What Island Lake offers anglers

Island Lake is a shallow, weedy walleye and pike lake just outside Manitowish Waters in Vilas County. The lake runs roughly 400 acres and averages 15 to 20 feet deep, with plenty of vegetation and soft bottom that holds both species year-round. If you're coming from Manitowish Waters proper, you're looking at a short drive to a lake that fishes differently than the deeper, clearer systems nearby—this one rewards patience with structure and a willingness to work the weeds.

The character of Island Lake is defined by its shallow, murky water and dense aquatic plants. Walleye here are active feeders in low-light conditions, and pike use the weeds as ambush cover. Summer can be challenging because of the vegetation and warm water, but spring and fall turn this lake into a solid producer. Winter is reliable too, with ice-out walleye fishing in April and a strong bite through the ice.

Key Takeaways

  • Island Lake holds walleye and pike in a shallow, weedy system where vegetation and soft bottom are the dominant features.
  • Spring and fall are the most consistent seasons; summer requires weed-edge tactics and early or late hours.
  • Jigs tipped with live minnows work year-round for walleye; pike respond to larger presentations and topwater lures in low-light periods.
  • A Wisconsin fishing license is required; check current regulations for bag limits and size restrictions before you fish.
  • Public boat access is available at the Manitowish Waters public landing, a few minutes from Island Lake.

Spring and fall walleye patterns

Island Lake wakes up in April as the ice goes out, and walleye move shallow to feed. The first two weeks after ice-out are often the best of the year—fish suspend in 8 to 12 feet of water near weed edges and deeper holes. A 1/4-ounce jig tipped with a live fathead minnow or shiner works well; cast parallel to the weed line and work the jig slowly along the bottom. Early morning and late afternoon are prime, but the bite can hold all day during the first few weeks.

Fall brings a second strong window from mid-September through October. As water cools, walleye move back to shallow structure and feed aggressively before winter. The same jig-and-minnow approach works, but you can also throw crankbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range along weed edges. The bite intensifies in the last hour before dark and the first hour after sunrise. By late October, the water is cold enough that midday fishing becomes viable again.

Summer fishing and weed management

Summer on Island Lake is a different puzzle. The water warms, vegetation thickens, and walleye move deeper or hold tight to weed edges in low-light windows. Fish early—before 8 a.m.—and late, from an hour before sunset through dark. Jigs still work, but you need to be precise: cast to the outside edge of weed beds in 12 to 18 feet of water, or work the narrow channels between vegetation.

Pike are more active in summer than walleye, especially around dense weed growth. Throw larger lures—5- to 7-inch swimbaits, spinnerbaits, or topwater plugs—in the early morning and at dusk. The weeds can be thick enough to make casting difficult, so consider a boat with a shallow draft or a canoe if you want to explore the back bays. Respect the vegetation; it's the reason the fish are there.

Winter ice fishing

Island Lake freezes solid by mid-December and holds fish through March. Walleye congregate in the deeper holes—look for 18 to 22 feet of water—and respond to small jigging spoons tipped with minnow heads or live shiners. Drill holes along the deeper edges of weed beds; the vegetation provides cover and attracts baitfish. A 1/16- to 1/8-ounce spoon works well in these depths.

Pike are also present under the ice and can be caught on larger presentations—3- to 4-inch shiners fished on tip-ups, or heavier jigging spoons. Set tip-ups in 12 to 16 feet of water near weed edges. The bite is often best in the first few weeks after freeze-up and again in late February and March as the season winds down.

Tackle and technique for Island Lake

Keep your tackle simple and focused on what works in shallow, weedy water. A 6- to 6.5-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braided line gives you sensitivity and the ability to set the hook through vegetation. Walleye jigs should run 1/8 to 1/4 ounce depending on depth and wind. Live minnows—fatheads, shiners, or small chubs—are the most reliable bait year-round.

For pike, step up to 10- to 12-pound line and consider a short fluorocarbon leader to resist teeth. Swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures all produce. Don't overlook soft plastics rigged on jig heads; a 4-inch paddle-tail in natural colors fished slowly along weed edges can draw strikes from both walleye and pike. Bring extra tackle—the weeds will cost you lures.

Getting to Island Lake and what to bring

Island Lake is accessible from the Manitowish Waters public boat landing on Highway 51, just south of town. The landing has parking and a paved ramp. From there, it's a short run to Island Lake—ask at the landing or a local bait shop for directions if you're unfamiliar with the area. The lake itself has no public landing, so you'll launch from Manitowish Waters and run over.

Bring a map or GPS; the lake's shallow, weedy character means navigation matters. A depth finder is valuable for locating the deeper holes and weed edges. Sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat are essential, especially in summer when the insects can be relentless. A net is useful for landing pike, and polarized sunglasses help you read the water and spot structure.

Regulations and licensing

You'll need a Wisconsin fishing license to fish Island Lake. Licenses are available online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at bait shops in Manitowish Waters, or at sporting goods stores. Daily, annual, and short-term licenses are all available.

Walleye and pike regulations vary by water body and change year to year. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations guide before you go—it's free and available online. Vilas County waters generally have standard walleye and pike seasons, but size and bag limits can differ. A quick call to a local bait shop will confirm what's in effect when you plan to fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Island Lake better than other lakes near Manitowish Waters?

Island Lake is shallower and weedier than many nearby systems, which makes it better for pike and for anglers who like to work structure closely. If you prefer deeper, clearer water and open-water fishing, you might prefer lakes like Manitowish or Presque Isle. Island Lake rewards patience and precision.

Can I fish Island Lake from shore?

Island Lake has limited shore access and is best fished from a boat. The shallow, weedy character means a boat lets you reach the productive edges and deeper holes. If you don't have a boat, rent one from a local outfitter in Manitowish Waters.

What's the best time of year to fish Island Lake?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most consistent. Summer requires early morning and late evening fishing. Winter ice fishing is solid if you're equipped for it. If you can only go once, plan for late April or early October.

Do I need a guide to fish Island Lake?

No, but a guide can save you time learning the structure and seasonal patterns. Local outfitters in Manitowish Waters offer guide services and can point you toward productive water. If you're comfortable reading a map and using a depth finder, you can fish it on your own.

What size pike and walleye does Island Lake produce?

Walleye typically run 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish to 22 inches. Pike average 18 to 26 inches, and the lake produces pike to 35 inches or better. The shallow, weedy system supports good numbers of both species rather than trophy fish, but solid catches are common.