How to Fish Lake Wausau

Lake Wausau fishing FAQ

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Wausau in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. Pre-spawn smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to staging areas near spawning grounds, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are relating heavily to deeper structure like dam areas and points, making periodic movements to shallower water as temperatures rise Key locations: Dam area with deep water and rock structure; Main lake points with access to both deep and shallow water; Rock piles adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 foot depth. Best techniques: Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+), Football Jigs, Blade Baits. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy, Smaller baitfish schools. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Wausau in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. Crappies are transitioning from deeper winter locations to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding as water temperatures rise Fish are moving into shallower water during warming trends, especially in afternoons, but retreating to nearby deeper water during cold fronts Key locations: Points and drop-offs adjacent to spawning bays, especially those with wood cover; Protected coves with emerging vegetation; Shallow flats near deep water access. Best techniques: Crappie Spider Rigging, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium). Primary forage: Small minnows gathering in warming shallows, Young of year bluegill and perch, Emerging aquatic insects. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake Wausau in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. Panfish/Bluegill are beginning to stage in pre-spawn areas, moving from winter depths to warmer, shallow flats near spawning locations Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, particularly during mid-morning and afternoon when waters warm Key locations: Protected shallow bays near dam structures where water warms first; Transition areas between points and spawning flats in 4-8 feet of water; Areas near culverts where warm water influx creates feeding zones. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms suspended 1-3 feet off bottom, Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through transition areas, Finesse Hair Jigs worked vertically in deeper staging areas. Primary forage: Small invertebrates and insects emerging in warming waters, Small crawfish becoming active in rocky areas, Newly hatched minnows in shallow areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Pink Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake Wausau in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Pre-spawn yellow perch are actively feeding while staging near spawning areas, typically moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower rocky and vegetated areas Fish are typically schooling in larger groups, making multiple passes through prime feeding areas during peak activity periods Key locations: Rocky points transitioning from deep to shallow water, especially those near spawning bays; Shallow flats adjacent to deep water with emerging vegetation; Protected coves with firm bottom composition. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle movements, Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or crawler pieces, Tubes worked slowly along bottom structure. Primary forage: Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas, Crawfish becoming more active in warming rocky areas, Aquatic insect larvae. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Wausau in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. Smallmouth bass are actively engaging in spawning behavior, with fish moving between staging areas and bedding sites on hard bottom areas Fish are showing selective feeding patterns, particularly responsive to finesse presentations near spawning areas Post-spawn fish beginning to transition to feeding patterns, particularly around shad near overhanging trees in shallow water Key locations: Rocky areas and rock piles in 2-6 foot depth range for spawning activity; Dam areas with varied depth and hard structure; Shallow flats with overhanging trees, particularly in 6 foot depth zones. Best techniques: Drop Shot with finesse presentations, particularly effective with Max Scent style baits, Texas Rigs with menace-style baits around bedding areas, Shallow Diving Crankbaits worked along dam areas and structural edges. Primary forage: Shad concentrating around shallow cover, Bluegill becoming active in spawning areas. