What Booth Lake offers anglers

Booth Lake is a shallow, weedy impoundment just outside Minocqua that holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass in a setting that rewards patience and structure-hunting. The lake runs roughly 300 acres and rarely exceeds 20 feet deep—most of it sits between 8 and 14 feet. That shallow profile means heavy weed growth in summer, which concentrates fish but also demands you know how to work around it.

Walleye are the primary draw. They move shallow here more readily than in deeper lakes, especially in spring and fall, and they respond well to live bait presentations and crankbaits worked along the weed edges. Pike run large and aggressive, and the lake's structure—scattered humps, a few deeper holes, and extensive cabbage beds—holds them year-round. If you're coming from Minocqua proper, Booth is a short drive that feels quieter than the main lakes but still offers solid fishing without the crowds.

Key Takeaways

  • Booth Lake is a 300-acre shallow impoundment where walleye and pike respond to live bait and structure-focused presentations along weed edges.
  • Summer fishing requires working around heavy cabbage and coontail growth, but the weeds concentrate fish and create predictable feeding zones.
  • Spring and fall are the most consistent seasons, when walleye move shallow and pike are active across the entire water column.
  • Public access is available at the Booth Lake public landing on the north shore, which has parking and a boat ramp.

Spring walleye patterns on Booth Lake

Spring is when Booth Lake shines for walleye. As the water warms from ice-out through May, walleye move into the shallower bays and along the weed edges that line much of the shoreline. Target depths of 6 to 12 feet, especially where cabbage and coontail are just beginning to green up. Live shiners or crawlers under a slip bobber work well in the first few weeks after ice-out, when walleye are still sluggish and prefer a slow presentation.

By mid-May, as the water reaches the low 50s, switch to crankbaits and jigs. A 1/4-ounce jig tipped with a crawler or shiner, worked slowly along the weed line, will catch fish throughout the day. Early morning and evening are prime, but on Booth Lake the shallow water and weed cover mean you can find active walleye even at midday if you stay near structure. The north and west shores hold the most consistent shallow-water habitat.

Summer fishing and weed management

By June, Booth Lake becomes a weed lake. Cabbage and coontail grow thick, and the water temperature climbs into the upper 60s and low 70s. This is when many anglers move to deeper lakes, but Booth still holds fish—you just have to fish the edges and openings rather than the open water.

Focus on the outside weed line, where deeper water meets the cabbage beds. Walleye suspend along these edges, especially in the morning and evening. Throw crankbaits that dive to 8 to 12 feet and work them parallel to the weed line, or use a jig-and-crawler combination and let it fall into the pockets between weed clumps. Pike love the thick stuff; throw topwater lures or large soft plastics into the cabbage and work them with sharp, deliberate twitches. Early morning, before the sun gets high, is your best window.

If you're fishing mid-summer during the heat, focus on the few deeper holes—there's a basin on the south end that reaches 20 feet—where walleye retreat during the day. You'll need a depth finder to locate these spots, but they hold fish consistently.

Fall fishing and pike activity

Fall is the second-best season on Booth Lake. As water temperatures drop through September and October, walleye move back to the shallows and become aggressive. The weed growth begins to die back, opening up more water and making fish easier to locate. Live bait under a bobber works well in early fall, but as the water cools below 60 degrees, switch to jigs and crankbaits and fish them more actively.

Pike are at their peak in fall. The cooler water triggers feeding binges, and they roam the shallows hunting baitfish. Throw large crankbaits (3 to 4 inches), spinnerbaits, and soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range. Work the weed edges and any remaining open water aggressively. You'll encounter pike throughout the day, but the hour after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset are most productive.

Winter and ice-fishing opportunities

Booth Lake freezes solid by mid-December and holds ice through early April. The shallow profile means the ice is usually thick and safe by late December, and the lake draws a steady crowd of ice anglers targeting walleye and pike.

Walleye congregate in the deeper holes and along the basin on the south end. Tip-ups rigged with live shiners work well, and jigging with small spoons or jig-and-minnow combos produces steady action. Pike are scattered but aggressive; set tip-ups with larger shiners (4 to 6 inches) in 12 to 16 feet of water and check them regularly. The north shore near the public landing is a popular area, but you'll find less crowded fishing by moving toward the deeper south end.

Public access and boat launch details

The Booth Lake public landing is located on the north shore and is maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The ramp is concrete, well-maintained, and has adequate parking for trailers. There is no fee to launch. The landing is open year-round, though winter access depends on road conditions and ice thickness.

The lake is small enough that you can reach most productive water from the public landing in 5 to 10 minutes. A 16- to 18-foot boat is ideal, but smaller aluminum boats and even canoes work well if you're comfortable navigating around weed beds. The shallow water means you should run at reduced speed and watch for submerged stumps and rocks, especially near the shoreline.

Tackle and technique recommendations

For walleye, bring 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jigs in white, chartreuse, and natural colors. Pair them with live crawlers or shiners. Crankbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range that dive to 8 to 12 feet work well spring through fall. A slip-bobber rig with a live shiner is essential for spring and early summer. Bring a depth finder—Booth's shallow, weedy profile makes structure-finding critical.

For pike, use larger presentations: 4- to 6-inch soft plastics, 3- to 4-inch crankbaits, and spinnerbaits with #4 or #5 blades. Pike on Booth Lake respond to aggressive retrieves, so don't be shy about working your lures with sharp twitches and pauses. Bring wire or heavy fluorocarbon leaders—pike teeth will shred standard line.

A 6- to 7-foot medium-power rod works for both species. Pair it with 8- to 10-pound braided line for jigs and crankbaits, or 10- to 12-pound monofilament if you prefer the stretch and forgiveness. The shallow water means fish can see your line, so use a fluorocarbon leader when conditions are clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Booth Lake better for walleye or pike?

Walleye are more abundant and more consistent, especially in spring and fall. Pike are present and grow large, but they're less predictable day-to-day. If you're targeting one species, focus on walleye; if you want variety, Booth delivers both.

Can I fish Booth Lake without a boat?

Yes. The public landing has shoreline access, and the shallow water near the ramp holds fish, especially in spring and fall. You can also wade in many areas, though the bottom is soft and weedy. A canoe or small kayak is ideal if you want to explore without a motorboat.

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

Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before sunset) are most productive spring through fall. In summer, when the water is warm and weeds are thick, these windows are even more important. Winter ice-fishing is productive throughout the day, but early morning is still your best bet.

Do I need a Wisconsin fishing license to fish Booth Lake?

Yes. Wisconsin requires a valid fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at bait shops in Minocqua, or at the public landing. Daily, three-day, and annual licenses are available.

How deep does Booth Lake get?

Most of Booth Lake is 8 to 14 feet deep. The deepest hole, on the south end, reaches about 20 feet. The shallow profile means you should use a depth finder to locate the few deeper basins where walleye retreat during summer heat.