Petenwell Lake Fishing Report Guide
Petenwell Lake Fishing Report Guide
Hey there, fellow fishing enthusiasts! If you’re looking for an awesome fishing spot in Wisconsin, let me introduce you to Petenwell Lake. This fantastic lake is the second-largest inland lake in Wisconsin, covering a whopping 23,040 acres. It’s a man-made lake, formed by the damming of the Wisconsin River, and has been a favorite for anglers for years. With its vast size and variety of fish species, Petenwell Lake offers something for every type of fisherman, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out.
Located in central Wisconsin, Petenwell Lake is surrounded by beautiful scenery, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities besides fishing. You can enjoy boating, swimming, and even camping along its shores. Plus, the local communities are super friendly and always welcome visitors with open arms. So, pack your fishing gear and get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Petenwell Lake!
Petenwell Lake Fishing Details
Here’s a quick overview of Petenwell Lake with all the details you need:
- Water Surface: 23,040 acres
- Shoreline: 100 miles
- Average Depth: 18 feet
- Max Depth: 44 feet
- Surface Elevation: 922 feet
- Location: Central Wisconsin, in Adams, Juneau, and Wood counties
- Coordinates: 44.0391° N, 89.9945° W
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by car, with multiple boat ramps and public access points around the lake
- Type of Lake: Reservoir
- Lake Amenities: Boat ramps, fishing piers, picnic areas, campgrounds, swimming areas, and restrooms
Types of Fish in Petenwell Lake
Petenwell Lake is teeming with a variety of fish species, making it a top spot for anglers. Here’s a rundown of the types of fish you can expect to catch and where you’re likely to find them:
- Walleye: One of the most sought-after fish in Petenwell Lake. Walleyes are usually found in deeper waters during the day and move to shallower areas at night. They love areas with rocky or sandy bottoms and are often found near drop-offs and underwater structures.
- Northern Pike: These predators are often found in weedy areas and near submerged logs or other structures. Northern pike are known for their aggressive nature and are usually found in shallow waters during the spring and fall, moving to deeper waters in the summer.
- Crappie: Both black and white crappies are abundant in Petenwell Lake. They prefer areas with submerged structures like brush piles, fallen trees, and weed beds. Crappies are often found in schools and can be caught year-round, with spring and fall being the best times.
- Bluegill: These panfish are plentiful in Petenwell Lake and are often found in shallow, weedy areas, especially during the spawning season in late spring and early summer. Bluegills are great for family fishing trips as they are easy to catch and provide fun for anglers of all ages.
- Catfish: Channel catfish and flathead catfish are common in Petenwell Lake. They prefer deeper waters and are often found near the bottom, especially around areas with rocks, logs, or other underwater structures. Night fishing is particularly effective for catfish.
- Muskellunge (Muskie): Known as the “fish of 10,000 casts,” muskies are elusive but can be found in Petenwell Lake. They prefer areas with dense vegetation and are often found near drop-offs and rocky structures. Fall is the best time to target muskies as they are more active in cooler water.
- Largemouth Bass: These popular game fish are found in weedy areas, around submerged structures, and near the shoreline. Largemouth bass are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, especially during the warmer months.
Best Fishing Baits, Lures, and Tackle Recommendations for Petenwell Lake Fishing
When fishing at Petenwell Lake, using the right baits, lures, and tackle can make a big difference. Here are some recommendations to help you reel in the big ones:
- Walleye: Use jigs tipped with live minnows or nightcrawlers for the best results. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are also effective, especially when trolling along drop-offs and rocky structures.
- Northern Pike: Large spoons, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits are great for targeting northern pike. Live bait like large minnows or suckers can also be very effective.
- Crappie: Small jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastic baits work well for crappie. Use light tackle and fish near submerged structures for the best results.
- Bluegill: Simple setups with live bait like worms or crickets work best for bluegill. Small jigs and spinners can also be effective, especially when fishing in shallow, weedy areas.
- Catfish: Use stink baits, chicken liver, or cut bait to attract catfish. Heavy tackle is recommended as catfish can put up a strong fight.
- Muskie: Large bucktail spinners, jerkbaits, and topwater lures are ideal for muskie fishing. Use heavy-duty tackle and be prepared for a tough battle.
- Largemouth Bass: Plastic worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are great for largemouth bass. Fish near weedy areas and submerged structures for the best results.
- 8 SEGMENTS LIFELIKE LURES: Designed with 8 segment multi-jointed body, TRUSCEND fishing lure can sink slowly and move flexible in water. In addition, life-like swimming actions make it attracting more catches and provoking predator fish to strike.
- 3-PACK – Three Lures for catching all them huge fish. With streamlined shape lends spoons lures to a quicker retrieve.
- The Cotton Cordell Wally Diver has proven that its slender profile and tight wiggle produce big walleye and bass.
Best Fishing Spot Locations at Petenwell Lake Fishing
Petenwell Lake has numerous hotspots that are perfect for fishing. Here are some of the best locations to try your luck:
- Petenwell Dam Area: This area is known for its deep waters and strong currents, making it a prime spot for walleye and catfish. Fish near the dam structures and use heavy tackle to handle the strong currents.
