What Spider Lake offers anglers

Spider Lake is a shallow, weedy walleye and pike lake that sits just outside Manitowish Waters in Vilas County. The lake runs about 1,200 acres and averages 20 feet deep, with extensive weed beds and muck bottom in most areas. It's known for consistent walleye fishing in spring and fall, and for pike that can run large in the summer months. The character of the lake—shallow, vegetation-heavy, and relatively protected from wind—makes it a different kind of fishing than the deeper, clearer lakes nearby.

What makes Spider Lake distinct is how much of it is actually fishable only during certain seasons. The weed growth is so thick by mid-summer that you can't move a boat through large sections without fouling your prop. Spring and fall are the prime windows, when the weeds thin enough to cast and troll. Winter ice fishing is also productive, especially for walleye along the deeper edges and in the channels between weed beds.

Key Takeaways

  • Spider Lake is a 1,200-acre shallow walleye and pike lake with heavy weed cover that makes it most fishable in spring, fall, and winter.
  • Walleye bite best in low-light conditions—early morning, late evening, and overcast days—and respond to live bait and small jigs along weed edges.
  • Pike fishing peaks in summer when the water warms, but boat access becomes difficult due to thick vegetation; trolling the open channels is often more productive than casting.
  • A Wisconsin fishing license is required; check current regulations for walleye and pike bag limits and size restrictions before you fish.
  • Public boat launches are available, but the lake can be crowded on weekends during peak season—arriving early improves your chances of finding parking and open water.

Spring walleye fishing on Spider Lake

Spring is when Spider Lake fishes best for walleye. The water temperature climbs from the low 40s in April to the mid-50s by late May, and walleye move from the deepest holes into the shallower weed edges to feed. The bite is most active in the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset, when light levels drop and walleye move into shallower water to hunt.

Live bait—shiners, chubs, or crawlers—works better than artificials during spring. Fish the outside edge of the weed beds in 8 to 15 feet of water, using a slip sinker rig or a simple jig and minnow. Cast parallel to the weed line rather than into the thickest cover; walleye hunt the transition zone between open water and vegetation. If you're trolling, use crankbaits that dive to 8 to 12 feet and move slowly—walleye in cold water don't chase fast-moving lures.

Wind can be your friend in spring. A stiff breeze pushes baitfish toward the lee shore and stirs up the shallows, triggering feeding. Overcast days are often better than sunny ones, because walleye are more active when the sun is diffused.

Summer pike and the weed challenge

Pike fishing on Spider Lake peaks in June and July, when the water reaches the low 70s and pike become aggressive. The problem is that by mid-June, the weed beds have grown so thick that large sections of the lake become unfishable. You can still catch pike, but you have to work the open channels, the deeper holes, and the outer weed edges where your boat can move.

Trolling is often more productive than casting in summer because you can cover the open water and the channels without getting stuck. Use larger lures—pike plugs, spoons, or swimbaits in the 4- to 6-inch range—and troll the deeper edges of the weed beds and the channels that cut through them. Early morning and late evening are still the best times, but pike will bite throughout the day if the water is cloudy or if you're fishing deep enough that light penetration is low.

If you want to cast, focus on the few open bays and the channels between major weed beds. A heavy jig with a large soft plastic or a topwater lure can draw strikes in the early morning, but expect to lose lures to the weeds. Many anglers skip summer on Spider Lake and return in fall when the vegetation dies back.

Fall fishing and the transition to winter

Fall is the second-best season on Spider Lake. As water temperature drops from the 60s in September to the 40s by November, walleye move back into the shallows to feed heavily before winter. The weed beds begin to die and thin, opening up more of the lake to fishing. The bite can be intense in October, especially in the first few hours after sunrise.

Use the same tactics as spring—live bait, jigs, and slow trolling—but focus on slightly deeper water as the season progresses. By late October, walleye move into 15 to 25 feet of water along the deeper weed edges and in the basins. Pike are still active but less aggressive than in summer; they're feeding to build fat reserves for winter, but they're not as territorial.

