South Wisconsin has plenty of rivers and lakes that are ideal for all year round fishing. Large and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and catfish are always ready for an angler’s bait. The Mississippi River offers over 250 miles of great fishing spots. Among the popular Wisconsin fishing lakes are Buffalo Lake, Puckaway Lake, Lake Winnebago, and Little Green Lake. Lake Puckaway is known for its stock of trophy northern pike.
Hayward, in Sawyer County, Wisconsin is open for fishing throughout the year. There are several fishing resorts that provide complete services including boats, fishing gear, and lodging as well. Summer is peak season for fishing with the lakes and rivers holding a variety of species. Of course, you can try your hand at ice fishing during winter. Bluegills are a popular panfish present in most of Wisconsin’s fresh waters, regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Bag limits are 25 per day, per person. They spawn in shallow waters so the best time to head to the lake is from late spring through late summer. Bluegill are also excellent food for largemouth bass, perch, and pike, so you can rest assured of a variety when fishing in Wisconsin. Bluegills usually inhabit shallow lakes and rivers around cool, shady areas with plenty of weeds. Early morning and evening bring bluegills up closer to the shore. If you are fishing in late summer, you will need to fish offshore to depths of around 15 – 20 feet in the day. When ice fishing, they are found closer to the surface. For the best shot at bluegill, use worms, grubs, or other live bait.
Wisconsin has over 15,000 inland lakes that are good fisheries as well. Primarily, fishing is divided into four geographical regions which include the North Central Hardwood Forests, Northern Lakes and Forests, Southeast Wisconsin Plains, and Southwestern Driftless Region. 
Anglers looking for musky ought to head to the Eastern Peninsula in Door County. Among the liveliest spots for perch, smallmouth bass, and pike are the clear waters of Lake Geneva in the south of the state. In the Northwoods, Minocqua attracts anglers with its streams and brooks that are well stocked with pike, bass, and walleyes.
Fishing the Great Lakes is one of the most exhilarating experiences for anglers looking for rainbow and brown trout, and silver king salmon. The shores of Lake Superior in Bayfield, Northern Wisconsin are an excellent fishing spot with ice fishing opportunities as well. Fishing licenses in Wisconsin are available at DNR service centers and authorized agents including service stations.
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