What You'll Find at Deep Quarry Lake

Deep Quarry Lake sits in Bayfield County in far northern Wisconsin, a modest 90-acre impoundment that punches above its weight for walleye and northern pike. The lake formed from an old quarry operation, which means the bottom drops fast—you'll find depths over 60 feet in the center—and the structure that creates good fishing is already built in. The shoreline is mostly wooded and undeveloped, with a public boat launch on the south end that serves as your entry point.

This is not a destination lake that draws crowds from three states over. It's the kind of water where a local angler or someone willing to drive two hours north from the Twin Cities can find genuine solitude and consistent walleye action, especially in spring and fall. The pike population is a bonus—they run decent size here, and they'll hit the same presentations you're using for walleye.

Key Takeaways

  • Deep Quarry Lake holds walleye and northern pike in a 90-acre footprint with depths exceeding 60 feet, making it a compact fishery where structure matters.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent walleye action; summer requires deeper presentations and night fishing to avoid the thermocline.
  • The public boat launch on the south shore is your only access point, and the lake is small enough to cover thoroughly in a half day.
  • Live bait—shiners and crawlers—outperforms artificials for walleye here, though jigs and crankbaits work for pike year-round.

Spring and Fall: Peak Walleye Seasons

April through May and September through October are when Deep Quarry Lake fishes best. In spring, walleye move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively before and after the spawn window. Focus on the structure near the launch area and the shallow flats on the north end—you're looking for 8 to 15 feet of water where the bottom transitions from sand to rock or weeds. Live shiners under a slip bobber work well, or cast jigs tipped with crawlers along the breaklines.

Fall is similar in approach but different in feel. The water cools, walleye push back into slightly deeper zones (15 to 25 feet), and they feed heavily to prepare for winter. The same live-bait presentations work, but you may need to work the deeper structure more deliberately. Trolling a crankbait along the drop-offs can be effective if you want to cover water quickly, though casting jigs remains the most reliable method.

Both seasons reward patience and attention to detail. This lake is small enough that you can fish the same productive zone multiple times in a day and adjust based on what the fish tell you.

Summer Fishing: Deeper Water and Night Presentations

Summer presents a different challenge. The lake stratifies—warm water sits on top, cold water sinks to the bottom, and walleye retreat to the narrow band in between where oxygen and temperature align. During the day, this usually means fishing 25 to 40 feet, and the bite can be slow. Vertical jigging with live bait or small plastics directly below the boat is your most effective tactic.

Night fishing in summer often outperforms day fishing. Walleye move shallower after dark to feed, and you can return to the 10 to 20-foot zones that were productive in spring. Fish from dusk through the first few hours after dark, using live bait or casting jigs along the structure. Bring a headlamp with a red filter to preserve your night vision and avoid spooking fish.

Northern Pike: A Secondary Target Worth Pursuing

Deep Quarry Lake holds northern pike in the 24 to 32-inch range, with occasional fish pushing larger. They're not the primary draw, but they're present and willing. Pike here respond well to the same live shiners you're using for walleye, and they'll also crush jerkbaits and spinnerbaits cast along the weed edges and structure.

If you want to target pike specifically, focus on the shallow flats and weed beds in the northern and eastern sections of the lake. Early morning and late evening produce the most consistent action. Pike are less selective than walleye, so don't overthink your presentation—cast, retrieve with confidence, and let the pike decide.

Tackle and Bait Recommendations

For walleye, bring a 6 to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8-pound braided or monofilament line. Jigs in the 1/8 to 3/8-ounce range work best, tipped with live crawlers or shiners. Slip bobbers are equally effective for live-bait presentations, especially in spring. A few crankbaits in the 2 to 3-inch range—shad patterns and natural colors—give you options if you want to troll or cast.

For pike, step up to 10-pound line and consider a short fluorocarbon leader to resist their teeth. Jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and large shiners (4 to 6 inches) all produce. You don't need specialized pike gear; the same rod that works for walleye will handle pike up to 35 pounds without issue.

Live bait is your best bet year-round. A local bait shop in Bayfield or nearby Ashland will have shiners and crawlers in stock. If you prefer artificials, jigs remain the most versatile option across seasons and depths.

Access, Regulations, and Practical Details

The public boat launch is located on the south shore and is maintained by Bayfield County. There is no fee to launch, and the ramp accommodates trailers up to about 20 feet. Parking is limited but usually available. The lake is small enough that a 14 to 16-foot boat is more than adequate; a canoe or kayak works if you're willing to fish shallower structure and move slowly.

Wisconsin fishing regulations apply. You'll need a valid Wisconsin fishing license, which you can purchase online or at any bait shop. Walleye and pike have size and bag limits that change annually—check the current Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulations before you fish. As of recent seasons, walleye have a 15-inch minimum and a daily bag limit, while pike have a 24-inch minimum. These details matter, so verify before you go.

The lake is open year-round, though winter access requires ice-fishing equipment and caution. Spring and fall remain the most accessible and productive seasons for most anglers.

Getting There and Nearby Options

Deep Quarry Lake is located near Bayfield, Wisconsin, roughly two hours north of the Twin Cities and about 45 minutes east of Superior. From Bayfield, take County Road D north, then follow local roads to the lake—a GPS coordinate or a call to the Bayfield County Parks Department will get you precise directions.

The region offers other fisheries nearby. Lake Superior is 30 minutes away if you want to chase lake trout or steelhead. The Brule River and Montreal River systems are within an hour's drive and offer smallmouth bass and walleye in a river setting. If you're planning a multi-day trip, Bayfield itself is a charming small town with lodging, restaurants, and access to the Apostle Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Deep Quarry Lake?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the most consistent walleye action and the easiest fishing conditions. Summer requires deeper presentations and night fishing. Winter is possible but demands ice-fishing experience and caution on a smaller lake.

Do I need a boat to fish Deep Quarry Lake?

A boat makes fishing more efficient, but a kayak or canoe works if you're willing to stay in shallower zones and move slowly. The public launch accommodates small trailers, and the lake is compact enough that you won't spend all day traveling between spots.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Walleye typically run 14 to 20 inches, with occasional fish pushing 24 inches. Pike range from 24 to 32 inches on average, with larger fish possible but less common. This is a consistent fishery, not a trophy lake, but the action is reliable.

Can I fish Deep Quarry Lake in winter?

Yes, but only if you have ice-fishing experience and proper safety equipment. The lake freezes solid, and the public launch area is accessible. Check ice thickness and local conditions before heading out, and never fish alone on a small lake in winter.

Where do I get live bait for Deep Quarry Lake?

Bait shops in Bayfield and Ashland stock shiners and crawlers year-round. Call ahead during winter to confirm availability. If you're traveling from a distance, some shops will hold bait for you if you call the day before.