March 24, 2024
With more than 15,000 lakes and 84,000 miles of rivers, there is no shortage of fishing in Wisconsin – and Wisconsin Dells is right in the center of it all! Wisconsin Dells offers lakes, rivers, and streams holding everything from northern pike, sturgeon, and catfish to bass, panfish, and trout. There are even opportunities for fly-fishing and bowfishing enthusiasts!
If you’re interested in Wisconsin Dells fishing, here’s the inside scoop on what’s biting, where to catch it, who to call if you need a guide, and where to buy bait or rent/launch a boat.
Favorite Spots for Fishing in Wisconsin Dells
In addition to the Wisconsin River, the Dells area features several large man-made lakes, as well as smaller natural lakes.
- Wisconsin River: The Upper and Lower Dells are a fishing paradise, with northern pike, walleye, bass, panfish, musky, and sturgeon. It’s a year-round season for all game and panfish, but musky and sturgeon are a seasonal catch. Get a sturgeon tag from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to catch this giant fish in September.
- Lake Delton: Species include northern pike, walleye, bass, and panfish. This popular vacation lake comes in at 254 acres with a maximum depth of 16 feet. It is a popular lake for ice fishing, as well.
- Devil’s Lake State Park: Fish from the shore or by boat (electric motors only) for brown trout, walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish. This non-motorized lake measures 368 acres with a max depth of 50 feet. It’s also popular with ice anglers targeting brown trout.
- Mirror Lake State Park: Locals favor this lake for catch-and-release largemouth bass, catch-and-take northern pike, and table-fare panfish. This 139-acre impoundment of Dell Creek has a max depth of 19 feet and is a “slow no wake” lake.
- Castle Rock Lake: Located just north of Wisconsin Dells, Castle Rock Lake is the fourth largest inland lake in Wisconsin, spanning nearly 14,000 acres with a max depth of 35 feet. You can fish for walleye, musky, bass, and panfish.
Fishing the Dams
While the whole Wisconsin River is a productive fishery, these two dams are among the best fishing spots in Wisconsin Dells.
- Kilbourn Dam (also commonly called the Wisconsin Dells dam) is a hydroelectric dam that separates the Upper and Lower Dells of the Wisconsin River. During the spring, walleye and white bass have an upriver migration and congregate here in good numbers. Flathead catfish are another common catch at this location.
- Castle Rock Flowage was created in the late 1940s by another hydroelectric dam that backed up the Wisconsin and Yellow Rivers. Today, this is a hot spot for catfish and musky anglers and, in spring, for those in search of walleye.
Introducing Kids to Trout Fishing
Want to get kids interested in fishing? Try taking them to B & H Trout Fishing & Bait Shop. B & H provides little anglers with trout stamps, fishing equipment, and bait. No fishing license is required, and customers pay by the inch of their catch. Make a day of it by grilling and eating your catch at their large picnic area!
Try Your Hand at Bowfishing
While the Upper Dells of the Wisconsin River has become a well-known destination for traditional anglers, it is quickly gaining popularity with bowfishing fans. Redbeard Bowfishing offers guided bowfishing for carp, catfish, and sheepshead. All the equipment is provided, and guests may bring a cooler with snacks and drinks (no glass or hard liquor). Two- and four-hour charters are available. If you choose the night charter, you’ll likely see other wildlife including beavers, turtles, cranes, and the occasional bear and otter.
Bait and Boat Rentals
To make the most of fishing in Wisconsin Dells, you’ll need expert advice on bait and easy access to boat rentals and launches.
Boat Launches for Wisconsin Dells Fishing
For those with their own boat, there are plenty of places to launch.
- Lower Dells of the Wisconsin River: Use the launch area at Newport Park. There’s an $8.50 daily fee or, if you’re a frequent fishing visitor, opt for the seasonal pass available by calling (608) 254-2558.
- Upper Dells of the Wisconsin River: The boat ramp is located at the intersection of River Road and Indiana Avenue. The pay station accepts credit cards.
- Lake Delton: There’s a free public boat landing at Adams Street and Canyon Road.
- Mirror Lake State Park: Head to the boat landing on the east side, accessed through the state park. A Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required for entrance.
- Devil’s Lake State Park: There are boat launches on both the north and south ends of the lake. A Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required for entrance.
- Castle Rock Lake: Choose from a half dozen launches, some public, some private.
For more information on boat launches, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.
Wisconsin Dells Camping: Enjoy Campgrounds in Wisconsin
What’s better than sitting by a campfire after a day of fishing? Wisconsin Dells offers options ranging from tent camping, to RV parks, to amenity-laden camping cabins. Want more info? We’ve got everything you need to know about camping in Wisconsin Dells.
A Few Notes on Fishing Licenses and State Park Passes
- If you’re a Wisconsin resident, an annual fishing license will run you $20.
- For non-residents, it’s based on length of stay - $15 for one day, $29 for a four-day license, $33 for 15 days, and $55 for an annual license.
- The license is valid April 1-March 31.
- No license is necessary for anyone under age 16.
- A separate trout stamp is $10.
- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also offers free fishing weekends every June and January so you can wet your line without purchasing a license.
- All the details are spelled out at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ “Go Wild” website.
- State park stickers are good for the full calendar year and are good in all state parks and recreational areas. Stickers are $28 for residents and $38 for non-residents. Daily and hourly stickers are also available. Purchase them at the state park of your choice or online.
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Updated: 03/24/2024