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Shad Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Wausau in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Crappies moving into shallow bays and coves (2-6 feet) for spawning, with males preparing and guarding nests Staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning grounds, particularly around newly emerging vegetation and woody cover Becoming increasingly active during daylight hours as water temperatures rise, with peak activity during morning and evening Key locations: Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation and stable bottom; Transition areas between points and spawning bays; Shallow wood cover near shoreline areas. Best techniques: Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly around cover, Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with small soft plastics, Crappie Dock Shooting when targeting fish under docks near spawning areas. Primary forage: Small minnows gathering in warming shallows, Aquatic insects becoming more active in warming water, Young-of-year panfish in established vegetation. Best bait colors: Pink Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake Wausau in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 62-75°F. Actively moving into shallow spawning areas near dams and protected bays, preparing spawning beds in 2-4 feet of water Males guarding nests while females stage in slightly deeper adjacent water, making frequent trips to shallow areas Key locations: Protected shallow areas near dams with firm bottom; Shallow bays with emerging vegetation; Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to spawning flats. Best techniques: Bobbers with small jigs or live bait suspended 1-3 feet deep, Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through spawning areas, Ice Fishing Jigs worked horizontally just above bottom. Primary forage: Small insects and larvae, Tiny crustaceans, Small minnows. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake Wausau in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 44-52°F. Yellow perch are actively spawning in shallow areas, typically moving in schools around structure and vegetative areas Fish are most active during dawn and dusk periods, with females moving to spawning areas followed by males Key locations: Rocky points and shallow flats near transitional areas; Areas with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water; Protected coves with firm bottom composition. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Live Bait Rigs, Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium). Primary forage: Small invertebrates and zooplankton, Newly emerging aquatic insects, Small minnows and young-of-year fish. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Wausau in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Post-spawn smallmouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Most active during early morning hours (evidenced by 6:30-10:00 AM success in reports), seeking cooler water and optimal light conditions Key locations: Rock piles in 6-12 foot depth range, particularly those near spawning flats; Points and ledges with hard bottom structure; Dam area structure providing current breaks and deep water access. Best techniques: Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to structure, Tubes dragged along rock piles, Drop Shot with small profile baits for pressured fish. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter patterns, Small bluegills near shallow structure, Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge. Best bait colors: Vibrant Craw Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Wausau in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 62-72°F. Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are primarily suspended near shoreline structure and around emerging vegetation, moving between 4-12 feet of water depending on time of day Key locations: Edges of emerging lily pad fields mentioned in reports; Complex points with access to both shallow and deeper water; Protected bays with developing weed growth. Best techniques: Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around emerging vegetation, Bobbers with suspended soft plastics near structure, Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges and points. Primary forage: Small baitfish and juvenile bluegills, Emerging aquatic insects, Small crustaceans in vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake Wausau in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 65-75°F. Post-spawn bluegills transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper sanctuary locations throughout the day Aggressive feeding periods during morning and evening hours, particularly near vegetation and structure Key locations: Lily pad edges and emerging weed growth in 4-8 feet of water; Protected areas between docks and man-made structures; Points and drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats. Best techniques: Bobbers with lightweight jigs worked slowly around vegetation, Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to structure, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and points. Primary forage: Small insects and invertebrates near vegetation, Juvenile crawfish in rocky areas, Small minnows and fry in shallow zones. Best bait colors: Light Neutral Colors, Pink Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake Wausau in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. Post-spawn perch transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper structure, actively feeding to recover energy Schools beginning to form and relate to rock-to-sand transition areas and points, feeding heavily on small invertebrates and crawfish Key locations: Rocky points transitioning to sand flats in 8-15 feet of water; Rock piles adjacent to spawning bays in 6-12 feet; Sand-to-rock transition areas near emergent vegetation. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigs, Inline Spinners cast parallel to structural elements. Primary forage: Small invertebrates and insects, Juvenile crawfish emerging in rocky areas, Small minnows gathering near emerging vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Wausau in Summer?

