What Brandy Lake offers anglers

Brandy Lake is a shallow, weedy warmwater lake in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin—the kind of place where walleye and pike thrive in dense vegetation and you can see the bottom in most spots. The lake runs roughly 200 acres and rarely exceeds 30 feet deep, with much of it sitting between 10 and 20 feet. That shallow character means the weed growth is heavy and the fish are concentrated, which makes it a strong choice if you want consistent action rather than a long search across open water.

The lake's real strength is its walleye population. They hunt the weed edges and the deeper pockets between vegetation, especially in early morning and evening. Pike are present and can run large, but they're secondary to the walleye fishery. If you're coming from Arbor Vitae's other lakes and want something different—shallower, weedier, more predictable—Brandy delivers.

Key Takeaways

  • Brandy Lake is a shallow, weedy 200-acre lake where walleye are the primary target and pike are a bonus catch.
  • Most of the lake sits between 10 and 20 feet deep, with heavy vegetation that concentrates fish in predictable locations.
  • Early morning and evening are the most productive times, especially in spring and fall when walleye move into shallower water.
  • Jigs tipped with live minnows and crankbaits that mimic baitfish work well in the weed edges and deeper pockets.
  • A boat with a shallow-water motor or a canoe works better than a large rig because of the vegetation and depth.

When to fish Brandy Lake

Spring (April through May) is prime time. As the water warms from the mid-40s to the low 50s, walleye move out of the deepest holes and into the shallower weed edges to feed. Early morning—first light through mid-morning—is when you'll see the most consistent bites. Evening bite starts around an hour before sunset and can last until dark.

Summer (June through August) slows down during the day but doesn't shut off. Walleye retreat to the deeper pockets and weed edges during daylight, and you'll need to fish lower-light hours or use live bait to trigger strikes. The water temperature climbs into the 70s, which pushes fish deeper and makes them less aggressive at midday.

Fall (September through October) mirrors spring. As water cools back into the 50s, walleye return to the shallows and feed aggressively. This is often the second-best season on Brandy, with consistent morning and evening action and occasional midday bites.

Winter is possible but requires ice-fishing knowledge and equipment. The lake freezes solid, and walleye concentrate in the deeper pockets. If you're new to the lake, spring and fall are better entry points.

How to fish the weed edges and pockets

Brandy's vegetation is both its strength and its challenge. Walleye hunt along the weed line—the boundary between open water and dense growth—and in the pockets and channels that cut through the weeds. A jig tipped with a live minnow (shiners or chubs, 2 to 4 inches) is the most reliable approach. Cast parallel to the weed edge, let the jig drop to the bottom, and work it with small hops. Pause between hops; walleye often strike on the drop.

Crankbaits that run shallow to medium depth (2 to 8 feet) work well if you want to cover water faster. Stick with colors that mimic local baitfish—silver, chartreuse, and natural patterns. Cast toward the weed edge and retrieve steadily, letting the lure bump the vegetation occasionally.

Live bait rigs—a simple slip sinker with a live minnow on a 2-foot leader—work in the deeper pockets and channels. Cast and let the rig sit, or move it slowly along the bottom. This method is slower but often produces larger walleye.

Pike will chase the same lures, especially crankbaits and larger jigs. If you hook a pike, enjoy it—they're strong fighters—but remember that walleye are the primary target here.

Boat access and launch options

Brandy Lake has a public boat launch on the north shore, accessible via County Road N. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp with parking for roughly a dozen vehicles. It's maintained by the town of Arbor Vitae and is open year-round for those with a Wisconsin boat registration and a valid fishing license.

Because the lake is shallow and weedy, a smaller boat works better than a large rig. A 16- to 18-foot aluminum boat with a 25 to 40 horsepower motor is ideal. If you have a canoe or kayak, Brandy is excellent for paddling—you can navigate the shallows and slip into pockets that larger boats can't reach. A trolling motor is useful for positioning in the weeds without spooking fish.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring polarized sunglasses—you'll see fish and structure better in the shallow water. A depth finder helps locate the deeper pockets and weed edges, but it's not essential if you're willing to explore slowly. Bring extra jigs and hooks because the weeds will snag them; a tackle box with assorted sizes (1/8 to 1/2 ounce) covers most situations.

Expect to share the lake with other anglers, especially on weekends and during peak season. The lake is popular locally, and word travels when the bite is on. Weekday mornings are quieter. Bring bug spray in summer—the shallow water and vegetation attract mosquitoes, especially in calm conditions.

The lake can get choppy in strong wind because it's shallow and exposed. If the wind picks up, the bite often improves because walleye feed more aggressively in moving water. However, navigation becomes harder, so stay alert.

Regulations and licensing

Wisconsin fishing regulations apply. You need a valid Wisconsin fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at any bait and tackle shop in Arbor Vitae. The license covers both walleye and pike.

Walleye have a daily bag limit and a minimum size requirement; pike have their own limits. These rules change year to year, so check the current Wisconsin fishing guide before you go. The guide is free and available online or at the launch.

Brandy Lake is open to public fishing year-round, but some areas may have seasonal restrictions. Ask at the local bait shop or check the DNR website for any current closures or special rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Brandy Lake without a boat?

Yes. The north shore near the launch has some bank access, and you can wade in the shallow areas. A canoe or kayak is a better option if you want to reach the deeper pockets and weed edges. Many anglers paddle Brandy because the shallow depth makes it safe and the vegetation is easier to navigate from a small craft.

What's the difference between fishing here in spring versus fall?

Both seasons are good, but spring walleye are often hungrier after winter and bite more aggressively. Fall fish are feeding to prepare for winter, so they're also active. Spring water is colder (50s), which can slow the bite midday. Fall water is also cool but often has more stable weather, making it easier to predict when fish will feed.

Do I need a depth finder on Brandy Lake?

No, but it helps. The lake is shallow enough that you can see structure and weed edges from the surface, especially with polarized glasses. A depth finder saves time locating the deeper pockets and channels where walleye concentrate, but many anglers fish Brandy successfully without one by exploring slowly and watching the water.

Are there pike worth targeting here?

Pike are present and can run 24 inches or larger, but they're not the main draw. If you want to target pike specifically, you'd be better served by one of Arbor Vitae's other lakes. That said, pike will chase the same jigs and crankbaits you're using for walleye, so you'll hook them regularly as a bonus.

What time of day is best for beginners?

Early morning (sunrise through 9 a.m.) is most forgiving. Walleye are actively feeding, the lake is usually calm, and you'll see other anglers who can give you tips. Evening (an hour before sunset through dark) is also productive but requires more experience navigating the weeds in low light.