Twelve (12) Lake Locations & Information

In General, most Southeastern Wisconsin lakes are very crowded on the weekends so I try to fish during the week. If you must fish on the weekends there is some good news since most of these lakes have a lake wide "no wake" until 10:00am (Geneva and Delavan do not have lake wide "no wake" rules). So...if you must fish on the weekends, get up early to beat the high traffic later in the day.  When visiting a lake for the first time ALWAYS read the special restrictions posted a the launch (fish length/number, speed limits, no wake etc.). 

For chances of getting a big bass click on "Creel Summary for Fish Caught 17" and larger" for some of the below lakes (a 17" bass is generally about 3 pounds). 

1. Beulah Lake (East Troy)

Satellite Picture Launch:

<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Beulah+Lake,+wi&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=32.197599,61.523437&ie=UTF8&ll=42.805016,-88.405529&spn=0.001818,0.003755&t=h&z=18>

Road Map:

(Launch at end of Wilmer's Landing Rd):   <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Beulah+Lake,+wi&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=32.197599,61.523437&ie=UTF8&ll=42.805016,-88.405529&spn=0.029093,0.060081&z=14>

Reid's Comments:

Launch: Concrete slippery and very steep. Good Pier. Plenty of paved parking. If you have a relatively heavy boat you are taking a chance on not being able to pull out of the launch with a two wheel drive vehicle.  I would not try it if your vehicle only has front wheel drive regardless of how light your boat is.  Also the launch parking is about three blocks away and goes up a very steep hill.  If you are not in shape that steep hill is a real challenge to walk especially after a long hot day of fishing. Launch fee was around $7 a few years ago but I think they increased quite a bit since then (could be around $12 now).     

Lake: 834 acres. Very pretty and interesting lake with many flats, points, steep drop offs and a wide range of vegetation. I consider it three lakes...Lake "1" (at the public launch which is the south west side of the lake) is "clear" but typically not quite as clear as Lake"2".  Lake "2" is the north east part of the lake that is the other side of the slow no wake channel (the channel is about the center of lake "1" and "2"). Lake "3" is to the North of Lake and connected to "2" and is called Mill Pond lake. The lake has a slot limit of 12"- 16" for bass. In general a good fishing lake and a very nice lake to spend a day regardless of how the bite is that day. I used to fish it quite a bit but I'm getting a little older and that walk up the hill is not something I look forward too.

2. Browns Lake (Burlington, Wi)

Satellite Picture Launch:

<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=browns+Lake,+wi&sll=42.805016,-88.405529&sspn=0.029093,0.060081&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=42.68167,-88.234441&spn=0.003644,0.00751&z=17&iwloc=addr>

Road Map:

(Launch on Hwy 11 in Fischer Park) <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=browns+Lake,+wi&sll=42.805016,-88.405529&sspn=0.029093,0.060081&ie=UTF8&ll=42.681584,-88.235729&spn=0.029151,0.060081&z=14>

Reid's Comments:

Launch: Concrete ramp with a very long pier. One of the best launches around.  Plenty of paved parking. The launch fee is $7.00 if you get there early (around 6:00am to 7:00am) but considerably higher if you are there when an attendant is on duty (generally attendant is on duty weekends and later in the morning during the summer months).     

Lake: 396 acres. Not the prettiest lake since all the shoreline is developed.  A relatively shallow lake except for one deep area.  Generally a good bass lake but most fish are 13"-15". Yeah there are some 17" and larger but for some reason there seems to be less on this lake than other lakes I've fished. (click on "Creel Summary for Fish Caught 17" and larger" ) However you usually can come up with a few even on a tough day so its a good lake to try if you are a beginner or fishing with youngsters.  The lake has a 16" limit on bass so if you want to take one or two home it might be tough.     

3. Center Lake  (Camp Lake, Wis)

Satellite Picture Launch: 

<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Center+Lake,+wi&sll=42.681584,-88.235729&sspn=0.029151,0.060081&ie=UTF8&ll=42.538268,-88.139598&spn=0.001826,0.003755&t=h&z=18>

Road Map: 

(Launch on 95th St & 275th Ave) <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Center+Lake,+wi&sll=42.681584,-88.235729&sspn=0.029151,0.060081&ie=UTF8&ll=42.538268,-88.139598&spn=0.007304,0.01502&z=16>

Reid's Comments:

Launch: Ramp is steep and gravel but still reasonable to negotiate. No pier but you can "tie" to a grassy bank.  Keep to the right when launching (close to big tree) to find a level base for your trailer. Parking and launch are paved with "Pea Gravel" which makes for a real mess after a rain. There is room for about 6 trailers so get there early. One of the few lakes around with no launch fee. 

