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Fox Lake (WI)

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Fox Lake (WI)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	47-55	Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, with activity levels increasing as water temperatures rise from high 40s to mid 50s Fish are showing increased aggression during warming trends, especially around hard cover that retains heat like riprap and rocks Early morning feeding windows are prominent, with fish actively feeding near vegetation edges and rocky areas	Riprap and rock areas that retain heat, particularly during cold fronts Submerged vegetation edges in 3-4 feet of water, especially near pinch points Mixed rock and boulder areas as water warms into the low 50s	Bladed Jigs worked steadily through vegetation and along rock transitions Lipless Crankbaits ripped through green vegetation, especially during early morning Ned Rigs worked slowly around rock and riprap during cold fronts	Crawfish becoming active around rocky areas and riprap Perch relating to vegetation edges Shad schools in areas adjacent to vegetation	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves, making aggressive movements into shallow areas as water temperatures rise Fish are transitioning from winter deep water areas to shallow spawning bays and tributary areas Pike become increasingly active during daylight hours, especially on sunny days that warm shallow areas	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially those with southern exposure Tributary areas and channel mouths leading to spawning areas Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays	Spinnerbaits worked slowly along emerging weed edges and through shallow flats Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves parallel to shoreline breaks Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses to trigger reaction strikes	Large Baitfish schools transitioning to shallow areas Yellow Perch moving into spawning areas Suckers beginning their spring run movements	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	47-55	Pre-spawn walleyes are staging near spawning areas and moving into river channels and shallow flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are most active during dawn and dusk periods, taking advantage of the moderate water clarity for feeding	River channels and deeper staging areas adjacent to potential spawning flats Rock piles and points near shallow spawning areas Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning grounds	Bladed Jigs worked slowly along channel edges and through staging areas Live Bait Rigs with minnows targeting pre-spawn concentrations Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during peak feeding periods	Minnows congregating in pre-spawn areas Perch in similar staging areas Small baitfish schools in channel edges	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	60-68	Bass are actively moving into spawning areas, staging near shallow vegetation and docks, with feeding activity focused on bluegills Fish showing pre-spawn feeding behavior with some females still carrying eggs, as evidenced by recent 3-pound catch	Weed clumps in spawning bays, particularly those adjacent to deeper water Docks with nearby vegetation, especially those in protected coves Points with mixed rock and vegetation, serving as staging areas	Swim Jigs worked through and around vegetation edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked around docks and vegetation Bladed Jigs worked along points and transition areas	Bluegill - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Other panfish species typically found in spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Pike are moving into shallow, weedy bays and backwater areas for spawning, typically most active during early morning and evening hours Post-spawn fish remain shallow but transition to active feeding behavior, targeting abundant baitfish populations around emerging vegetation	Shallow, weedy bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Protected coves with warming water temperatures Transition areas between spawning bays and deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves parallel to weed edges Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked around points leading into spawning bays	Young-of-year baitfish schools Shallow water panfish Small pike and other juvenile fish	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	47-55	Walleye are moving into shallow river channels and shoreline areas for spawning, most active during dawn and dusk periods Post-spawn fish transitioning to feeding locations near drop-offs and points, particularly where current meets structure	River channels and defined current areas with rock or gravel bottom Points and drop-offs adjacent to spawning areas Shallow flats near deep water access	Bladed Jigs worked slowly along channel edges and through current seams Live Bait Rigs with minnows near drop-offs and points Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in river channels during peak spawn	Minnows concentrated in spawning areas and channel edges Perch sharing similar spawning habitat and movement patterns	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn largemouth bass are beginning to transition into their summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy but still remaining relatively shallow Fish are showing a preference for slower presentations near vegetation, likely due to post-spawn recovery and moderate water clarity conditions	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 foot depth range Secondary points with mixed rock and vegetation Shallow dock areas adjacent to deeper water	Wacky Rigs worked slowly through vegetation Texas Rigs (Worming) along weed edges Swim Jigs parallel to vegetation lines	Bluegill in and around vegetation Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily hunting in vegetation edges and shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas Fish are most active during early morning and evening hours, moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper sanctuary locations	Emerging weed edges in 4-8 feet of water, especially near spawning bays Wind-blown points with developing vegetation Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water escape routes	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves near structure Inline Spinners in open water pockets between vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish schools Perch gathering in emerging vegetation Suckers recovering from their own spawn	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	47-58	Post-spawn walleyes are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting minnows and small perch in river channels and transitional areas Fish are making daily movements between deeper holding areas and feeding zones, becoming most active during lower light conditions due to moderate water clarity	River channels and channel edges where recent catches have been reported Points and rock piles adjacent to deeper water Transitional areas between spawning bays and main lake structures	Bladed Jigs worked along channel edges and through transitional areas Live Bait Rigs with minnows near rock piles and points Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') in deeper holding areas during bright conditions	Minnows (confirmed primary forage in recent reports) Perch (noted in spring reports and matches habitat profile)	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	66-78	Actively feeding during early morning hours (5-7am) around vegetation edges and hard cover, with bite tapering but continuing through the day Holding in shallow water (2-4 feet) relating to grass, docks, and rocky areas, especially during lower light conditions	Submerged grass beds in 2-4 feet with clear edges and paths Docks and laydowns, especially