What Graner Bottoms offers and when to fish it

Graner Bottoms is a shallow, weedy backwater section of the Chippewa River in western Wisconsin, roughly 15 miles south of Eau Claire. It holds walleye and northern pike year-round, with the strongest fishing from late spring through early fall when the water warms and the weed growth thickens. The bottoms—a series of connected pools and side channels—sit in a slower-moving stretch where the river spreads wide and shallow, creating the kind of habitat walleye love: soft bottom, vegetation, and current breaks.

The character of Graner Bottoms is distinctly different from the main Chippewa channel. Where the river proper runs swift and deep, the bottoms are intimate and weedy. You're fishing among stands of coontail and wild rice, working tight to fallen timber and channel edges. The water clarity varies with recent rainfall—it can run clear enough to sight-fish in summer, or stained brown after a heavy rain. That variation matters for lure choice and timing.

Summer (June through August) is peak season. Water temperatures climb into the low 70s, walleye move into the weed edges at dawn and dusk, and pike become aggressive. Fall (September and early October) brings cooler water and excellent fishing as walleye feed heavily before winter. Spring (May) can be good once the water clears and warms past 55 degrees, though the river often runs high and murky from snowmelt.

Key Takeaways

  • Graner Bottoms is a shallow, weedy backwater of the Chippewa River where walleye and pike congregate around vegetation and timber from May through October.
  • Early morning and evening are most productive; midday fishing is slow unless the water is stained or overcast.
  • Soft plastics, small crankbaits, and live bait (shiners or crawfish) all work, but weed-guard hooks and snag-resistant presentations are essential.
  • Access is from public boat landings near Eau Claire; the bottoms are navigable by small to medium jon boats and canoes, though shallow draft is an advantage.
  • Wisconsin fishing licenses and inland trout stamps are required; check current regulations for walleye and pike bag limits before you go.

How to reach Graner Bottoms and where to launch

Graner Bottoms sits on the Chippewa River between the towns of Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. The most direct public access is the Eau Claire City Boat Landing on the south side of Eau Claire, off Water Street. From there, you motor downstream (south) roughly 10 to 15 minutes to reach the backwater section. The landing has paved ramps, parking, and restrooms—a solid starting point if you're unfamiliar with the river.

An alternative is the Chippewa Falls Landing, north of the bottoms, which puts you upstream. Launching there means motoring downstream to reach Graner Bottoms, but the approach gives you a different angle on the water and can be less crowded on weekends.

Both landings charge a small daily fee (amounts vary by year and municipality). Arrive early on summer weekends; parking fills by mid-morning. The bottoms themselves are navigable by jon boats, small bass boats, and canoes. A shallow-draft boat (under 18 inches) is ideal because the water depth ranges from 3 to 8 feet, and you'll want to poke into side channels and weed pockets where a deep-V hull can run aground.

What fish live here and how they behave

Walleye are the primary target. They use the weed edges and timber as ambush points, especially in low-light conditions. In summer, they move shallow at dawn and dusk—often into water 3 to 6 feet deep—then retreat to deeper channels (8 to 12 feet) during midday. The soft bottom and vegetation provide cover and attract baitfish, so walleye concentrate here rather than in the faster main channel.

Northern pike are abundant and often larger than you'd expect. They patrol the weed edges and hunt in the open pockets between vegetation. Pike are less time-sensitive than walleye; they'll bite throughout the day, especially if you're throwing larger lures or live bait. A 24-inch pike is common; 30-inch fish are possible.

Panfish (bluegill, crappie) are present but not the focus. They inhabit the shallower, weedier margins and can be a bonus catch on light tackle if you're between walleye bites.

Tackle, lures, and bait that work here

Soft plastics are reliable. Rig 4- to 5-inch paddle-tail swimbaits or shad-shaped plastics on 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jigheads with weed guards. Work them slowly along weed edges and around timber. The weed guard prevents constant snagging, which is critical in this habitat. Colors that match local baitfish—silver, pearl, and chartreuse—are standard, but don't overlook darker patterns (black, purple) on overcast days or in stained water.

