What You'll Find at Rhinelander Flowage

Rhinelander Flowage is a shallow, weedy impoundment in Oneida County that holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass in a setting that rewards anglers who understand structure and timing. The lake covers roughly 2,300 acres but averages only 8 to 10 feet deep, with much of it shallower than that—a character that makes it fundamentally different from the deeper, clearer lakes around Minocqua. The flowage was created by damming the Wisconsin River, and that history shows in the way it behaves: water level fluctuates seasonally, vegetation grows thick in summer, and the whole system responds quickly to weather and season.

The walleye bite here is tied to depth and light. In spring and fall, fish move into 6 to 12 feet of water and feed actively in low-light periods. Summer pushes them deeper and into vegetation, where they hunt at dawn and dusk. Pike are year-round residents and less fussy about depth—they hunt the weed edges and shallows whenever they're hungry. Largemouths are present but secondary to the other two species.

Key Takeaways

  • Rhinelander Flowage is a shallow, weedy lake where walleye relate to depth changes and vegetation edges rather than open water.
  • Spring and fall walleye fishing is strongest in 6 to 12 feet of water during low-light hours, especially around dawn and dusk.
  • Summer requires patience: fish move into deeper holes and thick vegetation, and you'll catch more if you fish early morning or after sunset.
  • Pike are aggressive year-round and respond well to live bait and large lures worked along weed lines and shallow structure.
  • Water level changes throughout the year, so check current conditions before launching and be prepared to adjust your boat handling.

Spring Walleye: Timing the Shallow-Water Bite

Spring on Rhinelander Flowage begins in late April and runs through May, when walleye move out of their winter haunts and into shallower water to feed. The water temperature climbs from the low 40s into the 50s, and fish become less lethargic. Target the transition zones where the lake bottom drops from 4 feet to 8 or 10 feet—these edges are where walleye pause to hunt. The north and east shorelines, where incoming creeks and tributaries add current and oxygen, hold fish longer into the day than open water does.

Live bait works best in spring: shiners or small crawfish on a simple jig-and-live-bait rig, or a slip-sinker rig if you're drifting. Cast parallel to the shoreline rather than toward it, and work slowly. The bite is strongest in the hour before sunset and the first two hours after sunrise. Cloudy days extend the window—on those days, fish feed through midday. Avoid the brightest part of the afternoon unless you're fishing deep holes or heavy vegetation.

Summer: Finding Fish in Weeds and Deeper Water

By mid-June, Rhinelander Flowage transforms. Aquatic vegetation—primarily coontail and cabbage—fills the shallows, and water temperature climbs into the 70s. Walleye retreat to deeper holes, the edges of weed beds, and any structure that offers shade and cooler water. The deepest water on the flowage reaches only 20 to 25 feet, so fish don't have far to go, but they do become more selective about when they feed.

Fish the weed edges with live bait or soft plastics—a 4-inch shad-pattern plastic on a 1/4-ounce jig works well. Early morning, before 8 a.m., is your best window. The hour after sunset is your second-best bet. Midday fishing is slow unless you're working the deepest holes or casting into the thickest vegetation. Pike, by contrast, hunt the weed edges aggressively throughout the day—throw larger lures, spinnerbaits, or live bait and work them with confidence.

Fall: The Second Peak Season

September and October bring the year's second-best walleye bite. Water temperature drops back into the 60s and then the 50s, vegetation begins to die back, and fish move shallower again. The same 6 to 12-foot zones that held fish in spring become productive once more. Fall fishing often lasts longer into the day than spring does—you can catch fish from an hour before sunset through the first few hours of darkness, and again from before sunrise through mid-morning.

Live bait remains the most reliable choice. Shiners and crawfish work equally well. If you're using artificials, stick with jigs and soft plastics in natural colors—browns, blacks, and silvers that mimic the forage fish in the system. The bite can be fast and aggressive in fall, especially on days when the wind picks up and clouds roll in. This is also when pike are most active and most willing to chase larger lures.

Winter: Ice Fishing for Walleye and Pike

Rhinelander Flowage freezes reliably by mid-December and stays frozen through February. Ice fishing here is a different game: you're working vertical presentations in deeper holes and along the edges of old weed beds. Walleye suspend in 12 to 18 feet of water, and you'll catch them on small jigging spoons tipped with live minnows, or on live minnows fished under a tip-up.

Pike are also present under the ice and respond to larger baits and more aggressive jigging. The bite is typically slower than open-water fishing, but the season offers solitude and the chance to learn the lake's structure without the distraction of summer weeds. Check ice thickness before heading out—the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recommends at least 4 inches for walking and 5 to 7 inches for vehicles.

Boat Launch and Access

The primary public launch for Rhinelander Flowage is at the Rhinelander Flowage Public Landing, located on the south side of the lake off Highway 8. The launch has a paved ramp, parking for trailers, and a courtesy dock. Water level can fluctuate, especially in spring and after heavy rain, so check conditions before launching if you're unfamiliar with the ramp. The landing is maintained by Oneida County and is open year-round for ice fishing access.

The lake is also accessible from several smaller informal access points along the shoreline, though these are less developed and may not be suitable for larger boats. Respect private property and use only designated public access areas.

What to Bring and What to Know

Rhinelander Flowage is shallow enough that a 16 to 18-foot boat with a shallow-draft motor is ideal, but many anglers fish it successfully from smaller boats and even canoes. Bring a good depth finder—the weed growth and variable bottom make it essential for finding the right zones. A GPS unit or map app helps you return to productive spots and navigate the weed beds safely.

Vegetation can foul your prop in summer, so carry a spare shear pin and know how to replace it. Bring more live bait than you think you'll need—the shallow water and aggressive fish mean you'll go through it faster than on deeper lakes. Sunscreen and insect repellent are non-negotiable in summer; mosquitoes and deer flies are thick around the weeds. In fall and spring, bring layers—the water is cold, and the wind can pick up quickly on a shallow lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Rhinelander Flowage?

Spring (late April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most consistent. Summer fishing is possible but requires early morning or evening effort. Winter ice fishing is productive but slower than open water.

Do I need a boat to fish here, or can I wade or fish from shore?

You can fish from shore in some areas, especially along the south and east sides, but a boat gives you access to deeper water and weed edges where most fish hold. Many anglers also fish from canoes in summer when the water is calm.

What size fish should I expect?

Walleye average 12 to 16 inches, with fish in the 18 to 22-inch range caught regularly. Pike are often larger, with 24 to 30-inch fish common and bigger ones possible. Largemouths are typically smaller, in the 12 to 15-inch range.

Is there a fish cleaning station at the launch?

The Rhinelander Flowage Public Landing does not have a dedicated cleaning station, but there are picnic tables and a parking area where you can clean your catch. Bring your own cleaning supplies or plan to clean fish at your lodging.

Can I use live bait, or are there restrictions?

Wisconsin allows live bait for walleye and pike. Check the current Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fishing regulations for any seasonal restrictions or bait-type rules that may apply to Oneida County.