those adjacent to vegetation Isolated rock piles and boulders in 6-10 feet of water	Bladed Jigs ripped through holes in grass and along vegetation edges Swim Jigs worked parallel to dock lines and through grass patches Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around submerged vegetation	Bluegill - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Minnows - secondary forage showing in reports around rocks and points Insects - surface activity noted during overcast conditions	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	72-78	Pike are actively feeding but seeking temperature refuge during peak heat, moving between weed edges and deeper water Showing aggressive chase behavior, willing to pursue flashy moving baits through vegetation and open water Most active during early morning and evening when temperatures are cooler	Submerged vegetation edges, especially where they meet deeper water Wind-blown points with baitfish concentrations Deeper weed pockets providing thermal refuge during midday heat	Bladed Jigs worked through and over vegetation Swim Jigs with aggressive retrieve near weed edges Spinnerbaits parallel to weed lines	Minnows concentrated along weed edges Young-of-year panfish in vegetation Small bass utilizing similar habitat	Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Walleye	68-78	Walleye will be transitioning between shallow feeding areas during low light and deeper holding areas during bright conditions, following the 2.7m Secchi depth pattern Fish are likely to relate strongly to structure transitions between weed edges and deeper water, particularly active during dawn and dusk periods	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles in 15-25 foot range Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water Submerged vegetation edges near channel swing areas	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crawler harnesses along weed edges and structure transitions Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions and rock piles Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during midday on deep structure	Minnows concentrated along weed edges and structure Perch schools relating to rock/weed transitions	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Fox Lake (WI)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Bass are actively feeding on baitfish and transitioning to deeper structure as they follow forage and prepare for winter Fish are relating heavily to remaining vegetation edges and hard structure, especially during afternoon feeding windows	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles Docks with deep water access Secondary points with mixed rock and vegetation	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to deep weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water and targeting actively feeding fish Football Jigs worked slowly around rocky structure	Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation Baitfish schools in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	52-65	Pike become more aggressive in cooling fall waters, actively chasing baitfish schools as they migrate to deeper structure Fish transition from summer weed patterns to open water feeding, following baitfish movements and utilizing points and breaks	Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those with remaining vegetation Wind-blown shorelines where baitfish get concentrated Deep weed edges transitioning to rock or hard bottom	Spinnerbaits worked along depth transitions and through scattered vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) burned just above deeper vegetation Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along contour breaks and points	Schooling baitfish concentrating in deeper water Young-of-year panfish around remaining vegetation Larger shiners moving along break lines	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Walleye	52-65	Walleyes begin transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding, actively chasing baitfish schools in preparation for winter Fish become more aggressive during low-light periods, moving shallower to feed on concentrated baitfish With moderate clarity (2.7m Secchi), expect fish to hold deeper during bright conditions but utilize shallower structure during overcast days and dawn/dusk periods	Main lake points and rock piles adjacent to deeper water River channel edges where they intersect with structural elements Deeper weed edges where vegetation is beginning to die off	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges and points with consistent depth curves Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are marked on electronics near structure Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools	Minnows schooling in large concentrations near structure Perch relating to remaining green vegetation Young-of-year baitfish congregating near points and channels	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	42-52	Northern Pike are actively feeding in cooler, open water areas, suspending near prime ambush points and following baitfish schools Pike are exhibiting aggressive chase behavior, particularly during stable weather periods, attacking prey in open water adjacent to structure	Deep weed edges adjacent to open water where vegetation is still present Wind-blown points and structure where baitfish concentrate Deep breaks near coves and bays where baitfish schools gather	Blade Baits worked with aggressive lift-drop retrieves along deep breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through suspended baitfish schools Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily along weed edges and through open water	Schooling baitfish concentrated in deeper water Larger panfish near remaining vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	47-58	Walleye are likely holding in deeper transitional areas between structural elements, actively feeding during early morning and late evening hours Fish are relating to the deeper edges of points and channel breaks, moving up to feed on baitfish schools	Deep channel edges adjacent to points Rock piles in 15-25 foot depth range Transitional areas where submerged vegetation meets deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Minnows concentrating in deeper water Perch schooling near structure Smaller baitfish suspended in the water column	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Northern Pike are actively feeding under the ice, primarily during dawn and dusk periods, with brief feeding windows throughout the day Fish are relating to the edges of weed beds and points where they can ambush prey with minimal energy expenditure Pike will suspend near schools of baitfish in moderate depths, particularly in areas adjacent to structure	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 8-15 foot depth range Points and inside turns that provide access to both shallow and deep water Areas where submerged vegetation meets hard bottom transitions	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for a more subtle presentation	Large Minnows and Small Panfish Suspended Baitfish Schools Young-of-Year Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye tend to concentrate in deeper basins and channel areas during ice season, following schools of baitfish Most active feeding periods occur during dawn and dusk, with a secondary bite window on cloudy days	Deep channel areas with proximity to structural elements Basin areas adjacent to rock piles in 20-30 foot range Transition areas where vegetation meets deeper water	Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging followed by pause Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finesse presentation Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live minnows for passive approach	Minnows Perch Small suspended baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Fox Lake (WI)

