What Lake Noquebay offers anglers

Lake Noquebay is a shallow, weedy warmwater lake that sits just outside Crivitz in Marinette County, Wisconsin. The lake runs about 1,200 acres and averages 15 to 20 feet deep, with plenty of vegetation and soft bottom—the kind of water that grows fat walleye and northern pike. If you're coming from Crivitz and want a different character than the deeper coldwater lakes nearby, Noquebay delivers a completely different fishery: slower, weedier, and built for sight-casting and shallow-water presentations.

The lake's shallow depth and heavy weed growth make it a seasonal fishery with distinct patterns. Spring and fall are the most reliable times, when walleye move into predictable shallow zones. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday fishing slows as the fish retreat to deeper weeds or the few holes the lake holds. Winter is possible but requires patience—the shallow water means less oxygen under the ice, and fish concentrate in specific spots.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Noquebay is a 1,200-acre shallow lake averaging 15 to 20 feet deep, dominated by walleye and northern pike in a weed-heavy environment.
  • Spring and fall are the most consistent seasons; summer fishing is best at dawn and dusk, and winter requires finding the deeper holes where fish survive under ice.
  • Jigs tipped with live minnows and soft plastics work year-round; in spring, focus on shallow flats and weed edges; in summer, target deeper weed pockets and any basin structure.
  • Public boat access is available at the Noquebay Public Landing on the north shore; the lake has no size restrictions on walleye or pike, but check current Wisconsin regulations before you fish.
  • Crivitz is 10 minutes away by car, making Noquebay an easy second option if you want to change water or conditions without a long drive.

Spring walleye on shallow flats and weed edges

Spring is when Noquebay shines. As the water warms from 40 to 55 degrees, walleye move out of the deepest basins and hunt the shallow flats and weed edges—exactly the habitat Noquebay has in abundance. The north and east shores hold the most consistent shallow structure, with weed lines forming in 4 to 8 feet of water by late April and May.

Fish a 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jig tipped with a live fathead minnow or shiner along these weed edges. Cast parallel to the weed line rather than into it; walleye often hunt the open water just outside the vegetation. Work the jig slowly, letting it tick bottom and pause for a second or two between hops. Early morning and late evening are most productive, but spring's cooler water means you can catch fish throughout the day. If you're using soft plastics, a 3-inch paddle-tail in white or chartreuse mimics the small baitfish walleye are feeding on.

Summer patterns: early, late, and deeper

By June, the lake's shallow character becomes a liability. Weeds thicken, oxygen levels drop in the shallowest zones, and walleye retreat to deeper pockets and the few basin areas Noquebay holds. Summer fishing is possible but requires discipline: fish the first two hours after sunrise and the last two before sunset, when walleye move shallow to feed.

During midday, locate the deepest holes on the lake—typically 25 to 30 feet—and fish them vertically with live minnows or jigging spoons. A depth finder is essential; without one, you're guessing. Pike remain more active in the weeds throughout the day, so if walleye are frustrating you, switch to larger presentations—3/8-ounce jigs with bigger minnows, or crankbaits that can push through vegetation. Topwater lures at dawn can be explosive for pike, especially around the thickest weed mats on the south and west shores.

Fall: a second spring with aggressive fish

September and October bring a second peak. As water temperature drops from 70 back toward 55 degrees, walleye become aggressive again and move back onto the shallow flats. The weed growth is still present but begins to thin, making navigation easier and presentations more effective. Fish the same shallow edges and flats you worked in spring, but expect faster action—fall walleye feed harder in preparation for winter.

Larger jigs (1/4 to 3/8 ounce) and bigger minnows work better in fall than spring. Pike are also at their most aggressive, and you may find yourself catching as many pike as walleye if you're using larger baits. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits can be deadly in fall, especially around the weed edges where both species hunt. The entire day is fishable, though early morning and late afternoon remain most reliable.

Winter fishing and ice-out considerations

Winter on Noquebay is a specialized game. The lake's shallow average depth means oxygen depletion under ice is a real concern, and fish concentrate in the few deeper basins and holes. If you're planning to fish through the ice, locate these deeper zones before freeze-up using a depth finder, or ask at local bait shops where anglers have been catching fish.

Jigging with live minnows is the standard approach. Tip-ups with shiners can work for pike, but the shallow water means you need to be selective about location. Many anglers skip winter on Noquebay and fish the deeper lakes nearby instead—it's a reasonable choice. If you do fish, go early in the season (December and early January) when oxygen levels are highest, or wait for late winter (February and March) when fish become active again before spring turnover.

Public access and regulations

The Noquebay Public Landing sits on the north shore and offers a concrete boat ramp, parking, and vault toilets. It's the only public access point on the lake, so arrive early on weekends. The landing is maintained by Marinette County and is open year-round, though winter access depends on snow removal.

Wisconsin has no size restrictions on walleye or northern pike on Noquebay, and no daily bag limit on pike. Walleye have a statewide daily limit of five fish per person. Check the current Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fishing regulations before you go—rules can change, and it's your responsibility to know what applies when you fish. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Tackle and gear for Noquebay's weed-heavy water

Bring a medium-power spinning rod (6 to 6.5 feet) spooled with 8- to 10-pound braided line. Braid cuts through weeds better than monofilament and gives you better feel in shallow water. A 2- to 3-foot fluorocarbon leader (6- to 8-pound test) reduces visibility without sacrificing strength.

Stock your box with 1/8- to 3/8-ounce jigs in white, chartreuse, and natural colors. Carry live fathead minnows and shiners in a bait bucket with an aerator—Noquebay's warm water means bait dies fast in summer. Soft plastics (3- to 4-inch paddle-tails and crawfish imitations) are worth having as backup. For pike, bring a few larger crankbaits and spinnerbaits, and consider a wire leader if pike are aggressive. A depth finder is not optional; it's the difference between fishing blind and fishing smart on a shallow lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Noquebay better than the deeper lakes near Crivitz?

It depends on what you want. Noquebay is shallower, weedier, and more seasonal—spring and fall are excellent, summer is spotty, and winter is tough. The deeper lakes nearby (like Brule or Michigamme) are more consistent year-round but require different tactics. If you like shallow-water sight-casting and don't mind seasonal variation, Noquebay is worth the trip. If you want reliable fishing in any season, the deeper lakes are safer bets.

Can I catch pike on Noquebay?

Yes. Northern pike are abundant and often aggressive, especially in spring, fall, and early summer. They're typically smaller than walleye (12 to 18 inches is common), but they're fun and plentiful. Use larger jigs, bigger minnows, or crankbaits if you want to target them specifically. Many anglers catch pike while walleye fishing and consider it a bonus.

What's the best time to visit if I only have one day?

Late April through May or September through October. Both periods offer consistent shallow-water fishing, active fish, and all-day opportunity. If you can only go in summer, plan for early morning or late evening and be ready to fish deeper water at midday. Winter is possible but requires local knowledge and patience.

Do I need a boat to fish Noquebay?

A boat makes the lake much more fishable, especially in summer when you need to reach deeper holes. Shore fishing is possible along the north shore near the landing, but you're limited to shallow water and can't reach the best structure. If you don't have a boat, rent one locally or fish the shallower edges early and late in the day.

How far is Noquebay from Crivitz?

About 10 minutes by car. It's close enough to be a second option if conditions on your primary lake aren't working, or to fish both in the same day. The short drive makes it easy to switch water without losing much fishing time.