What You'll Find at Havenwoods State Forest
Havenwoods State Forest sits just north of Milwaukee and offers something most urban anglers never expect to find close to the city: a genuine coldwater fishery with walleye, northern pike, and panfish. The forest centers on a 70-acre lake that holds walleye year-round and produces solid catches of bluegill and crappie in the shallows. The water is spring-fed and stays cool enough through summer to keep walleye active, which is rare for a lake this close to an urban center.
The lake is shallow—average depth around 15 feet—which means the fish are never far from shore. That makes Havenwoods ideal if you fish from a small boat, kayak, or wade. The forest itself is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and sits on about 237 acres of oak and pine woodland. There's a boat launch, parking, and a small picnic area, but the place stays quiet because most Milwaukee-area anglers don't know it exists.
Key Takeaways
- Havenwoods holds walleye, northern pike, bluegill, and crappie in a 70-acre spring-fed lake just north of Milwaukee.
- The lake averages 15 feet deep, so fish stay accessible from shore, kayak, or small boat throughout the year.
- Spring and fall are peak seasons for walleye; summer panfish action happens in the shallows near the boat launch and along the eastern shoreline.
- A Wisconsin fishing license is required; the lake is open year-round, including winter ice fishing.
- The boat launch accommodates small boats and kayaks, and parking is free at the day-use area.
Walleye Fishing in Spring and Fall
Walleye bite best at Havenwoods from late April through May and again from September into October. In spring, they move shallow to spawn and feed heavily before and after the spawn. Fish the drop-offs along the north and west shorelines in 8 to 12 feet of water using live shiners or small crankbaits. Early morning and late evening are most productive, but on overcast days the bite can last all day.
Fall walleye fishing mirrors spring: the fish are feeding aggressively to build reserves for winter. Work the same structure—drop-offs and deeper holes—but expect the bite to start later in the day as water temperatures cool. Jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics work well in fall. The advantage of Havenwoods in fall is that the lake rarely gets crowded, so you can work structure without competing for space.
Summer Panfish and Pike
Once water temperatures climb in June, walleye move deeper and become harder to catch, but bluegill and crappie move into the shallows. The area around the boat launch and the eastern shoreline in 3 to 6 feet of water holds panfish all summer. Small jigs, live crickets, and inline spinners all work. Crappie tend to suspend near weeds and fallen timber; bluegill school in slightly shallower water over sand and gravel.
Northern pike are present year-round but are most active in summer when they hunt in the shallows. Fish large shiners or pike-sized crankbaits along the weed edges and near the inlet on the north end of the lake. Pike fishing at Havenwoods is not a primary draw, but you will catch them if you're targeting walleye or panfish, and they can be substantial—fish in the 24- to 30-inch range are not uncommon.
Winter Ice Fishing
Havenwoods stays open for ice fishing once the lake freezes solid, usually by mid-December. Walleye fishing under the ice is productive if you drill holes over the deeper structure—the north and west sides of the lake in 12 to 18 feet of water. Use small jigging spoons tipped with minnow heads or live shiners. The bite is often best in the first few hours after sunrise and again in the last hour before dark.
Panfish ice fishing can be excellent, especially for bluegill. Drill holes in 6 to 10 feet of water and use small jigs with waxworms or maggots. The lake rarely gets crowded in winter, so you can set up and fish without the noise and activity that can shut down the bite on more popular lakes. Bring a shelter—wind off Lake Michigan can make the open ice brutal.
How to Get There and What to Bring
Havenwoods State Forest is located at 6141 North Hopkins Street in Milwaukee, about 15 minutes north of downtown. The entrance is well-marked, and parking is free. The boat launch is a single-lane concrete ramp suitable for small boats and kayaks; there is no fee to launch. If you don't have a boat, you can wade or fish from shore along the eastern and southern shorelines, though access is limited to the day-use area.
Bring a Wisconsin fishing license—you can purchase one online through the DNR website or at most bait shops in Milwaukee. The lake is open year-round, but hours vary by season; check the DNR website before you go. Bait is available at several shops on North Avenue and in nearby Shorewood. The forest has no concessions, so bring water and snacks. In winter, bring a hand auger or power auger, a shelter, and extra layers—the wind can be severe.
Regulations and Seasonal Closures
Wisconsin's statewide fishing regulations apply at Havenwoods. Walleye season runs year-round with a daily limit of five fish; the minimum size is 15 inches. Northern pike have a five-fish daily limit with a 24-inch minimum. Bluegill and crappie have no size limit and a 25-fish combined daily limit. Ice fishing is allowed once the lake is frozen solid, but check the DNR website to confirm the ice is safe before you venture out.
The forest itself closes at dusk, so plan your fishing around daylight hours. Overnight camping is not permitted. The day-use area has a small parking lot that fills on weekends, so arrive early if you're going on a Saturday or Sunday. Dogs are allowed on leash in the forest but must stay out of the water.
Why Havenwoods Matters for Milwaukee Anglers
Most walleye lakes in Wisconsin are an hour or more from Milwaukee, which means Havenwoods fills a real gap. The spring-fed water keeps walleye active when other shallow lakes warm up, and the lack of crowds means you can fish without the pressure that comes with popular destinations. The panfish fishing is solid enough to make a trip worthwhile even if the walleye aren't biting, and the forest itself is peaceful—you're fishing in a real woods, not a developed park.
The lake is also a good training ground if you're new to walleye fishing. The shallow water means you can see structure and understand how fish relate to depth and cover. The panfish bite is forgiving, so you can practice technique without needing perfect conditions. If you live in or near Milwaukee and want to fish walleye without a long drive, Havenwoods is worth a trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish Havenwoods from shore?
Yes. The eastern and southern shorelines are open to shore fishing during day-use hours. Access is limited to the day-use area, so you cannot walk the entire perimeter. The shoreline is mostly wooded, so casting room is tight in some spots, but panfish and walleye are catchable from shore, especially in spring and fall.
Do I need a boat to fish Havenwoods?
No, but a boat or kayak gives you access to deeper structure and the north and west sides of the lake where walleye concentrate. A kayak is ideal because it's quiet, easy to launch, and lets you reach areas shore anglers cannot. Small boats work fine on the launch, but the lake is shallow and can get choppy in wind.
What's the best time of year to fish Havenwoods?
Spring (late April through May) and fall (September through October) are peak for walleye. Summer is best for panfish. Winter ice fishing can be excellent if the ice is safe. The lake is fishable year-round, but walleye fishing drops off in summer when water temperatures climb.
Is there a fee to fish or launch a boat at Havenwoods?
No. Parking and boat launch are free. You only need a Wisconsin fishing license, which you can purchase online or at a local bait shop. There are no day-use fees or facility charges.
How deep is Havenwoods Lake?
The lake averages about 15 feet deep, with the deepest holes around 25 feet on the north and west sides. The shallow average means fish are never far from shore, which makes the lake accessible to waders and shore anglers as well as boaters.