Small crankbaits (2 to 3 inches) that dive to 4 to 6 feet work well for walleye, especially early and late in the day. Stick with models that have a tight wiggle rather than a wide wobble; they're easier to work through weeds and less likely to foul.

Live bait—shiners (4 to 6 inches) or crawfish—is effective, especially for pike. Fish them on a simple slip-sinker rig or under a bobber in the shallower pockets. Live bait also produces walleye, particularly at dawn.

Avoid heavy lures and open-hook presentations; the weeds will defeat you. Weed-guard jigs, inline spinners with weed guards, and topwater lures (early morning only) are better choices than unprotected hooks or deep-diving crankbaits.

Seasonal patterns and the best times to fish

Spring (May) can be productive once water temperatures reach 55 to 60 degrees and the river clears. Walleye are moving into shallower water after spawning. Fish early morning and evening; midday is slow. Water levels are often high from snowmelt, which can make the bottoms harder to navigate and fish less predictable.

Summer (June through August) is peak season. Water temperatures in the low 70s trigger aggressive feeding. Fish the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset; walleye bite hard during these windows. Midday is slow unless the water is stained or the sky is heavily overcast. Pike bite throughout the day. Weed growth is thick, which concentrates fish but also makes navigation trickier.

Fall (September and early October) brings excellent fishing as walleye feed heavily before winter. Water temperatures drop into the 60s, and walleye move shallower and stay active longer into the day. This is often the most consistent season. By late October, water temperatures drop below 50 degrees and fishing slows significantly.

Winter is possible through ice, but access and conditions vary. Check with local bait shops or the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for current ice thickness and regulations before attempting winter fishing.

Regulations and what you need to know before you go

You must have a valid Wisconsin fishing license. Residents and non-residents purchase licenses through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at bait shops near Eau Claire. Daily, three-day, and annual licenses are available.

Walleye and pike have specific bag limits and size restrictions that change year to year. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations (available on the DNR website) before you fish. As of recent years, walleye typically have a daily bag limit of five fish with a 15-inch minimum size, and pike have a daily bag limit of one fish with a 24-inch minimum, but these numbers vary. Regulations can change, so verify before you go.

The Chippewa River is public water, and Graner Bottoms has no special restrictions beyond statewide rules. No motors are banned in this section, though the shallow water and weeds naturally limit boat speed.

Nearby water and alternative fishing options

If Graner Bottoms is crowded or conditions aren't right, the main Chippewa River channel (both upstream and downstream) holds walleye and pike in deeper, faster water. The character is different—you're fishing current breaks and deeper holes rather than weed edges—but the fish are there.

The Eau Claire River, which joins the Chippewa near Eau Claire, offers similar habitat and species. It's smaller and often less crowded than the Chippewa proper.

If you want a change of pace, Eau Claire Lake (also called Eau Claire Pond), a few miles south, is a warmwater reservoir with largemouth bass, panfish, and some walleye. It's a different fishery—shallower, more weedy, and more suited to small boats and canoes—but worth exploring if you're in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Graner Bottoms from shore?

Shore access is limited. The bottoms are surrounded by private land and vegetation, so a boat is the practical way to fish. The public landings at Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls are your entry points.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (sunrise to two hours after) and evening (two hours before sunset to dark) are most productive for walleye. Pike bite throughout the day. Midday is slow unless the water is stained or overcast.

Do I need a guide to fish Graner Bottoms?

No, but a guide can accelerate your learning curve, especially if you're unfamiliar with the river. Local guides operate out of Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls and know the bottoms well. For self-guided fishing, arrive early, fish the weed edges and timber, and be patient during the heat of the day.

What's the water depth in Graner Bottoms?

Depth ranges from 3 to 8 feet in the main backwater, with deeper channels (10 to 12 feet) running through the middle. Shallow-draft boats handle the area better than deep-V hulls.

Is the water clear enough to sight-fish?

In summer, after a few days without rain, visibility can reach 3 to 4 feet, which allows some sight-fishing for pike and walleye in shallow water. After heavy rain, the water turns brown and visibility drops to 1 to 2 feet, which actually improves bite rates because fish rely more on vibration and smell.