Water temp 68-78°F. Smallmouth bass are actively feeding during early morning hours, seeking cooler water and shade during midday Fish are relating to current breaks and hard structure, with a mix of aggressive and finesse feeding patterns Key locations: Dam area with current breaks and deep water access; Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range; Pilings providing shade and ambush points. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock structure and near the dam, Bladed Jigs (chatterbaits) for more aggressive fish, especially during low light conditions, Finesse Jigs worked around pilings and hard structure. Primary forage: Crawfish on rocky structure, Small baitfish around dam and current areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Wausau in Summer?

Water temp 68-82°F. Crappies are actively feeding in and around vegetation, particularly lily pads, during early morning and evening hours During midday heat, schools move to deeper adjacent areas near vegetation edges and points Suspended feeding behavior common, with fish relating to baitfish schools in the upper water column during peak feeding periods Key locations: Lily pad fields, especially those adjacent to deeper water; Points with mixed vegetation and structure; Deep weed edges in 8-12 feet of water. Best techniques: Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to cover, Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around vegetation edges, Bobbers with lightweight jigs worked through pockets in vegetation. Primary forage: Small bluegills and juvenile perch, Various minnow species relating to vegetation, Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation. Best bait colors: Light Neutral Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake Wausau in Summer?

Water temp 68-82°F. Actively feeding in and around vegetation, particularly lily pads, during early morning and evening hours Moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper water during midday heat Relating strongly to structure and cover, using man-made features like dams and culverts as feeding stations Key locations: Lily pad fields and adjacent deeper water transitions; Dam structures and associated current breaks; Culvert areas with moving water and cover; Golf course shoreline areas with modified structure. Best techniques: Bobbers with small live bait or micro jigs worked around vegetation, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near structure edges, Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for precise presentations around cover. Primary forage: Small invertebrates and insects around vegetation, Juvenile crawfish in rocky areas, Zooplankton in open water columns. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake Wausau in Summer?

Water temp 68-78°F. Yellow perch actively feeding in and around lily pad edges and pockets during summer, using vegetation for both shelter and ambush points Fish showing preference for shallow to mid-depth zones, with likely movement to slightly deeper water during peak heat Key locations: Lily pad fields, especially edges and pockets; Rocky points adjacent to vegetation; Shallow to mid-depth flats with mixed vegetation. Best techniques: Bobbers with live bait or small jigs worked around vegetation, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along pad edges, Inline Spinners cast parallel to vegetation edges. Primary forage: Small invertebrates and insects around vegetation, Crawfish, especially near rocky structure, Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school in vegetation. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Wausau in Fall?

Water temp 55-70°F. Smallmouth bass are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, focusing on rock piles and deeper structure Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, willing to chase moving baits like crankbaits and swimming presentations Key locations: Rock piles and boulder fields, especially those near deep water access; Deep holes in river sections; Dam areas with current breaks and rock structure. Best techniques: Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked slowly around rock structure, Football Jigs dragged through rocky areas, Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly near rock piles, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with underspin for covering water. Primary forage: Crawfish holding in rock structures, Small baitfish schooling near structure, Panfish near deeper holding areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Wausau in Fall?

Water temp 48-62°F. Crappies are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, forming loose schools around key structure points Fish are transitioning from shallow vegetation to deeper winter holding areas, making frequent stops at points and steep breaks Key locations: Main lake points adjacent to deeper water; Deep edges of dying lily pad fields; Creek channel bends near coves. Best techniques: Crappie Spider Rigging - allows for precise depth control and multiple bait presentations, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - effective for targeting suspended schools, Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) - covers water to locate transitioning schools. Primary forage: Small bluegills and juvenile perch, Minnows congregating near points. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake Wausau in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. Panfish are transitioning to deeper water, schooling more tightly and following baitfish movements Feeding activity increases as fish build energy reserves for winter, with most active periods during early morning and late afternoon Key locations: Deep points near dam structures in 8-15 feet of water; Edges of remaining vegetation adjacent to deeper water; Man-made structures like culverts that create current breaks and concentrate baitfish. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small soft plastics worked slowly near structure, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along vegetation edges, Live Bait Rigs with small minnows near deep points. Primary forage: Small baitfish and young-of-year fish, Aquatic invertebrates near remaining vegetation, Crawfish in rocky areas near points. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake Wausau in Fall?

Water temp 48-62°F. Yellow perch are schooling more tightly and actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, particularly around structure transitions between shallow and deep water Fish are following baitfish schools and targeting crawfish, with most active feeding during morning and evening periods Key locations: Rocky points that transition from shallow to deeper water, especially those adjacent to bays; Deep edges of weed beds that are beginning to die off; Rock piles in 15-25 feet of water near primary points. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Drop Shot, Live Bait Rigs. Primary forage: Smaller baitfish schools concentrated near structure, Crawfish around rocky areas, Small yellow perch (cannibalistic feeding). Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Wausau in Winter?

