What You'll Find at Barbee Lake

Barbee Lake is a shallow, weedy impoundment in Florence County, Wisconsin—about 45 minutes north of Rhinelander—that holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish in a setting that rewards patience and precision. The lake runs roughly 800 acres and averages 8 to 12 feet deep, with extensive weed beds and soft bottom that make it a classic walleye factory during spring and fall. The water is stained to moderately clear depending on recent rainfall, and the shoreline mixes bog, timber, and developed access points.

This is not a lake for speed fishing. Barbee rewards anglers who understand structure—the transition zones between shallow weeds and deeper holes, the old channel that cuts through the middle, the hard spots on soft bottom where walleye rest between feeding periods. Pike fishing here can be explosive in the shallows during early season, and the panfish bite stays steady through summer when walleye fishing slows.

Key Takeaways

  • Barbee Lake's shallow, weedy character makes it best for walleye in spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October), when fish move between deep and shallow water.
  • Public boat access is available at the Florence County landing on the south shore, with a paved ramp and parking for trailers.
  • Northern pike fishing peaks in May and early June in the shallow weed edges; walleye respond to live bait (shiners, crawlers) and jigs tipped with minnows year-round.
  • Summer fishing requires deeper presentations along the main channel and around the few hard-bottom spots; many anglers shift to panfish in July and August.

Spring Walleye: April Through Early June

Spring is when Barbee Lake shows its best walleye bite. As water temperatures climb from the low 40s into the 50s, walleye move out of the deepest holes and stage along the weed edges and shallow structure. Focus on the transition zones—where dense cabbage beds meet open water, or where the bottom rises from 12 feet to 6 feet. A jig-and-minnow combination (1/4 to 3/8 ounce) worked slowly along these edges will take fish consistently.

Live shiners under a slip bobber also work well in April and early May, especially in water 4 to 8 feet deep. Set your bobber to suspend the bait just above the weed tops, and work the edges methodically. The bite is often best in low-light conditions—early morning, late evening, and overcast days. By late May and early June, as water warms into the 60s, walleye begin moving deeper and the bite shifts toward the main channel and the few deeper holes (12 to 16 feet) where they rest during the day.

Pike Fishing in May and Early June

Northern pike in Barbee Lake are aggressive and abundant in the shallows during spring. May and early June are prime months—water temperatures in the 50s and 60s trigger feeding, and pike are still in the weeds rather than retreated to deeper summer haunts. Fish the shallow bays and weed edges with large swimbaits (4 to 6 inches), spinnerbaits, or topwater plugs. Early morning and late evening produce the most strikes, but pike will bite throughout the day if you're working the right cover.

Casting along the weed line and letting your lure pause at the edge often draws explosive strikes. Pike in this lake run 18 to 28 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 30 inches or better. Bring a net—the weeds are thick enough that a tired pike can wrap you up quickly. By mid-June, as water warms past 65 degrees, pike move into deeper weeds and the shallow bite slows considerably.

Summer: Deeper Water and Panfish

July and August are the slowest months for walleye on Barbee Lake. Water temperatures climb into the low 70s, and walleye retreat to the deepest available structure—the main channel, the few hard-bottom spots, and the edges of the deepest holes. If you want to pursue walleye in summer, fish early morning (before 9 a.m.) with live bait on the bottom in 14 to 18 feet of water. The bite is often short and concentrated, and many days are simply slow.

Summer is when panfish shine. Bluegill, crappie, and perch are abundant in the weed beds and around any available structure. A simple bobber-and-jig setup in 6 to 10 feet of water will keep you busy for hours. Many anglers switch to panfish in July and August and return to walleye hunting in September when the water begins to cool and fish move back into the shallows.

Fall Bite: September and October

Fall is Barbee Lake's second-best season for walleye. As water temperatures drop from the 70s into the 50s, walleye move back into the shallows to feed aggressively before winter. September and early October mirror spring conditions—fish the weed edges, the transition zones, and the shallow structure with jigs and live bait. The bite is often more consistent in fall than in spring because the water is cooling steadily rather than warming unpredictably.

By late October, as water drops into the 40s, walleye begin moving toward their winter haunts in the deepest holes. The window for shallow-water fishing closes, and anglers who want to continue must follow fish deeper. Many anglers consider late September through mid-October the best overall time to fish Barbee Lake for walleye—the weather is pleasant, the fish are feeding, and the bite is reliable.

Access and Practical Details

Public boat access is at the Florence County landing on the south shore of Barbee Lake. The ramp is paved, well-maintained, and has parking for trailers. There is no launch fee. The landing is located off County Road N, roughly 8 miles north of Florence, Wisconsin. Cell service can be spotty in the area, so plan your route before you leave town.

The lake is open year-round for fishing. Wisconsin walleye regulations allow two fish per day with a 15-inch minimum length. Pike have a 24-inch minimum and a one-fish daily limit. Panfish (bluegill, crappie, perch) have a 25-fish daily limit with no size restriction. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. Boat rentals are not available at the public landing, but several resorts and private operators in the Florence area rent boats by the day or week.

What to Bring and When to Go

Barbee Lake's shallow, weedy character means you need a boat that handles vegetation well. A shallow-draft aluminum boat with a trolling motor works best. Bring a weed rake or a way to clear your prop—you will get weeds. A GPS unit or smartphone app loaded with the lake map is useful for finding the channel and the few hard-bottom spots; the lake looks uniform from the water, but structure is everything.

Tackle should include 1/4 to 3/8 ounce jigs in white, chartreuse, and natural colors; live shiners and crawlers; and a selection of crankbaits and spinners for pike. Sunscreen, bug spray, and a rain jacket are essential—the bog country around Barbee Lake is exposed and weather can change quickly. Spring and fall offer the best combination of good fishing and pleasant weather. Summer is hot and buggy; winter access depends on ice thickness and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are best for walleye. Pike fishing peaks in May and early June. Summer is slowest for walleye but good for panfish. Winter ice fishing is possible but depends on ice conditions.

Do I need a guide to fish Barbee Lake?

No, but the lake rewards anglers who understand shallow-water structure and weed-edge fishing. If you're new to the lake, a guide can accelerate your learning curve and show you where the channel and hard-bottom spots are located. Several guides operate out of Florence and nearby towns.

Can I fish from shore at Barbee Lake?

Shore access is limited. The public landing has a small area for shore fishing, but most of the shoreline is private or bog. A boat is the best way to reach productive water. Kayaks work in shallow areas but can get tangled in weeds.

What size fish should I expect?

Walleye average 14 to 18 inches, with fish in the 20-inch range caught regularly. Pike run 18 to 28 inches on average. Panfish (bluegill and crappie) are typically 6 to 9 inches. The lake produces quality fish but not trophy numbers.

Is there lodging near Barbee Lake?

Florence, Wisconsin is 8 miles south and has several small motels and resorts. Rhinelander, 45 minutes south, has more options including chain hotels and cabin rentals. Many anglers stay in Rhinelander and make the drive north for the day.