Lake: 129 acres. A small but interesting lake since about 1/4 of shoreline undeveloped and swampy (East side). Although a small lake it has quite a few big bass (click on "Creel Summary for Fish Caught 17" and Larger) . It has the state wide bass size limit of 14" which means if you want to take one or two small ones home this is a good lake to try. You can easily cover the entire lake in about 4 hours so its nice for a short trip or to take a lunch break (try the Paradise Restaurant on Hwy 50 on the road to the launch) and fish another lake later like nearby Hooker or Silver.

4. Delavan Lake  (Delavan, Wis)

Satellite Picture Launch:

<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Delavan+Lake,+wi&sll=42.538268,-88.139598&sspn=0.007304,0.01502&ie=UTF8&ll=42.61958,-88.582157&spn=0.001824,0.003755&t=h&z=18>

Road Map:

(Launch on Hwy 50 & S. Shore Dr) <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Delavan+Lake,+wi&sll=42.538268,-88.139598&sspn=0.007304,0.01502&ie=UTF8&ll=42.61958,-88.582157&spn=0.007295,0.01502&z=16>

Reid's Comments:

Launch: Very good paved launch with excellent piers. Allot of parking but on gravel and grass.  The launch fees vary based on size of boat and are relatively high (i.e. 21ft boat was $12.50 a few years ago but may be more now). 

Lake: 1,775 acres. One of the best big fish lakes around for not only bass but other species. It can get very weedy in summer and sometimes the filamentatious algae can be a real nuisance.  A great lake to fish for lots of big bass in the Spring (click on "Creel Summary for Fish Caught 17" and larger" )

5. Hooker Lake  (Paddock Lake, Wis) 

Satellite Picture Launch:

<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Hooker+Lake,+wi&sll=42.603578,-88.496075&sspn=0.027671,0.060081&ie=UTF8&ll=42.565124,-88.100502&spn=0.006922,0.01502&t=h&z=16>

Reid's Comments:

Launch: Good paved launch with nice "one boat" pier but a tight turn for a long boat. paved parking with room for about 6 trailers. Most of the year the launch is very weedy and you can spend allot of time trying to clean of weeds from your boat and trailer after you pull out. The launch fee was $3.00 in 2017.

Lake: 102 acres.  A small but nice lake to fish with enough big bass to keep up interest. I got one almost 21" in October 2009.

6. Lake Como  (Lake Como, Wis)

Satellite Picture Launch:

<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Lake+Como,+wi&sll=42.61958,-88.582157&sspn=0.007295,0.01502&ie=UTF8&ll=42.599338,-88.506557&spn=0.00173,0.003755&t=h&z=18>

Road Map:

(Launch at Dandelion Rd and Lakeshore Dr) <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Lake+Como,+wi&sll=42.61958,-88.582157&sspn=0.007295,0.01502&ie=UTF8&ll=42.603578,-88.496075&spn=0.027671,0.060081&z=14>

Road Map:

(Launch end of 242nd Ave) <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Hooker+Lake,+wi&sll=42.603578,-88.496075&sspn=0.027671,0.060081&ie=UTF8&ll=42.565124,-88.100502&spn=0.013844,0.030041&z=15>

Reid's Comments:

Launch: Good paved launch with a short "one boat" pier. Launch fee around $6.00. Plenty of paved parking.

Lake: 906 acres. I has a reputation for big bass. I've only fished it a few times but I did get one bass around 4-5 pounds several years ago.  Relatively large lake but about 1/2 is very shallow and swampy.  Should be good in the Spring but if you hit a clear sky "blue bird" day I'd recommend another lake. 

7. Lake Geneva  (Lake Geneva, WI) 

Road Map, Launch on Geneva street in Williams Bay WI:

283 E Geneva St, Williams Bay, WI 53191 Directions, Location and Map | MapQuest

Reid's Comments:

Launch: Several good paved launches but I like Williams Bay best.  Several piers. Launch fee varies but is about $12.50 for a 21 ft. boat. Room for about 20 boats on paved parking.

Lake: 5,262 acres. One of the best small mouth/largemouth lakes around but because of its sized and depth it can be very intimidating to any fisherman let alone a beginner. If you have never fished Geneva before I recommend you do it on a weekday (weekends are much too crowed) in May or June and hire a guide.  You won't be disappointed. 

8. Nagawicka Lake  (Delafield, WI) 

Satellite Picture Launch:

<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Nagawicka+Lake,+wi&sll=42.565124,-88.100502&sspn=0.013844,0.030041&ie=UTF8&ll=43.063981,-88.378057&spn=0.003433,0.00751&t=h&z=17>

Road Map:

(Launch end of Mariner Dr) <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Nagawicka+Lake,+wi&sll=42.565124,-88.100502&sspn=0.013844,0.030041&ie=UTF8&ll=43.062241,-88.371449&spn=0.027467,0.060081&z=14>

Reid's Comments:

Launch: Great paved launch and several piers in a protected cove.  Launch fee $6.00 as of 2006. I expct it has increased somewhat.

