What You'll Find at Manitowish Lake

Manitowish Lake is a 2,100-acre clear-water lake in Vilas County that holds a solid population of walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass. The lake sits in the heart of the Boulder Junction chain, and its clarity—typical for the region—makes it a different kind of fishery than the darker, tannin-stained lakes nearby. You can see 8 to 12 feet down on most days, which changes how fish behave and how you need to fish.

The lake has a maximum depth around 60 feet, with most of the basin running 20 to 40 feet. Walleye are the primary draw, and they respond well to live bait and crankbaits worked along the deeper structure. Pike run larger here than on many neighboring lakes—24 to 28 inches is common—and they'll take both live bait and large swimbaits. The bass fishery is secondary but steady, especially in the shallower bays.

Key Takeaways

  • Manitowish Lake is a clear-water lake best known for walleye and northern pike, with depths reaching 60 feet in the main basin.
  • The lake's clarity means fish can see your presentation from farther away, so lighter line and natural colors work better than on darker lakes.
  • Public boat access is available at the Manitowish Lake public landing on the north shore, with parking and a hard launch.
  • Walleye bite best in early morning and evening, especially in spring and fall, while pike are active throughout the day year-round.
  • A Wisconsin fishing license is required; walleye and pike are regulated under statewide rules, with no special restrictions on Manitowish.

Walleye Patterns by Season

Spring (April through May) is when walleye move shallow to spawn, and you'll find them in 6 to 15 feet of water along rocky points and the deeper edges of weed beds. Live shiners or crawlers under a slip bobber work well, as do small crankbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range. The bite is strongest at dawn and dusk, but you can catch fish all day if you stay on structure.

Summer walleye retreat to deeper water—typically 25 to 45 feet—and suspend over the main basin. This is when live bait presentations shine: a live shiner on a slip rig, positioned just above the lake bottom, will catch walleye consistently. Jigging with live bait is equally effective. The bite slows during midday heat but picks up again in the evening.

Fall (September through October) brings walleye back to shallower structure as water cools. Points, rock piles, and weed edges in 12 to 25 feet hold fish. Crankbaits and jigs both work, and the bite is more consistent throughout the day than in summer. This is often the easiest time to catch numbers of walleye on Manitowish.

Winter walleye hold in the deepest holes and along steep drop-offs. If you ice fish, focus on 40 to 60 feet of water with live shiners or spoons. The bite is typically slow but steady, and patience pays off.

Northern Pike and Bass Opportunities

Pike on Manitowish run big and are less selective than walleye. They'll chase large swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and live bait (shiners or small bluegill) throughout the year. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but pike bite year-round if you're willing to work for them. Focus on weed edges, rocky points, and the transitions between shallow and deep water.

Largemouth bass are present in the shallower bays and around weed beds, particularly on the south and west shores. Topwater lures, soft plastics, and small crankbaits all produce. Bass fishing is best in spring and early summer before the heat pushes them deep.

Public Access and Boat Launch

The Manitowish Lake public landing is located on the north shore and offers a hard-surface launch, parking for trailers, and a courtesy dock. The landing is maintained by Vilas County and is open year-round. There is no launch fee. The parking area can fill on weekends during peak season, so arriving early is wise.

The lake also has several resorts and private access points, but public access via the county landing is the most reliable option for visiting anglers. The landing provides good access to the main basin and the deeper structure where walleye and pike hold.

Tackle and Technique for Clear Water

Manitowish's clarity means fish can see your line and lures from a distance. Use 6- to 8-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon for walleye, and step up to 10- to 15-pound for pike. Avoid bright colors; natural shades—silver, gold, brown, and black—outperform flashy patterns on clear-water lakes.

Live bait is the most reliable approach year-round. Shiners, crawlers, and bluegill all work depending on the season and depth. Crankbaits in the 2- to 4-inch range are effective for walleye, while larger swimbaits and spinnerbaits draw pike. Jigging with live bait or soft plastics is productive in deeper water, especially in summer and winter.

Wisconsin Fishing License and Regulations

You need a current Wisconsin fishing license to fish Manitowish Lake. Licenses are available online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, and at many resorts and bait shops in the Boulder Junction area. A daily license costs less than a full-season license if you're visiting for just a few days.

Walleye and northern pike follow statewide regulations: walleye have a 15-inch minimum size limit with a daily bag limit of five fish, and pike have a 24-inch minimum with a daily bag limit of two fish. Largemouth bass are 12 inches minimum with a five-fish daily limit. Catch-and-release fishing is always an option and is encouraged for pike and walleye you don't plan to keep.

When to Fish Manitowish Lake

Spring and fall are the most productive seasons overall. Spring walleye fishing is excellent from mid-April through May, and pike bite well throughout spring. Fall (September through October) offers consistent walleye action and large pike. Summer is productive but requires deeper presentations and more patience. Winter ice fishing is possible but demands specialized equipment and technique.

Time of day matters more on clear-water lakes. Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before sunset) are prime for walleye. Pike bite throughout the day but are more aggressive in low-light conditions. Overcast days often produce better than bright, sunny days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Manitowish Lake and the other lakes in the Boulder Junction chain?

Manitowish is clearer and deeper than most of its neighbors, which means fish can see farther and suspend in deeper water. This makes live bait and vertical jigging more effective than on darker, shallower lakes like Trout Lake. The walleye and pike populations are comparable, but the fishing style differs.

Can I catch walleye and pike on the same trip?

Yes. Pike and walleye often hold on the same structure—points, rock piles, and weed edges. You can fish for walleye with live bait and catch pike incidentally, or switch to larger lures and swimbaits to target pike specifically. Many anglers fish for both in a single day.

Is Manitowish Lake good for beginners?

Yes, if you're willing to use live bait. The walleye population is healthy, and live shiners under a bobber or on a slip rig are simple and effective. Pike are less predictable but more aggressive, so they can be rewarding for new anglers. The public landing is easy to use, and the lake is large enough to explore without feeling crowded.

Do I need a guide to fish Manitowish Lake?

No, but a guide can accelerate your learning, especially if you're unfamiliar with clear-water walleye fishing or want to target pike. Many guides operate out of Boulder Junction resorts and know Manitowish well. Self-guided fishing is entirely possible if you're comfortable reading a map and using a depth finder.

What's the best bait shop near Manitowish Lake?

Several bait and tackle shops operate in Boulder Junction, about 10 minutes from the Manitowish Lake landing. They stock live shiners, crawlers, and bluegill, plus local knowledge about current conditions. Ask at your resort or the landing for the nearest option.