice strikes from the resident smallmouth bass.
During the warmer months, as the water temperature rises, smallmouth bass become more active in the shallows, offering prime opportunities for shoreline casting. The reservoir’s clear waters may also allow some sight fishing.
The diversity of Big Eau Pleine Reservoir encourages anglers to explore its different sections, from the rocky points to the deeper areas.
Camping is available around the lake, including at a Marathon County park, and the greater Wausau area has all the necessary amenities.
Green Lake
Green Lake offers anglers a rewarding smallmouth destination about an hour and a half north of either Milwaukee or Madison.
Start your search along the rocky shorelines, where the bronzebacks seek cover and forage. The lake’s underwater structure, including submerged points, drop-offs, and rocky flats, offers you a variety of angling options.
During the spring, smallmouth bass migrate to shallower areas for spawning. Soft plastic baits, jerkbaits, and topwater lures are great choices, enticing strikes from smallmouth bass defending their nests during this time.
As the water warms, transition to deeper waters and explore the expansive flats and rocky structures. Try your hand at drop-shot rigs and crankbaits to entice bites.
Green Lake’s clear waters demand finesse and precision, making it a favorite among anglers who appreciate the challenge of fooling wary smallmouth bass.
When you’ve worn out your arms reeling in strong smallmouths, switch to the ultralight tackle and reel in plenty of yellow perch for dinner.
Green Lake has all the amenities you need, and you can camp here or at several nearby lakes.
Lake Mendota
Lake Mendota, in the heart of Madison, is a perfect destination for smallmouth bass anglers who aren’t looking to get too far away from it all. The lake’s smallmouth bass hide among rocky points, submerged trees, rock piles, and weed beds, waiting to pounce on your passing lure.
Fish along the expansive rock bars and points, especially during the spring and early summer when smallmouth bass transition to shallower areas for spawning.
Then, as temperatures rise, it’s time for topwater fun at Lake Mendota.
The University Bay and Picnic Point areas are popular spots for smallmouth bass fishing in the city.
Cast soft plastics, jerkbaits, or tube jigs along the rocky shorelines and drop-offs. The lake’s varied structure also allows for effective finesse techniques like drop-shotting in deeper areas.
Be aware that there’s always a chance one of Lake Mendota’s massive northern pike decides to inhale your bass lure.
You can find whatever you’ll need in Madison. If you’re from out of the area and looking for a campsite, try reserving one of the limited spots at Mendota County Park ahead of time.
Catch More Bass
If you’re fairly new to bass fishing or want a refresher, we have a simple guide to bass fishing tactics, tackle, and other tips.
Wisconsin also has some perhaps surprisingly good largemouth bass fishing, especially in these top spots.