What Plum Lake offers anglers

Plum Lake is a shallow, weedy warmwater lake in Oneida County, Wisconsin, about 20 minutes south of Arbor Vitae. The lake runs roughly 1,100 acres and averages 8 to 12 feet deep, with a maximum depth around 20 feet. That shallow character and heavy aquatic vegetation make it a strong walleye and northern pike lake, especially in spring and fall when the weeds thin out enough to fish effectively.

The lake has a solid reputation for walleye in the 1- to 3-pound range, with occasional fish pushing 4 or 5 pounds. Pike fishing can be excellent during the transition seasons, and the lake also holds bluegill and crappie if you want a break from targeting the larger species. Because Plum Lake sits in the same chain as several other Oneida County lakes, many anglers fish it as part of a multi-lake trip rather than as a single destination.

Key Takeaways

  • Plum Lake is a shallow, weedy 1,100-acre walleye and pike lake that fishes best in spring and fall when vegetation is less dense.
  • Early morning and evening hours produce the most consistent walleye action, especially along the deeper edges of weed beds.
  • Public boat access is available at the Plum Lake public landing on the north shore, with parking and a paved ramp.
  • Wisconsin fishing licenses and a trout stamp (if you plan to fish other Oneida County waters) are required; check current regulations for daily bag limits and size restrictions.
  • Summer fishing is possible but challenging due to heavy weed growth; many anglers focus their Plum Lake trips on May through June and September through October.

Spring walleye fishing on shallow structure

Spring is when Plum Lake shines for walleye. As the water warms from 45 to 55 degrees in April and May, walleye move from the deepest holes into the shallower flats and along the edges of emerging weed beds. Early morning—the first two hours after sunrise—is prime time. Work the transitions between open water and weeds using live shiners or small crankbaits, and focus on any hard bottom or slight depth change you can find with your sounder.

The north and east sides of the lake tend to warm first in spring, so those areas often hold active fish before the rest of the lake does. Jigs tipped with live bait are reliable; a 1/8- or 1/4-ounce jig in white or chartreuse, rigged with a shiner or leech, will take walleye consistently if you work it slowly along the weed edge. Slip-bobber rigs set 4 to 6 feet deep also work well during this period, especially if you are targeting slightly deeper pockets within the weed beds.

Fall fishing and pike opportunities

September and October bring another strong bite as water temperatures drop and walleye become more aggressive. The same shallow-edge tactics that work in spring apply here, but the bite often extends later into the day in fall. Evening fishing—from two hours before sunset through dark—can be as productive as morning, and many anglers prefer fall because the cooler water keeps fish active throughout the day.

Fall is also when pike fishing heats up. As walleye move along weed edges, pike are hunting the same structure. Larger crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range will draw strikes. Early morning and the last hour before dark are best, but unlike walleye, pike can bite throughout the day in fall. If you hook into a pike while targeting walleye, you have stumbled onto one of Plum Lake's best-kept advantages—a lake where both species thrive in the same water.

Summer fishing and weed management

Plum Lake's heavy vegetation is a blessing and a curse. In summer, the weeds are so thick that fishing becomes difficult and frustrating. Casting into dense beds often results in snagged lures and lost time. Many anglers skip Plum Lake entirely from mid-June through August and return in September when the weeds begin to break down naturally.

If you do fish Plum Lake in summer, focus on the deepest holes—the 18- to 20-foot zones—where walleye retreat to escape warm, oxygen-depleted shallows. Vertical jigging with live bait is your best bet. Work the deeper structure in early morning and late evening, and expect a slower bite than spring or fall. Some anglers also fish at night during summer, when walleye move shallower to feed under cover of darkness.

Public access and boat launch details

The Plum Lake public boat landing is located on the north shore and is maintained by Oneida County. The ramp is paved, and there is a small parking area with room for roughly a dozen vehicles and trailers. The landing is free to use and open year-round, though winter access depends on snow removal and ice conditions.

The launch is straightforward and rarely crowded except on summer weekends. If you arrive early in the morning during spring or fall, you will likely have the ramp to yourself. There are no fuel docks or bait shops at the landing itself, so plan to bring your own bait or stop in Arbor Vitae or nearby towns before heading out.

Regulations and licensing requirements

Wisconsin fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a daily license, three-day license, or annual license through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at any authorized vendor. Plum Lake is open year-round for walleye and pike, but daily bag limits and size restrictions vary by season and species.

Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you go—limits and rules change annually. Walleye typically have a daily limit of five fish with a 15-inch minimum size, but confirm this with the DNR. Pike regulations are more generous, but again, verify before you fish. If you plan to fish other Oneida County lakes during your trip, you may want to purchase a trout stamp as well, since several nearby lakes hold trout.

Nearby lakes and multi-lake trips

Plum Lake sits in a cluster of productive Oneida County waters. Lac du Flambeau, just to the north, is a larger and deeper lake with excellent walleye and musky fishing. Squirrel Lake and Otter Lake are smaller and shallower, similar in character to Plum Lake. Many anglers fish two or three lakes in a single day, rotating between them based on time of day and water conditions.

If Plum Lake is producing slowly, moving to a neighboring lake often pays off. The drive between any of these lakes is short—usually 10 to 20 minutes—so you can adjust your plan on the water without losing much time. This flexibility is one reason the Arbor Vitae area is so popular with visiting anglers: you have options, and you are never stuck on a single lake if the bite is off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Plum Lake in winter?

Yes. Plum Lake is open year-round, and ice fishing for walleye and pike is popular from December through February. The same shallow structure that holds fish in spring and fall holds them under the ice. Jigging with live bait in 8- to 12-foot depths is the standard approach. Check ice thickness and current conditions before heading out.

What is the best bait for Plum Lake walleye?

Live shiners and leeches are the most reliable. Shiners work especially well in spring and fall when walleye are active and hunting. Leeches produce steady results throughout the season. If you prefer artificial lures, small crankbaits (1 to 2 inches) and jigs in white, chartreuse, or natural colors are effective along weed edges.

Do I need a boat to fish Plum Lake?

A boat is helpful but not required. The shoreline has some accessible areas, particularly along the north shore near the public landing, where you can fish from shore or wade in shallow water. However, most of Plum Lake's best structure is in deeper water and is best reached by boat.

How far is Plum Lake from Arbor Vitae?

Plum Lake is about 20 minutes south of Arbor Vitae by car. The drive is straightforward on local roads. Once you reach the public landing, you are on the water within minutes of parking.

What should I bring for a day of fishing Plum Lake?

Bring a Wisconsin fishing license, live bait or artificial lures, a sounder or GPS to locate structure, sunscreen, and water. The lake is shallow and weedy, so a rod with a sensitive tip helps you feel bottom and detect strikes. Bring extra line and lures—snagging weeds is common, especially in summer.