What You'll Find at Lower Nemahbin Lake

Lower Nemahbin Lake is a 385-acre impoundment in Oconomowoc that sits quieter than its neighbor Upper Nemahbin, making it a solid choice when you want walleye and pike without the weekend boat traffic. The lake runs about 35 feet deep at its deepest point, with a mix of sand, silt, and weed structure that holds fish year-round. Most anglers come for walleye in spring and fall, and for pike in early season and late summer when the water cools.

The character of Lower Nemahbin is different from Upper Nemahbin in one key way: it's shallower overall and has more consistent weed growth, which means the fish don't move as far between seasons. If you learn the shallow structure in summer, you'll recognize it again in spring. The lake also has a public launch on the south end that's less crowded than Upper Nemahbin's ramp, and parking is easier to find on weekday mornings.

Key Takeaways

  • Lower Nemahbin holds walleye year-round but peaks in spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) when cooler water brings them to shallower structure.
  • Pike fishing is best in May and early June, then again in late August and September when water temperature drops below 75 degrees.
  • The public launch is on the south shore, and a Wisconsin fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
  • Weed beds along the east and north shorelines hold both walleye and pike; work the edges in 8 to 15 feet of water during midday.

Spring Walleye — April Through May

Spring is when Lower Nemahbin walleye move shallow and bite consistently. In April, fish the transition zone between deep and shallow water—typically 12 to 20 feet—using live shiners or crawlers on a jig-and-minnow rig. The north and east shorelines warm first, so start there in early April and work your way along the weed edges as the water temperature climbs toward 50 degrees.

By late April and into May, walleye push into 6 to 12 feet of water over sand and gravel. This is when crankbaits and live-bait rigs both work well. Fish the shallow flats on the south end of the lake in the evening—the last two hours before dark are often the most productive. If you're out at dawn, focus on the same areas; walleye feed heavily in low light.

One detail that matters: Lower Nemahbin's weed growth starts earlier than Upper Nemahbin because the water is shallower. By mid-May, weeds can become thick enough to make jig fishing difficult. Switch to crankbaits or topwater lures if you're getting snagged constantly, or move to the deeper holes (25–30 feet) where walleye retreat as the lake warms.

Summer Pike and Walleye in Deeper Water

Summer on Lower Nemahbin is a different game. Walleye move deep—25 to 35 feet—and bite best in the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. During midday, you can still catch fish, but you'll work harder for them. Use live shiners on a slip-sinker rig or vertical jigging with soft plastics in the deepest holes on the lake, which are scattered along the center and north end.

Pike fishing in summer is spotty because the water warms quickly in a shallow lake. However, early mornings in June and early July can still produce fish in the 8 to 15-foot zone near weed edges. By mid-July, pike fishing slows dramatically until late August. If you're targeting pike in summer, focus on the cooler, deeper holes and fish before 9 a.m.

Weed control on Lower Nemahbin varies year to year. Some summers the lake is thick with cabbage and coontail; other years it's manageable. Check with the Oconomowoc Parks and Recreation Department or a local bait shop before you go to learn what the current conditions are. Thick weeds can make trolling impossible but create excellent structure for casting.

Fall Bite — September and October

Fall is when Lower Nemahbin fishes best for both species. As water temperature drops below 70 degrees in late August and September, walleye move back to shallower structure and feed aggressively. The weed edges on the east and north shores hold concentrations of fish. Fish the 8 to 15-foot zone with live bait or crankbaits, and don't overlook the shallow flats on the south end—walleye will chase baitfish into 4 to 6 feet of water in September.

Pike fishing in fall is excellent. September and early October are prime months because pike are feeding hard before winter and the water temperature is ideal. Work the weed edges and the transition zones between shallow and deep water. Live shiners work, but so do large crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Fish the low-light periods, but don't pack up at midday—fall pike will bite throughout the day.

October walleye fishing can be outstanding if you time it right. As the water cools toward 50 degrees, walleye move back to the deeper structure they occupied in spring. Fish the 15 to 25-foot zone with live bait, and don't be afraid to fish the middle of the day. By late October, the bite slows as water temperature drops further, but it can still be productive if you're patient.

Winter and Ice Fishing

Lower Nemahbin freezes reliably by mid-December, and ice fishing for walleye and pike runs through February. The deeper holes (25–35 feet) hold walleye under the ice. Tip-ups with live shiners work well for pike; jigging with live minnows or soft plastics works for walleye. The bite is often best in the first few weeks after freeze-up and again in late January and February as the water stabilizes.

Check ice thickness before you venture out—the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recommends at least 4 inches for walking and 5 to 7 inches for snowmobiles or ATVs. Lower Nemahbin's shallow areas can freeze unevenly, so stay away from the weed beds and stick to the open-water holes. A local bait shop can tell you which areas are safest and where fish are currently holding.

Launch, Regulations, and Local Resources

The public launch on Lower Nemahbin is on the south shore, accessible from Oconomowoc Avenue. Parking is available, and the ramp is maintained by the Oconomowoc Parks and Recreation Department. There is no launch fee. The ramp can get crowded on summer weekends, but weekday mornings are usually quiet.

Wisconsin fishing regulations apply. You need a current Wisconsin fishing license if you're 16 or older. Walleye have a daily bag limit of 5 fish with a 15-inch minimum length. Pike have a daily bag limit of 2 fish with a 24-inch minimum length. These regulations can change, so check the current Wisconsin DNR fishing guide before you go.

For current information on water conditions, weed growth, and fish reports, contact the Oconomowoc Parks and Recreation Department or stop by a local bait shop like Oconomowoc Bait and Tackle. They can tell you what's biting, where fish are holding, and whether any maintenance or drawdowns are planned for the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lower Nemahbin better than Upper Nemahbin for walleye?

They're different, not better or worse. Lower Nemahbin is shallower and has more consistent weed structure, so walleye are easier to locate if you know the lake. Upper Nemahbin is deeper and holds fish in more distinct holes. If you're new to the area, Lower Nemahbin is more forgiving because the fish don't move as far between seasons.

Can I fish from shore at Lower Nemahbin?

Yes. The south shore near the launch has public access, and there are a few spots along the east shore where you can fish from land. However, most of the shoreline is private property, so stick to marked public areas. Shore fishing is best in spring and fall when walleye move shallow.

What's the best time of day to fish Lower Nemahbin?

Early morning (dawn to 9 a.m.) and evening (two hours before dark) are most productive year-round. In spring and fall, you can catch fish all day. In summer, midday fishing is slower, so focus on low-light periods unless you're fishing deep water with live bait.

Do I need a boat to fish Lower Nemahbin?

A boat gives you access to the best structure and deeper water, but you can catch walleye and pike from shore in spring and fall. If you don't own a boat, consider renting one for a day or fishing with someone who does. The lake is small enough that you don't need a large boat—a 16-foot aluminum with a trolling motor is plenty.

What should I bring for a day on Lower Nemahbin?

Bring your Wisconsin fishing license, a current fishing guide, live bait (shiners or crawlers), jigs, crankbaits, and a net. The weather can change quickly on a small lake, so bring a rain jacket and sunscreen. If you're fishing in fall or spring, bring layers—mornings are cold, and the water is cold if you fall in.