What Pierce Lake offers anglers

Pierce Lake sits in Vilas County in the heart of Wisconsin's North Woods, about 20 minutes south of Eagle River. It's a shallow, weedy lake that runs roughly 600 acres and holds a solid population of walleye and northern pike, with some largemouth bass mixed in. The lake's character—murky water, heavy vegetation, and a muck bottom in most places—makes it a different kind of fishing than the clearer, deeper lakes nearby. If you're used to working structure on lakes like Trout or Vilas, Pierce will feel more like hunting in a marsh than picking apart a rocky shoreline.

The walleye here are catchable year-round, but they're not huge—most run 12 to 16 inches, with occasional fish pushing 18. The pike are the real draw for many anglers; they're plentiful and aggressive, and you can catch them on live bait, jigs, and topwater without the long waits you'll face on some of the more famous pike lakes. Spring and fall are the most predictable seasons, though summer can be excellent if you fish early and late in the day.

Key Takeaways

  • Pierce Lake holds walleye and northern pike in shallow, weedy water that requires different tactics than clearer Northwoods lakes.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent action, though summer mornings and evenings can be excellent for pike.
  • Public boat access is available at the Pierce Lake public landing on County Road M, with a paved ramp and parking for trailers.
  • Wisconsin fishing licenses and a trout stamp (if you plan to fish other waters in the area) are required; check current regulations for daily limits and size restrictions.
  • The lake sits close to Eagle River, which has lodging, tackle shops, and restaurants, making it easy to combine with other Northwoods fishing.

Getting to Pierce Lake and launching your boat

Pierce Lake's public landing is on County Road M on the lake's west side. The ramp is paved, well-maintained, and has a decent parking area for trailers—you won't have trouble finding a spot even on a busy weekend. The landing is straightforward to find if you're coming from Eagle River: head south on Highway 45, then follow the county road signs toward the lake. There's no launch fee.

If you don't have a boat, several outfitters in Eagle River rent aluminum boats and can set you up with a motor and basic gear. Expect to pay a daily rate for the rental; call ahead during peak season (May through September) to reserve. The lake is shallow enough that a 9.9-horsepower motor is plenty, and many anglers use smaller rigs or even paddle.

Walleye fishing on Pierce Lake

Walleye on Pierce respond best to live bait—shiners, chubs, and crawfish all work. The standard approach is a slip-sinker rig with a live bait under a bobber in 4 to 8 feet of water, or dragging a live bait along the weed edges in slightly deeper holes. The lake has scattered deeper pockets (10 to 14 feet) where walleye congregate in summer, but most of your success will come in the shallower, weedier zones.

Jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics also produce, especially in spring and fall when the water is cooler and the weeds are thinner. Work the jig slowly along the bottom near weed lines, and don't be afraid to cast into the thickest vegetation you can find—walleye here are used to hunting in cover. Early morning and dusk are prime times, but walleye bite throughout the day on Pierce, particularly if the sky is overcast.

Winter ice fishing is popular here too. Tip-ups with live shiners work well, and jigging with small spoons or live bait under the ice produces steady action. The lake typically freezes solid by mid-December and stays fishable through February.

Northern pike tactics and seasons

Pike on Pierce are aggressive and abundant, which makes this lake a good choice if you want to catch numbers rather than trophy fish. Most pike run 24 to 32 inches, with occasional fish in the 35-inch range. They're scattered throughout the lake but concentrate along weed edges, in shallow bays, and near any deeper holes or channels.

Spring (April through May) is when pike are most active and easiest to locate. They move shallow to spawn and feed heavily before and after. Cast large swimbaits, soft plastics, or live shiners along the weed lines and in the bays. Fall (September through October) is nearly as good—pike feed aggressively before winter, and the cooler water pushes them into slightly deeper zones but keeps them hungry.

Summer pike fishing requires patience. Fish early (before 9 a.m.) and late (after 6 p.m.) when pike are active in the shallows. Midday, they retreat to deeper water or bury themselves in the thickest weeds. Topwater lures at dawn and dusk can be exciting and productive. Winter pike fishing is possible through the ice, though it's slower than spring and fall.

Regulations and licensing

You'll need a current Wisconsin fishing license to fish Pierce Lake. Licenses are sold online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores in Eagle River, and at many resorts and bait shops around town. A daily license costs less than a full-season license if you're just passing through.

Walleye and pike have specific size and bag limits that change year to year. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you go—the DNR publishes them online and prints them on the back of your license. As of recent years, walleye typically have a 15-inch minimum and a daily bag limit, while pike have a 24-inch minimum. These rules exist to keep the fishery healthy, so follow them closely.

If you plan to fish other lakes in the area (like Trout Lake or Vicar Lake), you may need a trout stamp in addition to your base license. Check the regulations guide to see which waters require it.

When to fish Pierce Lake

Spring (late April through May) is the most reliable season. Walleye and pike are both active, the weather is warming, and the lake is less crowded than summer. Water temperatures climb from the low 40s to the mid-50s, and fish feed heavily.

Summer (June through August) can be excellent if you fish the right times. Early morning and evening produce the best action; midday is slow. The lake gets busier with recreational boaters, so plan your trip for weekdays if you can.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for consistent fishing. Water cools back into the 50s and 40s, fish become aggressive again, and the Northwoods landscape is stunning. Fewer anglers are on the water, and the bugs are gone.

Winter ice fishing runs from mid-December through February. The lake freezes solid and stays fishable for most of the season. It's a different experience—quieter, slower, and meditative—but walleye and pike bite steadily under the ice.

Nearby resources and lodging

Eagle River, about 20 minutes north, has everything you need: tackle shops, boat rentals, gas, food, and lodging. Several resorts on Pierce Lake itself offer cabins and boat access, which is convenient if you want to stay close to the water. Call ahead to reserve, especially during peak season.

The Northwoods has dozens of other lakes within an hour's drive—Trout Lake, Vicar Lake, and Presque Isle are all nearby and worth exploring if you want to fish multiple waters during a trip. Each has its own character and fish populations, so mixing them into your itinerary gives you variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Spring (late April through May) and fall (September through October) are most consistent for both walleye and pike. Summer can be good if you fish early morning and evening. Winter ice fishing is also productive if you're equipped for it.

Do I need a boat to fish Pierce Lake?

A boat makes fishing much easier, but it's not required. You can shore fish from the public landing area, though your options are limited. Boat rentals are available in Eagle River if you don't have your own.

What size pike and walleye can I expect to catch?

Walleye typically run 12 to 16 inches, with occasional fish to 18 inches. Pike are more abundant and average 24 to 32 inches, with some reaching 35 inches or more. This is a numbers lake rather than a trophy lake.

Can I fish Pierce Lake in winter?

Yes. The lake freezes solid by mid-December and stays fishable through February. Ice fishing for walleye and pike is productive, though slower than spring and fall. You'll need an ice auger, shelter, and proper safety gear.

Where do I buy a Wisconsin fishing license?

Licenses are sold online through the Wisconsin DNR website, at sporting goods stores in Eagle River, and at many resorts and bait shops. A daily license costs less than a full-season license if you're visiting for just a few days.