By Dylan Driessen

Photography: Matt Lenz (@marshlenz)

Wisconsin is home to a wide variety of fish species, and the best fish to catch will depend on your interests and the time of year. Some of the most popular fish to catch in Wisconsin include:

Walleye: Walleye is a highly sought-after game fish and it is commonly found in the Great Lakes, Wisconsin River, and its tributaries, along with many other lakes and rivers in the state. Walleye are known not only for their great taste but their hunting ability. Walleyes typically sit in 10FT to 40FT waters. This is due to their sensitivity to light. Fishing for these freshwater predators typically occurs early in the morning or late at night. The best lures to use for Walleye are crankbait, jigs, and live bait. 

Musky: Musky, also known as muskellunge,  is the largest pike family member and is considered one of the most challenging freshwater game fish to catch. They can be found in larger rivers and lakes in Wisconsin, mainly the Chippewa Flowage and the Eagle River Chain of Lakes. Known as “the fish of ten thousand casts.”, this massive freshwater monster should be on your bucket list. Closely related to the northern pike, Muskies typically are 28in-48inches long and weigh as much as 36lbs. Anglers typically choose crankbaits or bucktail spinners when fishing for muskies. It is also worth noting that Musky are very seasonal fish, and would be easiest to catch in the summer months.

Smallmouth Bass: This is a popular species for many anglers that can be found in many rivers and lakes in the state. One of the most underrated game fish is the Smallmouth Bass. They are known for their habit to strike or attack. They are a very close relative to the largemouth bass but have noticeably smaller mouths and brown bodies. Typically found in rocky areas, Smallmouth Bass will bite on Nightcrawlers, crayfish lures, crankbaits, spinners, and jigs.

Northern Pike: Often found in larger lakes and rivers, they can be caught by casting, jigging, and trolling. The northern pike is a freshwater fish that is native to North America and Europe. They are known for their elongated body shape and large, sharp teeth. They have a greenish-yellow coloration with dark spots and can grow to be quite large, with some reaching up to 4 feet in length. Northern pike are typically found in shallow, weeded areas of lakes and rivers, and are known for their aggressive feeding habits. They are opportunistic predators and will eat a variety of prey, including other fish, frogs, and even small mammals.

One of the most exciting things about fishing for northern pike is the fight they put up when hooked. They are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps, making for a thrilling angling experience. They are year-round game fish. Some anglers prefer to fish for pike in the spring when they are spawning, while others prefer to target them in the summer and fall when they are most active. Another aspect that makes northern pike a great target for anglers is that they are very adaptable, they can be found in a variety of waters, from small ponds to large lakes, and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. The Northern Pike is a popular and challenging game fish that offers anglers a thrilling fight and tasty meal. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, targeting northern pike will be worth your time.

Largemouth Bass: This fish is known for its powerful strikes and acrobatic jumps, they can be found in many rivers and lakes in the state, and they can be caught by casting, jigging, and trolling. Largemouth bass love areas with vegetation including Lilly pads, submerged logs, and rocks. This allows them to ambush their prey and stay out of the sun.

Catfish: They are considered one of the most hard-fighting freshwater fish and can be found in many rivers and lakes throughout Wisconsin. Catfish are notorious bottom feeders and can be found across the world. But what is it about these stinky smelly fish that has everybody talking? The answer is the angling experience. Not every fight with a catfish will be tough; however, the majority are. These fish are loaded with muscle. I can't tell you how many times I have thought the battle was over with a catfish until they dive down again. 

Your rod will be put to the ultimate test, as Catfish can weigh up to 100 pounds. Make sure you have a reel strong enough to cast your bait! Habitats favorable for Catfish include murky and clean waters such as lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds. 

Catfish eat just about anything but I recommend using nightcrawlers, crayfish, and cut baits. The stinkier the better due to catfish's heightened ability to smell.

Crappie: Crappie is a freshwater fish that is native to North America. They are a popular game fish and are known for their delicate white flesh and mild flavor. Crappie is typically found in freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams and is known to be a schooling fish, typically found in large groups. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of prey, including small fish, insects, and crustaceans. Crappie is popular among anglers for its willingness to bite. They can be caught using a variety of methods, such as casting with artificial lures or live bait or using a fly fishing setup. They are typically caught with minnows, worms, or small jigs. Crappie is known to be most active in the spring and fall months when they are spawning and feeding. In springtime, crappie can be caught in shallow water near spawning beds, and in fall, they move into deeper waters. One of the great things about crappie fishing is that it is a family-friendly activity and can be enjoyed by anglers of all skill levels. It is a great way to introduce children to fishing and can be done from a boat or from the shore. Crappie is a popular freshwater fish that offers anglers a delicious meal and a fun fishing experience. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to the sport, targeting crappie is a great way to spend a day on the water with family and friends.

Trout: Trout is a type of freshwater fish from the Salmonidae family, found in North America, Europe, and Asia. They live in streams, rivers, and lakes. There are several species of trout, the most common being rainbow, brook, brown and cutthroat trout. Rainbow trout are known for their vibrant colors, brook trout for their speckled skin, brown trout for their large size and fighting spirit, and cutthroat trout for their distinctive red/orange markings. 

Trout are popular among anglers and are also considered a delicacy. They can be caught using various methods like fly fishing, spin fishing, and baitcasting. Wisconsin has many cold-water streams, rivers, and lakes that are stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow trout; they can be caught by fly-fishing, spin-fishing, and bait-fishing.

These are just some examples of the many fish species that can be caught in Wisconsin. Each lake, river, and season might have different species, regulations, and best practices. It's always recommended to check with local authorities or anglers for more information.