What You'll Find at Peats Lake

Peats Lake is a shallow, weedy impoundment tucked into the Fox River drainage south of Green Bay—the kind of water that doesn't make the tourist brochures but rewards anglers who know what they're after. The lake runs roughly 800 acres and averages 8 to 12 feet deep, with extensive marsh and aquatic vegetation that makes it prime habitat for walleye and northern pike. The bottom is soft muck and silt, typical of glacial lakes in this region, and the weed growth is heavy enough that you'll need to adjust your approach depending on the season.

What makes Peats distinct from the clearer, deeper lakes around Green Bay is its character as a natural spawning and nursery ground. Walleye move into the shallows in spring, and pike use the vegetation year-round. The lake also holds largemouth bass and panfish, though most anglers who make the drive are targeting walleye or pike. Water clarity varies from 2 to 5 feet depending on the season and recent weather—it's not a sight-fishing lake, and that works in your favor if you know how to read structure and use your electronics.

Key Takeaways

  • Peats Lake is a shallow, weedy walleye and pike lake south of Green Bay that fishes best in spring and fall when vegetation is less dense.
  • Early morning and evening are most productive, especially in summer when the shallow water warms during the day.
  • You'll need a Wisconsin fishing license and must follow state regulations for walleye (daily bag limit of 5, with a 15-inch minimum) and pike (daily bag limit of 2, with a 24-inch minimum).
  • Soft plastics, live bait, and crankbaits work well in the weed; jigs tipped with minnows or crawlers are reliable year-round.
  • The lake has a public boat launch on the south end, and the surrounding area is accessible but undeveloped.

Spring and Fall: The Prime Seasons

Spring is when Peats Lake comes alive for walleye anglers. As water temperatures climb from the mid-40s into the 50s in April and early May, walleye move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively before and after the spawn. Focus on the deeper edges of weed beds—the transition zones where 6 to 10 feet of water meets the shallower flats. Jigs tipped with live minnows or crawlers work well, and you can also cast crankbaits that reach 4 to 8 feet and bump the weed tops.

Fall, from September through October, is equally strong. As water temperatures drop and vegetation begins to die back, walleye and pike become more active throughout the day. The weed cover thins enough that you can work more of the lake without constantly snagging, and the fish are feeding hard to prepare for winter. This is also when pike fishing picks up noticeably—they're more aggressive in cooler water, and the reduced vegetation makes them easier to locate.

Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday fishing is slow. The shallow water heats quickly, and walleye retreat to the deepest holes or the densest weed cover where light penetration is lowest. If you fish summer, plan to be on the water before sunrise and stay until mid-morning, then return in the evening after 6 p.m.

Reading Structure and Using Electronics

Peats Lake's shallow depth and heavy vegetation mean you need to think differently than you would on a deep, clear lake. Your electronics—a good sonar unit—are essential here. Look for soft-bottom depressions, old channel edges, and the hard edges of weed beds where they drop off into slightly deeper water. Walleye often suspend just outside the densest vegetation, where they can dart in to feed but have an escape route to open water.

The weed beds themselves are not uniform. Some areas are dense cabbage and coontail; others are thinner and more scattered. Dense weeds hold pike and some walleye, but the most consistent walleye bite happens on the edges—the 6 to 8-foot zone where vegetation transitions to open water. Mark these edges with your GPS and work them systematically, especially during low-light periods.

Pay attention to wind direction. Wind pushes water and concentrates baitfish, which in turn concentrates predators. A north or west wind that pushes water toward the south or east shore often produces better fishing on those downwind edges.

Tackle and Technique for Peats Lake

Jigs are the workhorse lure here. A 1/4-ounce to 3/8-ounce jig head tipped with a live minnow (2 to 3 inches) or a crawler works in most conditions. Cast toward weed edges and let the jig fall on a controlled descent—keep your line relatively tight so you feel the bite. Walleye often hit on the fall, and you'll miss fish if your line is too slack.

Soft plastics—4 to 6-inch shads or crawlers rigged on a jig head—are equally effective and easier to cast repeatedly without the mess of live bait. Colors that work well include natural browns and blacks in clear water, and brighter chartreuse or white when visibility is lower. Crankbaits that dive to 4 to 8 feet and have a tight wobble are good for covering water and triggering aggressive strikes, especially in spring and fall.

