What Spring Lake offers walleye and pike anglers

Spring Lake is a shallow, weedy 300-acre lake in Walworth County that holds walleye and northern pike in a system that rewards patience and precision. The lake averages 15 feet deep with a maximum depth around 30 feet, and the bottom is thick with vegetation — cabbage, coontail, and milfoil dominate. That weed growth is what makes the lake work: it holds fish, stabilizes water temperature, and creates the structure you need to find them consistently.

The walleye here are not large — most run 12 to 16 inches — but they are present year-round and bite reliably during the right conditions. Pike are the bonus fish; they grow bigger and are less predictable, but a 30-inch pike is not out of reach. Spring Lake is not a destination lake for trophy hunters, but it is a solid choice if you want to understand how a weedy system works and catch fish without fighting crowds.

Key Takeaways

  • Spring Lake averages 15 feet deep with heavy weed growth that holds walleye and pike year-round.
  • Walleye run 12 to 16 inches on average; pike are less common but can reach 30 inches.
  • Early morning and dusk are most productive, especially in spring and fall when weeds thin slightly.
  • Jigs tipped with minnows and soft plastics work better than crankbaits in dense vegetation.
  • Public access is available at the county boat launch on the north shore.

Spring and fall — the prime seasons

Spring Lake fishes best in April through May and again in September through October. In spring, walleye move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively before the weeds fully thicken. You will find them in 6 to 12 feet of water along the weed edges and in small pockets of open water. Early morning — first light through mid-morning — is when they bite hardest.

Fall is equally good. As water cools in September and October, walleye become more active and less selective. The weeds begin to die back, which opens up more of the lake and makes fish easier to locate. Pike also bite more consistently in fall, and the water is clearer, which helps you read structure and spot fish.

Summer is the hardest season. Weeds grow thick, water warms, and walleye retreat to deeper holes and weed edges where oxygen is better. You can catch fish, but you need to work harder and fish during low-light periods — early morning, late evening, and overcast days.

How to fish the weeds without getting stuck

Dense vegetation is Spring Lake's defining feature, and it demands a different approach than open-water lakes. Jigs are your primary tool. A 1/4-ounce to 3/8-ounce jig tipped with a live minnow or a soft plastic — a 3-inch paddle-tail or shad-shaped bait — lets you work the weed edges and pockets without snagging constantly. Cast parallel to weed lines rather than into the thickest growth, and work the jig slowly along the edge where weeds meet open water.

Soft plastics alone — rigged on a jighead or a Texas rig — also work well and give you more control in heavy cover. A 4-inch curly-tail or a straight-tail shad in natural colors (white, chartreuse, or dark green) will draw strikes from both walleye and pike. Work them slowly; in weedy water, a fast retrieve often means you miss the bite.

Avoid crankbaits and spinners unless you are fishing open water or thin weed edges. They foul constantly in dense growth and waste your time. If you want to cover water, use a slow-rolling spinnerbait in the 3/8-ounce to 1/2-ounce range, but even that works better in spring and fall when weeds are thinner.

Where to find walleye and pike on Spring Lake

Walleye on Spring Lake relate to weed edges and depth changes. Focus on the transition zone between shallow weeds (6 to 10 feet) and slightly deeper open water (12 to 15 feet). The north and east shores have more gradual slopes and more defined weed lines; the south and west shores are shallower and more uniformly weedy. Early in the season, fish the shallower edges; as summer progresses, move to the deeper edges and any holes you can find.

Pike are less predictable but often hold in the thickest weed growth, especially in summer. They also patrol the deeper holes — anywhere you find 20 to 28 feet of water. Pike bite best during low-light periods and on overcast days. If you hook a pike, it is usually a bonus while targeting walleye, though dedicated pike anglers can do well with larger soft plastics and spinnerbaits in the thicker cover.

Public access and launch information

Spring Lake has a public boat launch on the north shore, operated by Walworth County. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp with a small parking area. It is free to use and open year-round, though winter access depends on ice conditions. The parking area fills on weekends in spring and fall, so arrive early if you are fishing a Saturday or Sunday.

There is no bait shop on the lake itself. The nearest tackle shops are in Elkhorn and Delavan, both about 10 to 15 minutes away. Stock up on jigs, soft plastics, and live minnows before you arrive. If you need a minnow bucket or other gear, bring it with you.

Regulations and what you need to know

Wisconsin walleye regulations on Spring Lake follow the statewide inland lakes rules: a daily limit of five walleye with a 15-inch minimum length. Pike have a daily limit of three with a 24-inch minimum. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at any bait shop.

Spring Lake is not a catch-and-release-only lake, but the fish population is modest. If you plan to keep walleye, consider releasing smaller fish to maintain the fishery. Pike are less abundant, so catch-and-release is a good practice if you are targeting them for sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Spring Lake in winter?

Yes. Spring Lake is open to ice fishing, and walleye bite through the ice, especially in early winter and late winter. Use small jigs tipped with minnows or maggots in 12 to 18 feet of water. Pike are harder to target under the ice but possible. Check ice thickness before venturing out — at least 4 inches for walking, 8 inches for a snowmobile.

What size boat do I need?

Any boat works on Spring Lake. A 16-foot aluminum boat with a trolling motor is ideal for navigating the weeds and staying quiet. A kayak or canoe is also effective if you want to fish slowly and explore the shallower edges. The lake is small enough that you can cover most of it in a day.

Do I need a trolling motor?

A trolling motor is not required, but it is very helpful. The weeds make it hard to drift effectively, and a trolling motor lets you hold position and work specific edges. If you do not have one, you can anchor in open water and cast to nearby weed lines, or use a paddle to move slowly along the edges.

What is the best time of day to fish?

Early morning — from first light through mid-morning — is most productive. Dusk and early evening also work well. Midday is slowest, especially in summer. Overcast days are better than sunny days because walleye and pike are more active in lower light.

Are there other fish species in Spring Lake?

Bluegill and other panfish are present and bite readily on small jigs and live bait. They are not the main draw, but they are a good option if walleye are slow or if you want to fish with children. Largemouth bass are also in the lake but not abundant.