What You'll Find at Upper Nemahbin Lake

Upper Nemahbin is a shallow, weedy lake that holds walleye, pike, and panfish in a setting that feels quieter than its neighbor, Lower Nemahbin. The lake runs about 300 acres and averages 15 to 20 feet deep, with soft bottom and heavy vegetation that makes it a different kind of fishery than the deeper glacial lakes nearby. If you're coming from Delafield, you're already in the right neighborhood—the lake sits just north of town and draws local anglers who know how to work the weed edges and the few deeper holes.

The character of Upper Nemahbin changes with the season. Spring and fall bring the most consistent walleye action, especially around the transition zones where weeds thin out. Summer fishing here is possible but requires patience and early mornings or late evenings; the shallow water warms fast and the fish move into the thickest cover or the deepest holes. Winter is productive for pike and walleye through the ice, and the lake is popular enough that you'll find maintained access.

Key Takeaways

  • Upper Nemahbin holds walleye and pike in a shallow, weedy environment that rewards anglers who understand weed-edge structure and seasonal movement.
  • Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons for walleye; summer requires early morning or evening fishing in deeper holes or thick vegetation.
  • Public boat access is available at the Delafield town landing, and the lake is open year-round for both open-water and ice fishing.
  • Pike fishing can be excellent in spring and fall, and the lake's shallow, weedy character makes it ideal for casting and working cover rather than trolling.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Target

Spring (April through May) is when Upper Nemahbin fishes best. Walleye move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively as water temperatures climb into the 50s. Work the weed edges with live bait—shiners or crawlers under a slip bobber—or cast jigs tipped with minnows along the deeper weed lines. Pike are also active and hungry; they'll hit larger baits and flashy presentations near the same weed edges where walleye are feeding.

Summer (June through August) is tougher. The lake warms quickly because of its shallow profile, and fish retreat into the thickest weeds or the few deeper pockets. Fish early and late—dawn until mid-morning, and again from an hour before sunset through dark. Focus on the deepest holes you can find and the densest weed cover. Nightcrawlers under a bobber or small jigs in the weeds will produce, but you'll work harder for fewer fish than you would in spring.

Fall (September through October) brings a second strong bite. As water cools, walleye and pike move back to the weed edges and shallower structure. This is excellent time for casting—jigs, small crankbaits, and live bait all work. The lake can fish as well in fall as it does in spring, and the weather is often more comfortable for a full day on the water.

Winter ice fishing is popular and productive. Walleye and pike both bite through the ice, especially in the deeper holes and along weed edges. Tip-ups with live minnows work for pike; jigging with small spoons or live bait works for walleye. The lake typically freezes solid by late December and remains fishable through February.

Tackle and Techniques That Work Here

Upper Nemahbin rewards anglers who think in terms of structure and cover rather than open water. Bring a medium-power spinning rod and 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line; the weeds will catch you, but braided line cuts through better than mono. A slip bobber rig with a live shiner or crawler is the bread-and-butter approach for walleye, especially in spring and fall. Set your bobber stop so the bait hangs 2 to 4 feet above bottom in the deeper weed edges.

Jigs are equally effective. A 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jig tipped with a minnow or crawler, worked slowly along weed edges and in deeper holes, will catch walleye and pike. Cast parallel to the weeds rather than into them; you'll get fewer snags and more bites. For pike, don't be afraid to use larger baits and brighter presentations—a 3- to 4-inch shiner on a jig or under a bobber will draw strikes.

Casting small crankbaits and spinners works in spring and fall when fish are active and shallow. Stick to the weed edges and the transitions between shallow and deeper water. The lake is not ideal for trolling because of the weeds and the shallow profile, so casting and working cover is the more productive approach.

Access and Regulations

Public boat access is available at the Delafield town landing on the north shore of Upper Nemahbin. The launch is maintained and has parking; it's a straightforward entry point for anglers coming from town. There is no charge to launch, and the landing is open year-round. Shore fishing is also possible in several spots around the lake, though much of the shoreline is private residential property, so respect posted signs.

Wisconsin fishing regulations apply. You'll need a current Wisconsin fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at any bait and tackle shop in Delafield. Walleye and pike are both regulated species with specific size and bag limits that vary by season; check the current regulations before you fish. The lake is open year-round for both open-water and ice fishing.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

The shallow, weedy character of Upper Nemahbin means you should bring a good pair of polarized sunglasses and a net. Polarized lenses let you spot weed edges, deeper holes, and fish movement in the clear water. A net makes landing pike and walleye easier, especially when you're working heavy cover. Bring a depth finder if you have one; it will help you locate the deeper holes and weed edges that hold fish.

Bring more tackle than you think you'll need. The weeds will snag you, and you'll lose lures and rigs. Extra jigs, bobbers, hooks, and line will keep you fishing rather than sitting idle. A tackle box organized by depth and cover type—shallow weeds, deep edges, open holes—will help you adjust quickly as you move around the lake.

Check the weather before you go. Upper Nemahbin is exposed, and wind can make the shallow water choppy and uncomfortable. A calm or light-wind day is ideal. In spring and fall, bring layers; the water is cold and the weather can change fast.

Neighboring Waters and When to Fish Upper Nemahbin

Lower Nemahbin, just south of Upper Nemahbin, is deeper and often fishes differently. If Upper Nemahbin is slow, Lower Nemahbin may be producing, and vice versa. Both lakes are worth exploring if you're spending a day in the Delafield area. Okauchee Lake and Ashippun Lake are also nearby and offer different structure and species mix if you want to explore beyond the Nemahbin system.

Upper Nemahbin is best as a spring or fall destination, or as an early-morning or evening summer option. If you're planning a full day and the forecast is warm, consider starting here at dawn and moving to a deeper lake if the bite slows as the day warms. The lake's shallow, weedy character makes it a different kind of fishing than the deeper glacial lakes in the region, and that difference is part of what makes it worth fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Upper Nemahbin from shore?

Yes, but access is limited because much of the shoreline is private residential property. The Delafield town landing provides public boat access, and there are a few spots where you can fish from shore if you respect posted signs. Boat access is more reliable and gives you better access to the weed edges and deeper holes where fish hold.

What's the difference between Upper and Lower Nemahbin?

Upper Nemahbin is shallower and weedier, averaging 15 to 20 feet deep with heavy vegetation. Lower Nemahbin is deeper and clearer, with different structure and often a different seasonal pattern. Both hold walleye and pike, but the fishing approach and timing can differ. If one lake is slow, the other may be producing.

Is Upper Nemahbin good for beginners?

Yes, if you're comfortable with basic casting and bobber fishing. The lake is shallow and forgiving, and walleye and pike are relatively easy to locate along weed edges. Start with a slip bobber rig and live bait in spring or fall, and you'll have a good chance of success. The main challenge is the weeds, which require patience and a willingness to lose some tackle.

What size pike and walleye does Upper Nemahbin produce?

Walleye typically run 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish to 20 inches or better. Pike are often in the 18- to 24-inch range, with some larger fish present. The lake's shallow, weedy character produces good numbers of fish rather than trophy-sized individuals, though a 25-plus-inch pike is always possible.

Can I fish Upper Nemahbin in winter?

Yes, ice fishing is popular and productive. The lake typically freezes solid by late December and remains fishable through February. Walleye and pike both bite through the ice. Check ice thickness before you venture out, and follow all Wisconsin ice fishing regulations and safety guidelines.