- Barnum Bay: Located on the eastern side of the lake, Barnum Bay is a great spot for northern pike and bass. The weedy areas and submerged structures provide excellent habitat for these species.
- Devil’s Elbow: This area is known for its deep holes and rocky structures, making it a prime spot for walleye and muskie. Troll along the drop-offs and use live bait or lures that mimic local forage.
- Sherwood Bluff: Located on the southern end of the lake, Sherwood Bluff is a great spot for crappie and bluegill. The weedy areas and submerged structures provide excellent habitat for these panfish.
- Adams County Park: This park offers easy access to the lake and is a great spot for family fishing trips. The shoreline is perfect for bluegill and bass fishing, and there are plenty of picnic areas and restrooms for convenience.
Fishing Tips and Recommendations for Petenwell Lake Fishing
To make the most of your fishing trip to Petenwell Lake, here are some tips and recommendations:
- Check Local Regulations: Always check the local fishing regulations before heading out. This ensures you’re following the rules and helps protect the fish populations.
- Use a Fish Finder: Petenwell Lake is vast, and using a fish finder can help you locate the best fishing spots more efficiently. It’s especially useful for finding drop-offs, underwater structures, and schools of fish.
- Fish During Peak Times: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish, as the fish are more active during these periods. Night fishing can also be productive, especially for catfish.
- Vary Your Techniques: If you’re not having luck with one method, don’t be afraid to switch it up. Try different baits, lures, and fishing techniques to see what works best on any given day.
- Stay Patient: Fishing requires patience, so don’t get discouraged if you’re not getting bites right away. Stay persistent, and eventually, you’ll find success.
Petenwell Lake Fishing Reviews
Here are some positive reviews from anglers who’ve had great experiences at Petenwell Lake:
- John D.: “I had an amazing time fishing at Petenwell Lake last summer. Caught a huge walleye and a couple of nice northern pike. The scenery is beautiful, and the fishing was fantastic. Highly recommend it!”
- Sarah P.: “Petenwell Lake is one of my favorite fishing spots. The variety of fish is incredible, and the lake is so peaceful. We had a great family trip, and my kids loved catching bluegill near the shore.”
- Mike T.: “If you’re looking for a great place to catch crappie, Petenwell Lake is the spot. We caught a ton of them near the submerged brush piles. Can’t wait to go back!”
- Linda G.: “I’ve been fishing at Petenwell Lake for years, and it never disappoints. The catfish here are huge, and night fishing is always a blast. The local community is also very welcoming.”
- Tom R.: “Petenwell Lake is a gem. The fishing is excellent, and the lake is well-maintained. We caught a big muskie last fall, and it was the highlight of our trip. Definitely worth a visit!”
Top-Rated Closest RV Parks, RV Resorts, and Campgrounds for Petenwell Lake Fishing
Here are five top-rated RV parks, resorts, and campgrounds near Petenwell Lake:
- Petenwell County Park:
- Features: Spacious campsites, boat ramps, picnic areas, playgrounds
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, electricity, water hookups
- Distance to Lake: Direct access to Petenwell Lake
- Wilderness Park Campground:
- Features: Shaded campsites, hiking trails, fishing piers
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, electricity, water hookups
- Distance to Lake: 2 miles
- Chester Woods Park:
- Features: Lakeside campsites, boat rentals, picnic areas
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, electricity, water hookups
- Distance to Lake: 3 miles
- Dexter County Park:
- Features: Scenic campsites, boat launches, swimming beach
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, electricity, water hookups
- Distance to Lake: 4 miles
- Northern Bay Resort:
- Features: Luxury RV sites, golf course, swimming pools
- Amenities: Full hookups, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities
- Distance to Lake: 5 miles
Petenwell Lake Fishing Summary
Petenwell Lake is a fantastic destination for anglers of all skill levels. With its vast size, diverse fish species, and beautiful surroundings, it offers a unique and enjoyable fishing experience. Whether you’re targeting walleye, northern pike, crappie, bluegill, catfish, muskie, or largemouth bass, you’re sure to have a great time. The local amenities and friendly communities make it a perfect spot for family trips or solo fishing adventures. So, grab your gear and head to Petenwell Lake for an unforgettable fishing experience!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Petenwell Lake Fishing
1. What is the best time of year to fish at Petenwell Lake?
- The best times to fish at Petenwell Lake are during the spring and fall when fish are more active and easier to catch. Early morning and late afternoon are also great times to fish.
2. Are there boat rentals available at Petenwell Lake?
- Yes, there are several places around Petenwell Lake where you can rent boats. Many of the local marinas and resorts offer boat rentals for fishing and recreational use.
3. Is there a fishing license required to fish at Petenwell Lake?
- Yes, a valid Wisconsin fishing license is required to fish at Petenwell Lake. You can purchase a license online or at local retailers.
4. Can I fish from the shore at Petenwell Lake?
- Absolutely! There are plenty of spots around the lake where you can fish from the shore. Parks, public access points, and campgrounds often have great shoreline fishing areas.
5. Are there any fishing tournaments held at Petenwell Lake?
- Yes, Petenwell Lake hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year. These tournaments are a great way to test your skills and compete with other anglers. Check local listings for upcoming events.
