What Post Lake offers anglers
Post Lake is a shallow, weedy walleye lake in Langlade County that rewards patience and precision over power. The lake runs roughly 300 acres and sits in the heart of Wisconsin's north-central hardwood country, where the water stays cool enough for walleye year-round but warms enough in summer to hold pike and panfish in the shallows. The bottom is mostly muck and sand with scattered rock—typical of glacial lakes in this region—and the weed growth is heavy enough that you'll spend as much time reading vegetation as you will casting.
What makes Post Lake distinct is that it stays relatively quiet. You won't find the boat traffic or tournament pressure of larger regional lakes, which means the walleye bite can be consistent if you understand the seasonal patterns. Spring and fall are the strongest seasons here; summer requires early morning and evening work, and winter ice fishing draws a steady crowd of locals who know the drop-offs and deep holes.
Key Takeaways
- Post Lake is a 300-acre walleye lake with heavy weed growth and muck bottom, best fished in spring and fall when walleye move shallow.
- Summer fishing requires early morning and evening effort; midday heat pushes walleye into deeper water and weeds.
- Pike and panfish are present but secondary to the walleye fishery; pike often hunt the weed edges in 6 to 10 feet of water.
- Winter ice fishing is popular with locals; the lake freezes reliably and holds fish in predictable deep-water zones.
- A Wisconsin fishing license is required; check current regulations for walleye and pike limits before you fish.
Spring walleye fishing on Post Lake
Spring is when Post Lake comes alive. As the ice melts and water temperature climbs into the 40s and 50s, walleye move out of the deepest holes and into the shallower flats and weed edges where they feed heavily before spawning. The first two weeks after ice-out are often the most productive, though the bite can remain strong through May depending on water temperature.
Target the transition zones where shallow flats meet deeper water—typically in 4 to 8 feet. Jigs tipped with live minnows or crawlers work well; so do crankbaits that mimic the small baitfish walleye hunt in spring. Early morning and late evening are best, but on cloudy days the bite can extend through midday. Work the weed edges slowly; walleye in spring are not aggressive, and a fast retrieve will often spook them.
If you're new to the lake, ask at the local bait shops in Antigo or Langlade for recent reports. Spring conditions change week to week, and locals often know which flats are producing and which are still too cold.
Summer fishing and the midday challenge
Summer on Post Lake is a different game. Water temperature climbs into the 70s, and walleye retreat into deeper water and dense weed growth where they stay cool and hunt in low light. Daytime fishing becomes difficult unless you're willing to fish deep structure or work the thickest weed beds with soft plastics and small jigs.
Your best bet in summer is to fish early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before dark). During these windows, walleye move into shallower water to feed, and you can catch them on the same techniques that work in spring. Midday, if you must fish, focus on the deepest holes on the lake—usually 20 to 25 feet—and use vertical jigging or live bait presentations that keep your lure in the strike zone longer.
Pike fishing picks up in summer as the water warms. They hunt the weed edges and shallow bays in the early morning and late evening, and they'll take larger lures and live baitfish. If you're interested in pike, bring heavier tackle and expect to lose a few lures to teeth; the weed cover on Post Lake is thick enough that pike have plenty of places to hide.
Fall fishing and the second peak season
Fall is as good as spring on Post Lake, sometimes better. As water temperature drops back into the 50s and 60s, walleye move shallow again to feed heavily before winter. The bite is often more aggressive than in spring, and you can catch fish throughout the day rather than just at dawn and dusk.
September and October are prime months. Fish the same shallow flats and weed edges you targeted in spring, but expect walleye to be more active and willing to chase lures. Crankbaits, spinners, and jigs all work well. The water is clearer in fall than in spring, so lighter line and more natural colors often produce better results. By late October, as water temperature drops below 50 degrees, the bite slows again, but it remains consistent for those willing to slow down their presentation.
Winter ice fishing on Post Lake
Post Lake freezes reliably by mid-December and stays frozen through February. The ice fishing community here is active but not crowded, and the lake holds fish in predictable locations that locals have fished for years. The deepest holes—typically 20 to 25 feet in the center of the lake—hold walleye and some pike through the winter.
Tip-ups and jigging are both effective. Live minnows under a tip-up will catch walleye and pike; small jigs tipped with minnow heads or grubs work for walleye and panfish. The bite is often best in early morning and late afternoon, though winter fishing can be slow compared to open water. Dress for cold; the wind across Post Lake can be sharp, and you'll be stationary for hours at a time.
Check ice thickness before you venture out—at least 4 inches for walking, 5 to 6 inches for a small shelter. Local bait shops and the Langlade County Parks Department can tell you current conditions.
Tackle and technique for Post Lake conditions
Post Lake's heavy weed growth means you need tackle that can handle snags and vegetation. Medium-power spinning rods with 6 to 8-pound monofilament or braided line work well for walleye; the braided line cuts through weeds better and gives you more sensitivity to feel the bottom. For pike, step up to 10 to 12-pound line and consider a short fluorocarbon leader to resist teeth.
Jigs in the 1/8- to 3/8-ounce range are the foundation of Post Lake fishing. Pair them with live minnows (shiners or chubs) or soft plastics in natural colors—whites, grays, and greens that match the forage in the lake. Crankbaits that run 4 to 8 feet deep work well in spring and fall when walleye are shallow. In summer, when fish are deep, switch to vertical jigging or live bait presentations that keep you in the strike zone longer.
Weed guards on your jigs will save you frustration; the vegetation on Post Lake is thick enough that you'll snag regularly without them. Expect to lose some tackle to weeds and pike teeth; it's part of fishing this lake.
Access and regulations
Post Lake has a public boat launch on the north shore, accessible from County Road M near the town of Langlade. The launch is maintained by Langlade County and is open year-round. There is no fee for launching, and the parking area is adequate for a moderate number of vehicles. The lake is also accessible by foot from several points around the shoreline, though much of the surrounding land is private.
You'll need a current Wisconsin fishing license to fish Post Lake. Walleye and pike are regulated by size and bag limits that change year to year; check the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or pick up a current regulation booklet at any bait shop before you fish. Panfish (bluegill, crappie) have generous limits and are a good option if the walleye bite is slow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to fish Post Lake?
Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the strongest seasons. Water temperature is in the 50s and 60s, walleye are active and shallow, and you can catch fish throughout the day. Summer requires early morning and evening effort; winter ice fishing is productive but slower.
Can I fish Post Lake with a kayak or canoe?
Yes. The lake is small enough and shallow enough that kayaks and canoes work well, especially for reaching weed edges and shallow bays that larger boats can't access easily. Wear a life jacket and be aware of wind; the lake can get choppy in afternoon breezes.
Are there pike on Post Lake?
Yes, pike are present and often abundant. They're secondary to the walleye fishery, but they hunt the weed edges and shallow bays, especially in early morning and evening. Expect them to be 18 to 28 inches; larger pike are less common but possible.
What should I bring for a day of fishing Post Lake?
Bring jigs, live minnows, crankbaits, and soft plastics in natural colors. Weed guards on your jigs will save tackle. Sunscreen, a hat, and water are essential. If you're fishing spring or fall, bring a light jacket; mornings are cool even when afternoons warm up.
Is Post Lake crowded?
No. It's a quiet lake with steady local traffic but nothing like the pressure on larger regional lakes. You'll often have stretches of shoreline or weed beds to yourself, especially on weekdays.