What You'll Find at Hipple Lake

Hipple Lake is a shallow, weedy Central Wisconsin lake that holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish. The lake sits in Waushara County near the town of Coloma and runs roughly 200 acres, making it a manageable size for anglers who want to learn the water without spending weeks mapping it. The shallow structure—most of the lake runs 8 to 15 feet deep—means fish stay relatively close to weed lines and the few deeper holes, which concentrates your fishing effort and makes it easier to find fish consistently.

The walleye population here responds well to live bait and crankbaits worked along the weed edges, especially during the low-light hours of early morning and evening. Pike run larger than average for Wisconsin lakes this size, and they hunt the same weed corridors where walleye feed. Panfish—bluegill and crappie—are abundant and provide a solid option when walleye are sluggish or when you want to bring kids or less experienced anglers along.

Key Takeaways

  • Hipple Lake's shallow, weedy structure concentrates walleye and pike along defined weed lines, making it easier to locate fish than on larger, deeper lakes.
  • Early morning and evening produce the most consistent walleye action, especially in spring and fall when fish move into shallower water.
  • Live shiners and crawlers work better than artificials on this lake because the weedy bottom makes crankbaits snag frequently.
  • A Wisconsin fishing license and a trout stamp are required; check current regulations for daily bag limits and size restrictions before you fish.
  • The lake has a public boat launch on the north shore and limited shoreline access, so launching a boat is the most practical way to fish effectively.

When to Fish Hipple Lake

Spring (April through May) is when walleye move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively after winter. Water temperatures in the 45 to 55 degree range trigger the best bite, and you'll find fish in 4 to 8 feet of water along the weed edges. Early morning is critical during spring—fish feed hard for an hour or two after sunrise, then retreat to deeper water as the day warms.

Summer (June through August) slows the walleye bite considerably because fish move deeper and relate more to the few holes that drop to 20 feet or more. Pike remain active in the weeds throughout summer, and panfish bite consistently all day. If you're targeting walleye in summer, focus on dawn and dusk, and don't waste time fishing the shallow flats during midday.

Fall (September through October) brings another strong walleye bite as water cools and fish move back shallow to feed before winter. This is often the most consistent season on Hipple Lake because the bite lasts longer into the day than it does in spring. Pike are also aggressive in fall, and the cooler water makes them more willing to chase artificials.

How to Fish the Weed Lines

Hipple Lake's defining feature is its dense weed growth, which holds fish but also demands a specific approach. Rather than casting randomly, identify the weed edge—the line where dense vegetation meets open water—and work parallel to it. Cast toward the weeds and retrieve slowly, keeping your bait or lure in the strike zone for as long as possible. A 1/8-ounce jig tipped with a live minnow or crawler is the most reliable setup because it stays in the weeds without snagging as much as heavier lures.

If you're using live bait, a slip-sinker rig with a 2 to 3-foot leader works well. Cast it out, let it settle to the bottom, and keep slight tension on the line so you feel a bite immediately. Walleye on shallow lakes often mouth a bait before committing, so set the hook at the first sign of movement rather than waiting for a hard pull.

Pike fishing on Hipple Lake is simpler: throw larger artificials—spinnerbaits, crankbaits, or soft plastics in the 4 to 6-inch range—and work them through the weeds with a steady retrieve. Pike are less line-shy than walleye and will chase a lure aggressively if it's moving. Use a steel leader or heavy fluorocarbon to prevent bite-offs.

The Public Launch and Access

Hipple Lake has a public boat launch on the north shore, maintained by Waushara County. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp with a small parking area—it fills up on weekends during spring and fall, so arrive early if you're fishing a Saturday or Sunday. The launch fee varies by county; check the Waushara County Parks Department website for current rates and hours.

Shoreline access is limited to the launch area and a few scattered public easements, so launching a boat is necessary to fish most of the lake effectively. If you don't own a boat, consider renting one from a nearby marina or fishing with someone who does. The lake is small enough that a 14 to 16-foot boat is plenty; you don't need anything larger.

Regulations and Licensing

Wisconsin requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, or at the launch. A daily license costs less than a full-season license if you're only fishing once or twice.

Walleye on Hipple Lake are subject to Wisconsin's statewide regulations: a 15-inch minimum size and a daily bag limit that varies by year. Pike have a 24-inch minimum and a separate daily limit. Panfish (bluegill and crappie) have no minimum size and a generous daily limit. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you go, because limits change annually and are posted on the DNR website.

What Gear to Bring

A 6 to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8 to 10-pound monofilament or braided line is ideal for walleye on Hipple Lake. The shorter rod gives you better control in the weeds, and the lighter line lets you cast small jigs and live bait without wearing out your arm. Bring a tackle box with 1/8 and 1/4-ounce jigs in white, chartreuse, and natural colors, plus a selection of live shiners and crawlers.

For pike, step up to a 7 to 8-foot medium-heavy rod with 12 to 15-pound line. Pike teeth are sharp, so carry a few spinnerbaits and crankbaits in larger sizes (4 to 6 inches), and always use a steel leader or heavy fluorocarbon. Bring a net—pike on shallow lakes can be aggressive, and a net makes landing them safer and faster.

Don't forget a depth finder if your boat has one; it helps you locate the deeper holes and weed edges quickly. A GPS unit is useful too, especially if you want to mark productive spots and return to them on future trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Hipple Lake without a boat?

Shoreline access is very limited, so a boat is strongly recommended. If you don't own one, ask at local marinas about rentals, or fish with someone who does. The lake is small enough that a day rental is affordable.

What's the best time of day to fish for walleye?

Early morning (sunrise to two hours after) and evening (two hours before sunset to dark) are most consistent. Midday bites are rare, especially in summer. If you can only fish one time, go at dawn.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Hipple Lake?

No. Hipple Lake is not a trout lake. You need a standard Wisconsin fishing license. Check the DNR website to confirm current license types and costs.

What size pike can I keep?

Pike must be at least 24 inches long. The daily bag limit varies by year, so check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you fish. Catch-and-release is always an option if you want to fish longer without hitting the limit.

Is Hipple Lake crowded on weekends?

The launch can get busy on spring and fall weekends, but the lake itself is rarely crowded because it's small and not widely known. Arriving early gives you first pick of the best spots and a quieter morning on the water.