Lake: 957 acres. Very clear lake which can make it tough to fish. The "Kettle" (small "lake" on north side) is great for heavy gear and long casts into the flat stump/fall down wooded areas.  Very busy on weekends with fast boats flying around.

9. Paddock Lake (Paddock Lake, Wis)

Satellite Picture Launch:

<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Paddock+Lake,+wi&sll=43.062241,-88.371449&sspn=0.027467,0.060081&ie=UTF8&ll=42.573898,-88.095873&spn=0.001825,0.003755&t=h&z=18>

Road Map:

(Launch end of 68th St & 238th Ave) <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Paddock+Lake,+wi&sll=43.062241,-88.371449&sspn=0.027467,0.060081&ie=UTF8&ll=42.571524,-88.095739&spn=0.007301,0.01502&z=16>

Reid's Comments:

Launch: Good paved launch with a one boat pier.  I can't recall the launch fee but its probably around $3.00 or $4.00. The parking lot is about two blocks away. That's why I have not fished it for quite awhile since if you are alone you have to block the launch pier with your bot while walking the two blocks back & forth from the parking lot. 

Lake: 130 acres.  Relatively clear lake. I've heard good things about the fishing in 2011 so I think I'll give it a try again when I can find a buddy to help launch.

10. Phantom Lake (Upper & Lower) (Phantom Lake, Wis)

Satellite Picture Launch:

(Launch: Lower Phantom lake on Andrews Street at Phantom Glen Park) <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Phantom+Lake,+wi&sll=42.571524,-88.095739&sspn=0.007301,0.01502&ie=UTF8&ll=42.856494,-88.332717&spn=0.00689,0.01502&t=h&z=16>

Road Map:

<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Phantom+Lake,+wi&sll=42.571524,-88.095739&sspn=0.007301,0.01502&ie=UTF8&ll=42.853316,-88.328018&spn=0.01378,0.030041&z=15>

Reid's Comments:

Launch: Paved launch with one low wooden pier with no place to tie down a boat.  No pier tie downs make it tough to launch by yourself. No launch fee.  Room to park about 10 trailers on paved area and room for a few more trailers on an unpaved area.

Lake: Upper 102 acres and lower 433 acres. Lower is shallow and marshy. Great place for heavy gear.  Upper is deep "pothole" type lake.  Its a good lake. I'd fish it more if it was closer and had a better pier for launching alone. 

11. Powers Lake (Powers Lake, Wis)

Satellite Picture Launch: 

<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Powers+Lake,+wi&sll=42.853316,-88.328018&sspn=0.01378,0.030041&ie=UTF8&ll=42.551474,-88.288265&spn=0.000913,0.001878&t=h&z=19>

Road Map:

(Launch on Co Hwy F, Bloomfield Rd, about 1/4 mile West of 392nd ave) <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Powers+Lake,+wi&sll=42.853316,-88.328018&sspn=0.01378,0.030041&ie=UTF8&ll=42.56269,-88.2827&spn=0.058413,0.120163&z=13>

Reid's Comments:

Launch: Good concrete launch with a short "one boat" Pier.  They have several large signs stating "No Power Loading" but the launch is level and the right depth so it is relatively easy to float your boat onto a trailer with a couple of ropes while still standing on the pier. The launch is in the open and can be tough to load your boat on the trailer without power on a windy day. The launch fee is $7.00.  Paved parking for about 15 trailers.   

Lake: 459 acres. Shoreline is completely developed. A relatively clear sandy/rocky lake with some nice drop offs, points and humps.  Its shoreline is completely developed.  Generally a good bass lake. 

12. Silver Lake (Silver Lake, Wis)

Satellite Picture Launch:

<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Silver+Lake,+wi&sll=42.56269,-88.2827&sspn=0.058413,0.120163&ie=UTF8&ll=42.557451,-88.154125&spn=0.003461,0.00751&t=h&z=17>

Road Map:

(Launch: driving west on Hwy 50 Turn south (left) at 288th ave (Hwy B). Watch closely for very small "Launch" sign on east side of road)  <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Silver+Lake,+wi&sll=42.56269,-88.2827&sspn=0.058413,0.120163&ie=UTF8&ll=42.558707,-88.140049&spn=0.027691,0.060081&z=14>

Reid's Comments:

Launch: Good paved launch with one short pier.  The launch is in a narrow channel which can be a little tricky to maneuver with a long boat. It can get pretty tough to get in and out if more than one boat in the launch area. The channel is very muddy.  Paved parking for 15- 20 trailers. No launch fee.

Lake: 464 acres. One bay (to the left of launch as you go into the lake) is marshy and undeveloped.  Fairly clear lake with some nice weed line drop offs.   I have not fished it much in the last few years. Lots of bass but most are 12-13 inches. One of the few lakes in the area that has good sized musky (I had one on that ripped off my line then said good-by).