What You'll Find at Little Bass Lake

Little Bass Lake is a shallow, weedy northwoods lake near Arbor Vitae in Oneida County, Wisconsin—the kind of water that rewards patience and rewards it quickly. The lake runs about 90 acres, rarely deeper than 20 feet, and the bottom is thick with vegetation and muck. That means walleye, bluegill, and crappie, not pike or musky. If you're coming from the Arbor Vitae area and want a short drive to reliable panfish or a chance at walleye without fighting boat traffic, this lake delivers.

The shallow character makes Little Bass Lake distinct from the deeper, clearer lakes nearby. Weeds hold fish tight to structure, and the water warms fast in spring and early summer. That's good news for panfish anglers and for anyone targeting walleye in the evening bite. The trade-off is that summer heat can push fish deeper into the few holes the lake offers, and weed growth can make mid-summer navigation tricky.

Key Takeaways

  • Little Bass Lake holds walleye, bluegill, and crappie in shallow, weedy water that fishes best in spring, early summer, and fall.
  • The lake is roughly 90 acres with a maximum depth around 20 feet, so you can cover productive water quickly from a small boat or canoe.
  • Public access is available at the town landing, which has parking and a boat ramp suitable for small to medium boats.
  • Weed growth thickens through July and August, making early morning and evening the most reliable times to fish during peak summer.
  • A Wisconsin fishing license is required; walleye and panfish seasons and bag limits follow state rules, which you can confirm through the Wisconsin DNR website.

When to Fish Little Bass Lake

Spring (May through early June) is the prime window. Walleye move shallow to spawn and feed heavily afterward, and bluegill and crappie are active throughout the water column. If you can get on the water in the first two weeks of May, you'll find walleye in 4 to 8 feet of water near weed edges and soft bottom. Panfish are easier to locate and more forgiving—they'll bite all day, though early morning and late evening are still your best bet.

Early summer (mid-June through July) remains solid, but the fishing window narrows. Walleye move deeper and tighter to structure as the water warms. Fish the deeper holes—there are a few in the 18- to 20-foot range—and focus on dawn and dusk. Bluegill and crappie stay active in the weeds, but you'll need to pick your way through vegetation carefully.

Fall (September and October) brings a second strong bite. Water cools, walleye move back shallow, and panfish feed aggressively before winter. The weeds begin to thin, making navigation easier and sight-fishing more productive. October can be excellent if you don't mind cooler weather and shorter days.

How to Access Little Bass Lake

The town landing on Little Bass Lake is your entry point. It's located on the south side of the lake and offers a gravel boat ramp, parking for vehicles with trailers, and a small pier. The ramp is suitable for boats up to about 18 feet, though smaller craft (canoes, kayaks, and 14- to 16-foot aluminum boats) are more practical given the shallow water and weed growth. There is no fee to launch.

From Arbor Vitae, take Highway 51 north and follow local road signs toward the lake. The landing is well-marked from the main road. Arrive early on weekends, especially in May and June, because parking fills quickly. Weekday mornings are usually quiet.

Tactics for Walleye on Little Bass Lake

Walleye on shallow, weedy lakes respond to live bait and to slow presentations. Rigging a live minnow (fatheads or shiners, 2 to 3 inches) on a slip sinker rig and drifting or casting along weed edges is the most reliable method. Keep your weight light—just enough to feel bottom—and work slowly. Walleye in shallow water spook easily, so cast ahead of where you think they are and let the bait do the work.

Jigs tipped with minnow or leech work well in spring and fall when walleye are more aggressive. Use 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jigs depending on depth and weed density. Cast to the edges of weed beds and work the jig with short hops. Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before sunset) are when walleye feed most actively in shallow water.

Avoid the thickest weed growth during the heat of the day. Instead, focus on the deeper holes and the transitions between open water and weeds. A GPS or map app showing depth contours helps, but even without one, you can feel the bottom change as you move across the lake.

Panfish and Bluegill Fishing

Bluegill and crappie on Little Bass Lake are abundant and eager. They live in the weeds year-round and bite on small jigs (1/16- to 1/8-ounce), live minnows under a bobber, or small spinners. You don't need fancy tackle—a light spinning rod, 4- to 6-pound line, and a small jig or hook will catch fish all day.

Work the weed edges and the pockets within weed beds. Early morning is best, but panfish will bite throughout the day if you're patient. In spring, they move shallow to spawn, and you can find them in 2 to 4 feet of water. By mid-summer, they retreat slightly deeper (6 to 10 feet) but remain in or near weeds. Fall brings them back shallow as water cools.

A canoe or kayak is ideal for panfish because you can move quietly and access shallow, weedy areas that a larger boat cannot. You'll catch more fish and have more fun in a small, quiet craft on a lake like this.

What to Bring and What to Know

Bring a Wisconsin fishing license (required for anyone 16 and older). You can purchase a license online through the Wisconsin DNR website or at any bait and tackle shop in Arbor Vitae. Current walleye and panfish seasons and bag limits are posted on the DNR site; seasons vary slightly by region, so confirm before you go.

Pack sunscreen, a hat, and water. The lake offers no shade on the water, and the sun reflects off shallow water intensely. Bring a net or a stringer if you plan to keep fish. A depth finder is helpful but not essential—many anglers fish Little Bass Lake successfully without one by reading the water and feeling the bottom.

Weed growth can tangle propellers and lines. If you're using a small outboard, trim it up and watch for submerged vegetation. A trolling motor or oars give you better control in tight spaces. Respect the shallow water and the weed beds—they're what make this lake productive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of day to fish Little Bass Lake?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and evening (5 p.m. to sunset) are most productive for walleye and panfish. During summer heat, these windows are even more important because fish move deeper and feed less during midday. Panfish will bite all day, but you'll catch more in the early and late hours.

Can I fish from shore?

Yes, though a boat or canoe gives you access to more productive water. The landing area and nearby shoreline hold fish, especially in spring and fall. Shore fishing works best for panfish and is a good option if you don't have a boat.

Is there a size or bag limit for walleye and panfish?

Wisconsin sets size and bag limits for walleye and panfish, and they vary by region and season. Check the current Wisconsin DNR fishing regulations before you go. Limits change year to year, so don't rely on what you remember from last season.

What should I do if the weeds are too thick to fish?

Thick weeds are normal in mid-summer. Focus on the deeper holes (18 to 20 feet), the transitions between open water and weeds, and fish early morning or evening when weeds are less of a problem. If weed growth is extreme, consider visiting in spring or fall when the lake is more navigable.

Do I need a big boat to fish Little Bass Lake?

No. A canoe, kayak, or small aluminum boat (14 to 16 feet) is ideal. The shallow water and weed growth make large boats impractical and less fun to fish. A small, quiet boat lets you cover water efficiently and access areas bigger boats can't reach.