Fall is also when ice fishing season approaches. If you plan to fish Spider Lake in winter, scout the lake in fall to identify the deeper holes, the channel systems, and the weed edges where walleye congregate. Winter fishing on Spider Lake can be excellent, but it requires knowing where to drill your holes.

Tackle and technique for Spider Lake conditions

Because Spider Lake is shallow and weedy, your tackle needs to be suited to that environment. Use a medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braided line for casting; braided line cuts through weeds better than monofilament and gives you better feel in heavy cover. For trolling, a medium-heavy baitcasting rod with 12- to 15-pound mono works well and is more forgiving if you snag.

Jigs in the 1/8- to 3/8-ounce range are the workhorse lure on Spider Lake. Pair them with live minnows or soft plastics and work them slowly along the weed edges. Crankbaits that dive to 8 to 15 feet are effective when trolling, especially in spring and fall. Spoons and swimbaits work for pike, particularly in summer when the water is warm and pike are aggressive.

Bring extra tackle. Spider Lake's weeds and shallow bottom mean you'll lose lures. Having backups saves time and frustration, especially if you're fishing a short trip and don't want to spend it retying.

Access, regulations, and practical details

Spider Lake has public boat launches on the north and south ends. The north launch is near the town of Manitowish Waters and tends to be busier on weekends. The south launch is quieter but requires driving through back roads. Both launches have parking, though spaces fill quickly on summer weekends and during the walleye opener in May.

You need a Wisconsin fishing license to fish Spider Lake. Current regulations require a separate inland trout stamp if you plan to fish any trout waters in the state, though Spider Lake itself is not a trout lake. Walleye and pike bag limits and size restrictions change annually; check the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or pick up a current regulation booklet at a local bait shop before you fish.

The lake can be crowded, especially on weekends in May and June. If you want solitude and better fishing, visit on weekdays or in the shoulder seasons—late April, September, or October. Bring insect repellent in spring and early summer; the shallow, weedy nature of the lake means mosquitoes can be thick.

Nearby alternatives if Spider Lake is crowded

If Spider Lake is packed or if the weed cover is too thick when you arrive, several other lakes in the Manitowish Waters area offer similar fishing with different character. Lac du Flambeau, just south, is larger and deeper with clearer water and a stronger smallmouth bass fishery. Little Star Lake, to the east, is smaller and shallower, with excellent walleye fishing in spring and fall but even heavier weed growth than Spider Lake.

Presque Isle Lake, also nearby, is deeper and clearer than Spider Lake and holds walleye and pike but requires a longer boat ride from the launch. If you're willing to drive 20 minutes, you reach the Cisco Chain lakes, which offer different structure and often lighter fishing pressure. The choice depends on what you're after—if you want consistent walleye in shallow water and don't mind the weeds, Spider Lake is the right choice. If you want clearer water or deeper structure, the alternatives are worth the drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Spider Lake year-round?

Yes, but the best seasons are spring (April through May), fall (September through October), and winter (December through February). Summer fishing is possible but difficult because weed growth makes large sections of the lake unfishable. Many anglers skip June through August and return when the vegetation dies back.

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

Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and late evening (last two hours before sunset) are most productive for walleye. Pike bite throughout the day in summer but are most aggressive in low-light conditions. Overcast days are often better than sunny days because walleye are more active when light is diffused.

Do I need a boat to fish Spider Lake?

A boat is the most practical way to fish Spider Lake because the weed beds make shore access difficult and limit where you can cast. If you don't own a boat, rental options are available in Manitowish Waters. Some anglers fish the launch areas from shore, but you'll catch fewer fish and have less water to explore.

What size pike and walleye does Spider Lake produce?

Walleye typically run 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish over 20 inches. Pike are often larger—18 to 28 inches is common, and the lake produces pike over 30 inches. The shallow, weedy environment and abundant forage support good growth rates for both species.

Is Spider Lake good for beginners?

Spider Lake can be good for beginners in spring and fall when the weed cover is manageable and walleye are active. Summer fishing requires more skill to navigate the weeds and find open water. If you're new to the area, consider hiring a local guide for your first trip to learn the lake's structure and seasonal patterns.