What Round Lake offers and when to fish it

Round Lake sits just outside Hayward in Sawyer County and holds walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge in clear, deep water that stays cold year-round. The lake runs about 1,200 acres and reaches depths past 80 feet in places, which means the fish hold in predictable structure and the water stays oxygenated even in summer. Walleye bite best in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October), when they move into shallower water to feed. Summer walleye fishing is possible but requires deeper presentations—live bait on the bottom or jigging in 30 to 50 feet of water. Pike and musky are present but less abundant than walleye; pike fishing peaks in spring and again in fall, while musky anglers should focus on early morning and dusk, especially around weed edges and rocky points.

Winter is productive here if you have ice-fishing experience. The lake typically freezes solid by mid-December and holds ice through March. Walleye bite steadily under the ice, especially on live shiners fished on the bottom in 25 to 40 feet of water. Many anglers also target pike through the ice with tip-ups and larger baits.

Key Takeaways

  • Round Lake is a deep, clear coldwater lake where walleye are the primary target and respond best to live bait presentations in spring and fall.
  • Summer walleye require deeper jigging or live bait on the bottom in 30 to 50 feet of water, since shallow water warms and fish move down.
  • Pike and musky are present but less common; pike fishing peaks in spring and fall, while musky anglers should fish early morning and dusk near structure.
  • Winter ice fishing for walleye is reliable from mid-December through March using live shiners on the bottom in 25 to 40 feet of water.
  • The lake has public boat access at the Round Lake public landing on County Road M, with parking and a paved ramp.

Spring walleye: April through May

Spring is the easiest time to catch walleye on Round Lake. As the ice melts and water temperature climbs into the 40s and 50s, walleye move from deep winter haunts into shallower feeding zones. Focus on the first 20 feet of water along rocky shorelines, points, and the shallow flats on the north and south ends of the lake. Live shiners or fathead minnows work best; rig them on a simple slip-sinker rig or a jig head and cast or troll slowly along structure.

Jigs tipped with live bait are equally effective and give you better feel for bottom contact. Use 1/4-ounce to 3/8-ounce jigs in white, chartreuse, or natural colors. Work them vertically along drop-offs or cast and retrieve slowly along shallow structure. Water clarity on Round Lake is good, so walleye can see your bait from a distance—you do not need to cast directly on top of fish, but staying within 10 to 15 feet of structure will improve your odds.

Summer fishing: June through August

Summer presents a different challenge because shallow water warms to 70 degrees or higher, and walleye retreat to deeper, cooler zones. Expect to fish 30 to 50 feet of water, sometimes deeper. Live bait on the bottom—shiners or crawlers—is the most reliable approach. Use a slip-sinker rig heavy enough to hold bottom in current or wind, and keep your line relatively vertical so you can feel bites clearly.

Jigging is also productive in summer if you have a good depth finder. Drop a 1/2-ounce to 1-ounce jig tipped with a live minnow or crawler straight down along deep structure, and work it with short, subtle lifts. Many anglers make the mistake of fishing too shallow in summer; if you are not in at least 30 feet of water by mid-June, you are likely in the wrong zone. Early morning and evening can produce in slightly shallower water (20 to 30 feet), but midday fishing demands depth.

Fall walleye and pike: September through October

Fall is nearly as good as spring. As water temperature drops back into the 50s and 60s, walleye move back into shallower structure and feed aggressively in preparation for winter. The same tactics that work in spring apply here: live bait on slip-sinker rigs or jigs along rocky points, drop-offs, and shallow flats. Fall fishing often produces larger walleye than spring, so do not be surprised if your average size ticks up.

Pike also become more active in fall and are worth targeting if you want to mix in some larger fish. Pike respond well to larger live baits—6- to 8-inch shiners or small perch—fished on slip-sinker rigs or quick-strike rigs designed to reduce deep hooking. Fish the same structure as walleye but focus on weed edges and the transition zones between shallow and deep water. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times.

Winter ice fishing: December through March

Round Lake typically freezes solid by mid-December and holds safe ice through early March. Ice fishing here is straightforward: walleye bite steadily on live shiners fished on the bottom in 25 to 40 feet of water. Drill holes along the deeper structure you identified in summer—the same drop-offs and points that hold fish in open water hold them under the ice.

Set up with a simple slip-sinker rig or a jigging spoon tipped with a shiner. Many anglers use tip-ups for pike, which will take larger baits (6- to 8-inch shiners) and provide action while you jig for walleye. Check local ice conditions before heading out; the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources posts ice thickness reports for major lakes, and local bait shops in Hayward can confirm conditions on Round Lake specifically.

Tackle and bait recommendations

For walleye, a medium-power spinning rod (6 to 6.5 feet) with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line works well for both casting and jigging. Jigs in the 1/4-ounce to 1-ounce range cover most situations. Live bait is essential: shiners, fathead minnows, and crawlers are all available at local bait shops near Hayward. Slip-sinker rigs are simple to tie and effective—use a barrel swivel, a 12- to 18-inch leader, and a size 2 or 4 hook.

For pike and musky, step up to a medium-heavy rod and 10- to 15-pound line. Pike respond to larger jigs (3/8-ounce to 1/2-ounce) and bigger live baits. Musky fishing often involves casting large crankbaits, swimbaits, or bucktail spinners, so bring a baitcasting setup if musky is your target. Musky are not abundant on Round Lake, but they are present, and the deep structure provides good habitat for them.

Access and regulations

Round Lake has a public boat landing on County Road M on the south side of the lake. The ramp is paved, parking is available, and the facility is maintained year-round. There is no launch fee. The lake is open to public fishing under Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulations: walleye season runs year-round with a daily bag limit of five fish (check current regulations, as limits can change). Pike and musky have their own seasons and limits; pike season is year-round with a daily limit of five fish, while musky season typically runs from June through November with a one-fish daily limit.

A Wisconsin fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Licenses are available online through the Wisconsin DNR website or at local bait and tackle shops in Hayward. If you plan to fish multiple days, an annual license is more economical than daily licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Round Lake?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons. Water temperatures are ideal, walleye are active in shallower water, and the bite is consistent. Summer fishing is possible but requires deeper presentations and more patience.

Can I catch musky on Round Lake?

Musky are present but not abundant. They are most active in early morning and dusk, especially around weed edges and rocky structure. Casting large crankbaits or swimbaits is the standard approach. Musky season runs June through November with a one-fish daily limit.

Do I need a boat to fish Round Lake?

A boat is helpful but not required. Shore fishing is possible along the public access areas, though boat access gives you better reach to deeper structure and more productive zones. The public landing on County Road M accommodates most trailer boats.

What depth should I fish in summer?

Fish 30 to 50 feet of water during summer months. Shallow water warms too much for walleye, so they move deep. Early morning and evening can produce in slightly shallower zones (20 to 30 feet), but midday fishing demands depth.

Is Round Lake good for ice fishing?

Yes. The lake freezes solid by mid-December and holds ice through March. Walleye bite steadily on live shiners fished on the bottom in 25 to 40 feet of water. Pike can also be caught through the ice on larger baits using tip-ups.