What you'll find at Interfalls Lake

Interfalls Lake sits inside Pattison State Park, about 15 miles south of Superior, Wisconsin. It's a shallow, weedy lake—roughly 300 acres—that holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass. The park itself is known for its waterfalls and hiking trails, but the lake is the draw for anglers who want a quieter alternative to the bigger Superior-area fisheries.

The water stays cool year-round because of groundwater seepage and shade from the surrounding forest. That keeps walleye active even in summer, though they'll move deeper into the weed edges during the hottest weeks. Northern pike cruise the shallows and weed lines almost all season, and if you're targeting bass, the lake's structure—fallen trees, lily pads, and dense vegetation—gives you plenty to work with.

Access is straightforward: there's a public boat launch on the lake's north side, a small parking area, and a few shoreline spots if you want to wade or fish from the bank. The park charges a daily vehicle fee, and you'll need a Wisconsin fishing license.

Key Takeaways

  • Interfalls Lake is a 300-acre shallow lake inside Pattison State Park that holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass year-round.
  • The lake's dense weed growth and fallen timber create ideal habitat for pike and bass, especially in spring and early summer.
  • Walleye bite best in early morning, late evening, and overcast days; they move to deeper weed edges during midday heat.
  • A public boat launch and shoreline access are available, but you must pay the park's daily vehicle fee and carry a valid Wisconsin fishing license.
  • Summer can be crowded on weekends, so weekday mornings offer better fishing and fewer people.

Walleye fishing through the seasons

Spring (April through May) is when walleye move shallow to spawn and feed. Fish the transition zones where deeper water meets the weed beds—usually 6 to 12 feet deep. Live minnows under a slip bobber work well, as do small jigs tipped with minnow or leech. Early morning and dusk are prime, but overcast days let you fish through midday.

Summer (June through August) pushes walleye deeper into the weed structure. They'll hold in pockets and along weed edges in 12 to 18 feet of water. Jigging with live bait remains effective, but you'll also catch them on crankbaits that reach those depths. Fish the low-light hours—dawn and dusk—and focus on the lake's deepest holes, which are on the south and east sides.

Fall (September through October) brings walleye back to shallower feeding zones as water cools. The weed edges become productive again, and you can catch fish throughout the day. Live bait under a bobber, small spinners, and shallow-running crankbaits all work. The bite often stays strong into early November if the lake doesn't freeze early.

Winter (November through March) requires ice fishing. Walleye stay active under the ice, especially around the deeper holes and weed edges. Tip-ups with live minnows and jigging with spoons or small plastics are standard. Check current ice thickness before heading out—the park's website has updates, and local bait shops in Superior can tell you conditions.

Northern pike and largemouth bass habitat

Northern pike thrive in Interfalls Lake's shallow, weedy structure. They hunt year-round but are most aggressive in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Fish the weed edges, fallen trees, and lily pad beds with larger lures—spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range. Early morning and late evening produce the most strikes, but pike will bite throughout the day if you're working heavy cover.

Largemouth bass prefer the thickest vegetation and fallen timber. Summer is peak season for bass, especially early morning before the sun gets high. Throw topwater lures, soft plastics, and jigs into the dense weed beds and around submerged logs. The lake's shallow, murky water means bass stay shallow even in summer, so you don't need to fish deep.

Both species respond well to live bait—shiners and crawfish—if you prefer a slower approach. The lake's structure means you'll lose some lures to snags, so bring extras and accept that as part of fishing here.

Launch, parking, and park fees

The boat launch is on the north shore of Interfalls Lake, inside Pattison State Park. It's a single-lane concrete ramp suitable for small to medium boats. Parking is limited—roughly 15 to 20 spaces—so arrive early on weekends or fish on weekdays if you want a may provide spot.

Pattison State Park charges a daily vehicle fee to enter. The fee varies slightly by season and vehicle type; check the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or call the park office for current rates. Annual passes are also available if you plan to visit multiple times.

There's no on-site bait or tackle shop, so bring what you need from Superior or nearby towns. The closest services—gas, food, lodging—are in Superior, about 15 minutes north. A few shoreline access points exist if you want to fish without launching a boat, though they're less convenient than the ramp.

When to fish and what to expect

Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons. Water temperatures are moderate, fish are active, and the lake is less crowded than summer. April through May and September through October offer the best combination of good fishing and manageable crowds.

Summer can be productive but draws more recreational traffic—swimmers, paddleboarders, and day-trippers. If you fish summer, plan for early morning (before 8 a.m.) or late evening (after 6 p.m.) to avoid the crowds and catch more fish. Midday heat also pushes walleye deeper and makes them less aggressive.

Winter ice fishing is possible but requires checking ice thickness and current conditions. The park's office and local bait shops in Superior can tell you when the ice is safe. Ice-out typically happens in April, though it varies by year.

Regulations and licensing

Wisconsin fishing regulations apply to Interfalls Lake. You need a valid Wisconsin fishing license, available online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources or at bait shops and sporting goods stores. Daily licenses, annual licenses, and multi-day options are available.

Walleye, pike, and bass all have size and bag limits that change periodically. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you go—limits vary by species and sometimes by specific lakes. The park office can provide a summary, or you can download the full regulations from the DNR website.

Catch-and-release is always an option if you want to fish without keeping anything. The lake's population is healthy, and releasing fish helps maintain the fishery for future trips.

Getting there and nearby options

Pattison State Park is located south of Superior on Wisconsin Highway 35. From Superior, take Highway 35 south for about 15 miles; the park entrance is well-marked. GPS coordinates for the boat launch are available on the park's website and through mapping apps.

If Interfalls Lake doesn't suit your plans, the Superior area has other options. The St. Croix River system offers walleye and pike fishing, and several smaller lakes in the region hold bass and panfish. The park itself has hiking trails and waterfalls if you want to combine fishing with other activities.

Lodging and services are concentrated in Superior, which is about 15 minutes north. Plan to spend a full day at the lake if you're driving from elsewhere in Wisconsin or Minnesota.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Interfalls Lake year-round?

Yes. Open-water fishing runs from spring through fall, and ice fishing is possible in winter once the lake freezes solid. Check current ice conditions with the park office or local bait shops before heading out in winter.

What's the best time of day to catch walleye here?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late evening (6 p.m. to dark) are most productive. Overcast days let you fish through midday. Summer heat pushes walleye deeper and makes them less active during the day.

Do I need a boat to fish Interfalls Lake?

A boat gives you access to more water and deeper structure, but shoreline fishing is possible at a few spots around the lake. The boat launch is the most convenient access point, and rental options may be available in Superior.

What size lures work best for pike and bass?

For pike, use 4- to 6-inch spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics. Bass respond to topwater lures, jigs, and soft plastics in the 3- to 5-inch range. Live shiners and crawfish also work well for both species.

Is there a bait shop at the park?

No. Bring your own tackle and bait, or stop at a shop in Superior before entering the park. Local bait shops can also tell you current fishing conditions and what's working.