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Riprap and rock areas that retain heat, particularly during cold fronts	Submerged vegetation edges in 3-4 feet of water, especially near pinch points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially those with southern exposure	Tributary areas and channel mouths leading to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	River channels and deeper staging areas adjacent to potential spawning flats	Rock piles and points near shallow spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Weed clumps in spawning bays, particularly those adjacent to deeper water	Docks with nearby vegetation, especially those in protected coves
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow, weedy bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Protected coves with warming water temperatures
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	River channels and defined current areas with rock or gravel bottom	Points and drop-offs adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 foot depth range	Secondary points with mixed rock and vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Emerging weed edges in 4-8 feet of water, especially near spawning bays	Wind-blown points with developing vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	River channels and channel edges where recent catches have been reported	Points and rock piles adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Submerged grass beds in 2-4 feet with clear edges and paths	Docks and laydowns, especially those adjacent to vegetation
Summer	Northern Pike	Submerged vegetation edges, especially where they meet deeper water	Wind-blown points with baitfish concentrations
Summer	Walleye	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles in 15-25 foot range	Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles	Docks with deep water access
Fall	Northern Pike	Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those with remaining vegetation	Wind-blown shorelines where baitfish get concentrated
Fall	Walleye	Main lake points and rock piles adjacent to deeper water	River channel edges where they intersect with structural elements
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to open water where vegetation is still present	Wind-blown points and structure where baitfish concentrate
Winter	Walleye	Deep channel edges adjacent to points	Rock piles in 15-25 foot depth range
Ice	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 8-15 foot depth range	Points and inside turns that provide access to both shallow and deep water
Ice	Walleye	Deep channel areas with proximity to structural elements	Basin areas adjacent to rock piles in 20-30 foot range

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish becoming active around rocky areas and riprap	Perch relating to vegetation edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Large Baitfish schools transitioning to shallow areas	Yellow Perch moving into spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows congregating in pre-spawn areas	Perch in similar staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Other panfish species typically found in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Young-of-year baitfish schools	Shallow water panfish
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows concentrated in spawning areas and channel edges	Perch sharing similar spawning habitat and movement patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in and around vegetation	Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Young-of-year baitfish schools	Perch gathering in emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows (confirmed primary forage in recent reports)	Perch (noted in spring reports and matches habitat profile)
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Minnows - secondary forage showing in reports around rocks and points
Summer	Northern Pike	Minnows concentrated along weed edges	Young-of-year panfish in vegetation
Summer	Walleye	Minnows concentrated along weed edges and structure	Perch schools relating to rock/weed transitions
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation	Baitfish schools in deeper water
Fall	Northern Pike	Schooling baitfish concentrating in deeper water	Young-of-year panfish around remaining vegetation
Fall	Walleye	Minnows schooling in large concentrations near structure	Perch relating to remaining green vegetation
Winter	Northern Pike	Schooling baitfish concentrated in deeper water	Larger panfish near remaining vegetation
Winter	Walleye	Minnows concentrating in deeper water	Perch schooling near structure
Ice	Northern Pike	Large Minnows and Small Panfish	Suspended Baitfish Schools
Ice	Walleye	Minnows	Perch

Bait Colors by Season for Fox Lake (WI)

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

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