Water temp 34-39°F. Crappies are actively feeding in moderate depths of 6-10 feet, forming loose schools around key structure during winter Fish tend to be most active during low-light periods, suspending near structure and making short movements to feed Key locations: Main lake points in 6-10 feet of water; Deep edges of flats adjacent to points; Protected bays with moderate depth. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Drop Shot, Damiki Rig. Primary forage: Small minnows, Young-of-year bluegill, Micro invertebrates. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Pink Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake Wausau in Winter?

Water temp 45-55°F. Panfish/Bluegill are transitioning to deeper winter holding areas, typically suspending near points and structural elements in 6-15 feet of water Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during warming trends and stable weather, with fish tending to school more tightly Key locations: Deep points near dam structures where depth changes create current breaks; Areas near culverts where water movement maintains slightly warmer temperatures; Deeper holes adjacent to shallow flats where bluegills stage before winter. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Drop Shot, Hover/Mid-Strolling. Primary forage: Small invertebrates and zooplankton near structure, Tiny baitfish concentrating near deeper breaks, Remaining insect larvae in transitional areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake Wausau in Winter?

Water temp 34-39°F. Yellow perch schooling tightly in moderate depth flats, particularly in 6-10 foot range as indicated by winter fishing reports Feeding activity concentrated during early morning and late afternoon periods, with schools becoming more mobile during these peak periods Key locations: Moderate depth flats in 6-10 feet of water, especially near transition areas to deeper water; Rocky points that connect to deeper wintering areas; Areas near dam structures that provide current breaks and deeper holding areas. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with tight, controlled movements, Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or waxworms. Primary forage: Small minnows and juvenile fish, Aquatic invertebrates, Dormant crawfish near rocky structure. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Wausau in Ice?

Water temp 33-35°F. Crappies are schooling in moderate depths near structure, particularly around points and culverts, with active feeding during prime ice fishing hours Fish showing preference for both stationary and roaming patterns, requiring anglers to be mobile to locate active schools Key locations: Points with 6-10 feet of water, such as Radket Point mentioned in reports; Culverts near the golf course where schools of panfish are congregating; Deep water transitions near structural elements with moderate depth. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with wax worms, worked with subtle movements to trigger strikes, Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive presentations when fish are actively feeding. Primary forage: Small invertebrates and zooplankton that wax worms imitate, Small baitfish and juvenile panfish. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Pink Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake Wausau in Ice?

Water temp 34-39°F. Concentrated in deeper wintering holes near structural elements, particularly in 6-10 feet of water near points as indicated by fishing reports Schooling behavior is prominent, with fish typically suspended just off bottom in areas with minimal current Feeding activity is most intense during early morning and late afternoon periods, with a focus on small invertebrates and micro-forage Key locations: Points adjacent to deeper wintering holes in 6-10 foot range; Areas near dam structures with depth variations; Deep edges of culvert areas where current is minimal. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom, Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive presentations during peak feeding times, Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or waxworms for finicky fish. Primary forage: Small invertebrates and insect larvae, Micro-sized baitfish, Dormant aquatic insects. Best bait colors: Pink Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake Wausau in Ice?

Water temp 34-39°F. Schools of perch concentrate on moderate depth flats and transition areas, actively feeding during prime daylight hours Fish move between feeding zones on flats and adjacent deeper water based on light conditions and fishing pressure Key locations: Moderate depth flats in 6-10 feet of water, particularly near transition areas; Points and rock piles adjacent to deeper water; Areas near dam structure offering depth changes and current breaks. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom, Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract schools, Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varied depths to locate active fish. Primary forage: Small minnows and young-of-year fish, Dormant crawfish near rocky structure, Aquatic insect larvae. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Pink Colors.