What Cedar Lake offers walleye and pike anglers
Cedar Lake sits in Vilas County, Wisconsin, about 20 minutes south of Eagle River. It's a 2,400-acre lake with a solid reputation for walleye and northern pike, and it draws anglers year-round because the fish are there and the access is straightforward. The lake has a public boat launch on the south end, and the bottom is a mix of sand, rock, and muck—the kind of structure that holds walleye through the seasons.
Walleye fishing here is strongest in spring and fall, when the fish move into shallower water and feed more predictably. Summer walleye tend to go deep, but they're still catchable if you work the drop-offs and use live bait or jigging presentations. Pike run larger than average for Wisconsin lakes—you'll see plenty in the 24- to 28-inch range, and fish over 30 inches show up often enough to make it worth throwing big baits and lures. The lake also holds musky, though they're not the primary draw; if you're targeting them, you'll want to focus on the deeper basins and weed edges in low light.
Key Takeaways
- Cedar Lake's public launch is on the south shore, and the lake is deep enough and large enough that you can fish it productively from a small boat or canoe.
- Walleye bite best in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October), with summer fishing requiring deeper presentations and live bait.
- Northern pike average 24 to 28 inches, and the lake produces fish over 30 inches regularly enough to justify pike-specific tackle.
- The lake is open year-round, and winter ice fishing for walleye and pike is popular; check current ice conditions before heading out.
- Wisconsin fishing licenses are required for all anglers 16 and older, and walleye and pike are subject to state bag and size limits.
Spring walleye fishing: April through May
Spring is when Cedar Lake walleye move shallow and feed aggressively. In April, target the transition zones where the lake bottom rises from deep water into 8 to 15 feet—these areas warm faster than the deep basin and attract walleye looking to spawn or feed after winter. Live shiners or fathead minnows under a slip bobber work well, as do small jigs tipped with minnow. The south and east shorelines tend to produce first because they face the sun and warm earlier.
By May, walleye have moved into spawning areas and feeding patterns become less predictable, but the bite can still be strong early and late in the day. Dusk and dawn are your best windows. If you're fishing during midday, move to deeper structure—the drop-offs on the north side of the lake hold walleye that have already spawned and are recovering. A 1/4-ounce jig with a minnow or a small crankbait that reaches 10 to 15 feet will cover water efficiently.
Summer and fall transitions
Summer walleye on Cedar Lake are a deeper proposition. By June, most fish have moved to the 25- to 40-foot range, and you'll need to work the basin edges and any rock structure you can find. Vertical jigging with live bait is the most effective approach—drop a minnow-tipped jig straight down and work it slowly. Night fishing for walleye also picks up in summer; if you have a boat with a trolling motor, working the shallower edges (12 to 20 feet) after dark with live bait can produce solid results.
Fall is the other prime season. As water cools in September and October, walleye move back toward shallower structure and feed more actively. The same spring presentations work well—live bait under a bobber, small jigs, and crankbaits in the 8- to 15-foot zone. October can be exceptional because the water is cool enough that walleye stay active throughout the day, not just at dawn and dusk. Pike fishing also improves in fall; the cooler water triggers aggressive feeding, and larger pike move into shallower bays to hunt.
Northern pike and musky tactics
Cedar Lake pike respond well to live bait presentations and large lures. If you're targeting pike specifically, use 6- to 8-inch shiners or herring under a bobber in the weed beds and along the shoreline structure. For lure fishing, large spinnerbaits (1/2 to 3/4 ounce), crankbaits that dive to 12 feet, and soft plastics in the 5- to 7-inch range all produce. Pike on Cedar Lake are not as selective as walleye, so don't overthink it—cast along weed edges, rock points, and drop-offs, and work the lure with enough action to draw attention.
Musky fishing requires patience and a different mindset. Focus on the deepest basins and the edges where deep water meets structure. Large lures—8- to 10-inch crankbaits, big spinnerbaits, and swimbaits—are standard. Musky fishing is low-percentage fishing, but Cedar Lake holds enough fish that a dedicated angler can connect. Early morning and late evening are best, and overcast days often outproduce sunny ones.
Winter ice fishing on Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake freezes reliably by late December, and ice fishing for walleye and pike runs through February and into early March. Walleye fishing under the ice follows the same depth logic as open water—look for the transition zones and drop-offs where walleye hold. A jigging spoon tipped with a minnow or a live minnow under a tip-up both work. Pike fishing in winter is often more productive than summer pike fishing because the fish are concentrated in deeper water and respond to live bait presentations.
Before heading out, check current ice conditions with local bait shops or the Vilas County Sheriff's Department. Ice thickness can vary across the lake, and early and late season ice is always thinner than mid-winter ice. A hand auger, a shelter, and a depth finder make winter fishing more comfortable and productive. Many anglers fish from portable shelters and move frequently to find active fish.
Access, regulations, and planning your trip
The public boat launch on Cedar Lake's south shore has parking and is maintained year-round. The launch is free, and there's no reservation system—it's first-come, first-served. The lake is about 20 minutes from Eagle River, where you'll find gas, food, and lodging. If you're planning a multi-day trip, Eagle River has several resorts and cabins that cater to anglers.
Wisconsin fishing licenses are required for all anglers 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources or at any bait shop in the area. Walleye and pike are subject to state bag and size limits—walleye have a 5-fish daily bag limit with a 15-inch minimum size, and pike have a 2-fish daily bag limit with a 24-inch minimum size. Musky have a 1-fish daily bag limit with a 40-inch minimum. These regulations can change, so check the current Wisconsin fishing guide before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to fish Cedar Lake?
Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons for walleye. Summer requires deeper presentations and night fishing. Pike fishing improves in fall and winter. Winter ice fishing can be excellent if you're willing to fish in cold conditions.
Do I need a guide to fish Cedar Lake?
No, the lake is accessible and straightforward to fish on your own. The public launch is easy to use, and the structure is not complicated. If you're new to the area or want to learn the lake faster, hiring a guide for a day or two can accelerate your learning curve, but it's not necessary.
Can I fish Cedar Lake from shore?
Yes, the south and east shorelines have public access points and produce walleye and pike, especially in spring and fall. Shore fishing is more limited than boat fishing because you can't reach the deeper structure, but it's a viable option if you don't have a boat.
What size pike should I expect to catch?
Cedar Lake pike average 24 to 28 inches, and fish over 30 inches are common. You'll occasionally encounter pike in the 35- to 40-inch range. The lake is known for producing larger pike than many Wisconsin lakes of similar size.
Is Cedar Lake crowded?
Cedar Lake is popular but not overcrowded. Spring and fall weekends draw more anglers, but weekdays are typically quiet. Winter ice fishing brings anglers out, but the lake is large enough that you can find solitude if you're willing to move away from the main launch area.