What You'll Find at Navarino Wildlife Area

Navarino Wildlife Area is a 9,000-acre state property in Shawano County that centers on shallow marsh and wetland habitat rather than open lake. The fishery here is built on walleye, northern pike, and panfish in water that rarely exceeds 8 to 10 feet deep. If you're used to the deeper, clearer lakes of northeastern Wisconsin, Navarino will feel different—the water is stained, the bottom is soft, and the fish relate to vegetation and structure in ways that reward patience and a willingness to work slowly.

The area is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources primarily for wildlife habitat, which means fishing is secondary to the broader mission. That said, the marsh system holds fish year-round, and spring and fall can be excellent if you understand what the water offers. Summer is tougher because the shallows warm quickly and fish move deeper or into thicker vegetation. Winter access depends on ice thickness and DNR announcements.

Key Takeaways

  • Navarino's shallow marsh system holds walleye and pike in stained water where vegetation and soft bottom structure matter more than depth.
  • Spring and fall are the most productive seasons; summer requires targeting deeper pockets and thick weeds, while winter access varies by ice conditions.
  • Public boat launches are limited; check the Navarino Wildlife Area map and contact the Shawano County DNR office to confirm current access points.
  • Panfish (bluegill, crappie) are abundant and provide reliable action when walleye and pike are slow, especially in early morning and evening.

Walleye Fishing in Shallow Marsh Water

Walleye at Navarino are not the deep-structure fish you might target on clearer lakes. They live in 3 to 8 feet of water, often tight to emergent vegetation—cattails, rushes, and scattered woody debris. Early morning and late evening are critical because the stained water and shallow depth mean walleye are more light-sensitive than in clearer systems. A dawn bite can be explosive; by mid-morning, fish retreat into thicker cover or move to the deepest available pockets.

Jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics work well in spring and fall when walleye are actively feeding in the shallows. Cast parallel to weed edges and work the jig slowly—let it sit for a few seconds, then lift and drop. In summer, focus on the few deeper holes and channels that cut through the marsh; these become refuge zones when the shallows heat up. Trolling crankbaits along these deeper routes can produce, but it requires knowing the bottom contours, which you can learn by studying the area map or talking to local anglers at the launch.

Northern Pike and Aggressive Shallow-Water Hunting

Pike thrive in Navarino's marsh system and can be larger and more abundant than walleye. They hunt in the same shallow, weedy water, but pike are less time-sensitive—you can catch them throughout the day if you're fishing the right cover. Thick vegetation, fallen trees, and the edges of open water channels are pike magnets. Larger lures work better here than for walleye: spinnerbaits, large soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), and topwater plugs in low-light conditions.

Fall is exceptional for pike at Navarino because the water cools, vegetation begins to die back, and pike feed aggressively before winter. You'll see pike cruising the edges of the marsh, and a well-placed cast can draw a strike immediately. Spring pike fishing is also solid, though the water is still cold and fish move more slowly. Summer pike are present but require more precise location work—find the deepest channels and the thickest weed mats, and fish those zones during early morning and after sunset.

Panfish: Reliable Action When Walleye Are Slow

Bluegill and crappie are abundant at Navarino and often overlooked by anglers focused on walleye and pike. These fish are present year-round and provide consistent action, especially in spring and early summer when they move into shallow water to spawn. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce), live minnows, and even small soft plastics will catch panfish in 2 to 4 feet of water near vegetation.

Early morning is best for panfish, but unlike walleye, they'll bite throughout the day if you're fishing the right depth and cover. A simple approach—light jig, small minnow, and patience—can yield a full cooler of bluegill in a few hours. Panfish are also a good option if you're bringing children or less experienced anglers; the action is frequent and forgiving of technique mistakes.

Seasonal Timing and Water Conditions

Spring (April through May) is when Navarino fishes best. Water temperatures are rising, fish are moving into the shallows to feed and spawn, and the marsh comes alive. Walleye and pike are aggressive, and panfish bite reliably. The downside is that water levels can be high and unpredictable depending on snowmelt and rain.

Summer (June through August) is slower overall. The shallows warm quickly in a marsh system, and fish move deeper or into the densest vegetation. Early morning and late evening are your windows; midday fishing is often unproductive. If you fish summer, focus on finding the deepest holes and channels, and be prepared to work harder for fewer fish.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for quality fishing. Water cools, fish move back into the shallows, and pike especially are hungry and aggressive. Walleye bite well in the morning and evening, and panfish remain active. Fall is also when the marsh is most accessible because water levels typically stabilize.

Winter fishing at Navarino depends on ice thickness and DNR announcements. The area does freeze, and ice fishing for walleye and panfish is possible, but always check current conditions with the Shawano County DNR office before heading out. Ice-out timing varies significantly year to year.

Access, Launches, and Planning Your Visit

Navarino Wildlife Area has limited public boat access compared to larger state lakes. The primary launch point is at the Navarino Wildlife Area parking area on County Road A, but you should confirm current access and launch conditions by contacting the Shawano County DNR office or checking the Wisconsin DNR website for the Navarino Wildlife Area map and regulations.

The area is day-use only—no camping or overnight facilities are available on the property. Parking is limited, so arrive early, especially on weekends. The marsh can be shallow and weedy, so a shallow-draft boat (14 to 16 feet) with a small electric motor or trolling motor is ideal. A larger boat with a standard outboard can work, but you'll need to know the channels and be prepared for tight maneuvering.

Bring a detailed map or GPS unit. The marsh can look uniform from the water, and it's easy to get turned around. The DNR map shows the main channels and deeper holes, which are worth studying before you launch. A fish finder is helpful for locating deeper pockets and structure, especially in summer.

Regulations and What to Bring

Wisconsin fishing regulations apply at Navarino. Current walleye, pike, and panfish limits and size restrictions are set by the state and can change year to year. Check the Wisconsin DNR fishing regulations guide before you go—it's free and available online. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Because Navarino is a marsh system with soft bottom and vegetation, bring a landing net, needle-nose pliers, and a stringer or cooler. The soft bottom means you'll likely lose a few lures to snags, so pack extras. Insect repellent is essential, especially in spring and early summer when mosquitoes are heavy. Sunscreen and a hat are important because there's little shade on the open marsh. A rain jacket is worth bringing because weather can change quickly over open water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Navarino year-round?

Yes, but winter access depends on ice thickness and DNR announcements. Spring, summer, and fall are all open for boat fishing. Contact the Shawano County DNR office to confirm current conditions before planning a winter trip.

What size boat do I need?

A shallow-draft boat 14 to 16 feet with an electric or small trolling motor is ideal for the marsh. Larger boats can work if you know the channels, but the shallow, weedy water limits maneuverability. Canoes and kayaks are also used, though they're slower and less practical for covering distance.

Is Navarino better than other Shawano County lakes?

It's different, not better or worse. Navarino offers shallow-water marsh fishing with abundant pike and panfish. If you prefer clearer, deeper water and larger walleye, lakes like Shawano Lake itself may suit you better. Navarino rewards anglers who enjoy working vegetation and don't mind stained water.

What's the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) is consistently best for walleye and panfish. Pike bite throughout the day but are most aggressive in low light. Late evening can also be productive, though it's shorter than the morning window.

Do I need a guide to fish Navarino?

No, but a guide familiar with the marsh can accelerate your learning curve and help you locate deeper holes and channels. Local tackle shops in Shawano can recommend guides or provide maps and current conditions information.