What Grindstone Lake offers anglers

Grindstone Lake is a shallow, weedy walleye and pike lake just outside Hayward—the kind of water where you can catch fish all season if you understand what the weeds are doing. The lake runs about 1,400 acres, with depths that rarely exceed 30 feet and plenty of structure in the form of cabbage beds, lily pads, and sunken timber. Walleye here respond well to live bait and crankbaits worked along the weed edges, especially in spring and fall. Pike are abundant and aggressive, making this a solid choice if you want to throw larger lures and potentially land a 35-plus-inch fish.

The character of Grindstone changes with the season. Early summer brings good topwater action for pike at dawn and dusk, while mid-summer pushes walleye deeper into the weed channels and off the deeper edges. Fall is when the lake really shines—water cools, weeds thin out, and both species move shallower and feed harder. Winter ice fishing for walleye is reliable here, with tip-ups and jigging producing steady action in 15 to 25 feet of water.

Key Takeaways

  • Grindstone is a shallow, weed-heavy lake where walleye and pike are the primary species, with reliable action spring through fall and solid winter ice fishing.
  • Early morning and evening topwater fishing for pike works well in summer, while walleye respond to live bait and crankbaits along weed edges year-round.
  • Fall is the most productive season, when cooler water and thinning weeds push both species into shallower, more accessible feeding zones.
  • A Wisconsin fishing license is required; check current regulations for daily bag limits and size restrictions before you fish.

Spring fishing: Walleye along the shallows

Spring on Grindstone means walleye moving into shallow water to spawn and feed. Target the weed edges in 6 to 12 feet of water with live shiners or crawlers on a simple jig-and-live-bait rig. The north and west shorelines warm first and hold fish earlier in the season. Work these areas slowly—walleye in spring are not aggressive, and a methodical presentation outfishes fast retrieves.

Pike are also active in spring, and they are far less picky. Throw larger crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics in the same shallow zones. The transition between open water and weeds is prime pike habitat. If you find a bay with a creek inlet, spend time there—pike stage in these areas before moving deeper as water warms.

Summer: Adjusting to deeper water and low light

By mid-June, Grindstone's shallow zones become too warm and weedy for consistent walleye action. Fish move to deeper weed edges, channel breaks, and the few holes that reach 25 to 30 feet. Switch to live bait presentations—jigs tipped with shiners or crawlers worked slowly along these deeper edges. Dawn and dusk are your best windows; midday fishing is slower unless you target the deepest holes or work the thickest weed cover.

Pike remain catchable throughout the day in summer, especially in early morning and late evening when they hunt in shallower water. Topwater lures and soft plastics worked near weed edges produce explosive strikes. If the surface is too warm, pike retreat to deeper channels and weed pockets during midday, but they return to the shallows as soon as light fades.

Fall: Peak season for both species

September through October is when Grindstone fishes best. Water temperature drops, weeds begin to thin, and both walleye and pike move shallower and feed aggressively. Walleye respond to live bait and crankbaits in 8 to 15 feet of water along the remaining weed edges. Pike are equally active and less selective—throw larger lures and expect solid hookups.

The fall pattern holds through late October. As water cools further, fish move even shallower, and you can catch walleye in 4 to 8 feet of water. This is also when trophy pike are most likely to be active during daylight hours. If you can only fish Grindstone once, make it fall.

Winter ice fishing

Grindstone freezes reliably by mid-December and holds ice through early March. Walleye are the primary target under the ice, found in 15 to 25 feet of water over soft bottom and near any remaining weed structure. Tip-ups with live shiners work well, as do vertical jigging presentations with small spoons or jigging minnows tipped with live bait. Set your tip-ups in a grid pattern and move them throughout the day to locate active fish.

Pike are also present under the ice but less predictable than walleye. Some anglers target them with larger live bait on tip-ups set in shallower zones near weed edges. Winter fishing on Grindstone is steady rather than explosive, but it is a reliable way to catch walleye when other lakes slow down.

Access and regulations

Grindstone Lake has a public boat launch on the south end, accessible via County Road A near Hayward. The launch is maintained year-round and has adequate parking. Several resorts and rental cabins ring the lake, and many offer boat rentals if you do not have your own. The lake is open to the public, and no special permits beyond a Wisconsin fishing license are required.

Wisconsin regulations apply: walleye have a daily bag limit of five fish with a 15-inch minimum size, and pike have a daily bag limit of two fish with a 24-inch minimum size. Check the current Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change. The lake is catch-and-release friendly for anglers who want to practice that approach, and many do on pike to maintain the population.

Tackle and technique tips

For walleye, keep your setup simple: a 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jig tipped with a live shiner or crawler, or a crankbait in the 2- to 4-inch range in natural colors like perch or crawdad patterns. A 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line works well. Work structure slowly and deliberately—Grindstone walleye reward patience.

For pike, go heavier and bolder. Spinnerbaits in the 1/2- to 3/4-ounce range, soft plastics in 4- to 6-inch lengths, and crankbaits that dive to 8 to 12 feet all produce. A 7- to 7.5-foot medium-heavy spinning rod with 12- to 15-pound braided line handles pike better and lets you cast larger lures. Pike on Grindstone are not leader-shy, so you can tie directly to your main line or use a simple monofilament leader if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of day to fish Grindstone?

Dawn and dusk are most productive, especially for pike and in summer when midday water temperatures are high. Spring and fall allow better daytime fishing. Winter ice fishing is steady throughout the day, though early morning often produces the most active fish.

Can I catch pike on live bait?

Yes. Pike respond well to live shiners or crawlers on tip-ups or under a bobber, particularly in spring and fall. This method is also effective under the ice in winter. Lures are generally more efficient for pike, but live bait works.

Is Grindstone good for beginners?

Yes. The lake is shallow and weed-filled, which means fish are accessible and structure is obvious. Walleye and pike are both forgiving species compared to trout. Start with live bait and simple jigs, and you will catch fish.

How far is Grindstone from Hayward?

Grindstone Lake is about 5 to 10 minutes south of Hayward by car, depending on which part of town you start from. The public launch is easy to find and well-marked.

What should I bring for a day on Grindstone?

Bring a Wisconsin fishing license, a tackle box with jigs, live bait (shiners or crawlers), crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. A net, pliers, and a cooler are helpful. Sunscreen and bug spray are essential in summer. In fall and spring, dress in layers—weather changes fast on the water.