For pike, larger presentations work better. Use 3/8-ounce to 1/2-ounce jigs tipped with 3 to 4-inch minnows, or cast larger soft plastics (6 to 8 inches). Spinnerbaits with willow-leaf blades create vibration and flash that pike respond to in weedy water. Don't be afraid to throw near the densest vegetation—pike are ambush predators and often hold tight to cover.

Regulations and Licensing

You'll need a Wisconsin fishing license, available through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at most sporting goods stores and bait shops in the Green Bay area. A daily license is available if you're visiting for just a day or two, or you can purchase an annual license.

Walleye regulations on Peats Lake follow the statewide rules: a daily bag limit of 5 fish with a 15-inch minimum length. Pike have a daily bag limit of 2 fish with a 24-inch minimum. Largemouth bass follow the statewide limit of 5 fish per day with a 12-inch minimum. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you go, as rules can change year to year.

Access and Facilities

Peats Lake has a public boat launch on the south end, accessible via County Road S south of Green Bay. The launch is basic—a gravel ramp with limited parking—but it's maintained and free to use. There are no rental facilities or bait shops directly on the lake, so bring your own boat or arrange a rental from a Green Bay-area outfitter beforehand. The nearest services (gas, food, lodging) are in the small towns surrounding the lake, roughly 15 to 20 minutes away.

The lake itself is undeveloped, with minimal residential shoreline. This means fewer distractions and generally good fishing pressure—the lake doesn't draw the crowds that larger, more famous waters do. It also means you should be self-sufficient: bring plenty of water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Cell service can be spotty depending on your carrier.

Seasonal Patterns and Weather

Winter ice-out typically occurs in late March or early April, and the lake is open to fishing as soon as the ice clears. The first two weeks after ice-out can be excellent for walleye, as fish are hungry and concentrated in shallow water. By mid-May, the spawn is winding down and fish disperse, though they remain catchable if you work the weed edges.

Summer heat (June through August) slows the bite, but early morning and evening sessions can still produce. Midsummer is a good time to explore new areas or practice your technique without the pressure of peak season. Fall cooling (September through October) brings the bite back strong, and this period often rivals spring for consistent action.

Winter fishing is possible through the ice, though Peats Lake is not as popular for ice fishing as some deeper lakes in the region. If you do fish in winter, focus on the deepest holes and use small jigs tipped with minnows or spikes. Check ice thickness before venturing out, and always fish with a partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of day to fish Peats Lake?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and evening (after 6 p.m.) are most productive, especially in summer when the shallow water warms during the day. Spring and fall allow for better midday fishing, though low-light periods are still your best bet. Overcast days often produce better fishing than bright, sunny days.

Do I need a boat to fish Peats Lake?

A boat is highly recommended because the lake is large and the best structure is spread across the water. Shore fishing is possible near the boat launch and along accessible banks, but you'll have limited access to the prime weed-edge zones where walleye concentrate. A small aluminum boat or canoe is sufficient.

What size minnows should I use for walleye?

Live minnows 2 to 3 inches long work best for walleye on Peats Lake. Shiners, chubs, and fathead minnows are all effective. Match the size to your jig weight—a 1/4-ounce jig pairs well with a 2-inch minnow, while a 3/8-ounce jig can handle a 3-inch minnow without becoming unbalanced.

Can I catch pike on the same tackle as walleye?

Yes, but pike often require slightly heavier jigs and larger baits to trigger strikes. If you're targeting both species, use 3/8-ounce jigs and 3-inch minnows as a compromise. For dedicated pike fishing, go larger—1/2-ounce jigs and 4-inch minnows, or spinnerbaits and larger soft plastics.

Is Peats Lake crowded on weekends?

Peats Lake draws fewer anglers than larger, more famous waters near Green Bay, so weekend crowds are manageable. You'll see other boats, especially in spring and fall, but you won't feel packed in. Weekday fishing is typically quieter if you have the flexibility to fish mid-week.