The Driftless Area Wisconsin

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By Dylan Driessen

Photography: Matt Lenz (@marshlenz)

Welcome to the enchanting realm of musky fishing in Wisconsin! Known as the "Musky Capital of the World," this beautiful state offers anglers an exhilarating experience chasing the legendary muskellunge. With its vast waterways, scenic landscapes, and abundant fish populations, Wisconsin is a dream destination for any avid angler. In this blog, we will dive into the exciting world of musky fishing, highlighting the best baits to use and the prime fishing spots across the state.

Selecting the Perfect Baits:

When it comes to musky fishing, choosing the right bait is crucial for enticing these mighty predators. Here are some top bait recommendations that have proven to be successful in Wisconsin:

Bucktails: Bucktails are a classic musky bait that has stood the test of time. Their combination of flash, vibration, and erratic movement makes them irresistible to muskies. Opt for larger-sized bucktails in colors like black, white, or yellow to mimic the prey species in Wisconsin waters.

When it comes to choosing the right color for bucktails in musky fishing, there are several factors to consider, including water clarity, weather conditions, and the preferred forage species in the area. While there are no hard and fast rules, here are some general guidelines to help you make informed color choices:

Natural Colors: In clearer water conditions or when muskies are targeting specific forage, using bucktails in natural colors can be highly effective. Shades of black, white, and silver imitate baitfish like perch, whitefish, or cisco, which are common prey species in many Wisconsin waters.

Flashy Colors: In stained or murky water, or when you need to attract attention in low-light conditions, opting for bucktails with vibrant, flashy colors can be advantageous. Chartreuse, orange, and bright yellow are popular choices as they create high visibility and increase the chances of muskies spotting your bait.

Dark Colors: Dark-colored bucktails, such as black or dark brown, are often favored in low-light conditions or during overcast days. These colors provide strong silhouettes against the sky, making them more visible to muskies and triggering strikes.

Contrasting Colors: Using bucktails with contrasting colors, such as a combination of black and orange, black and chartreuse, or black and yellow, can create an appealing visual contrast that can grab a musky's attention. The sharp contrast helps the bucktail stand out and increases the chances of triggering a reaction strike.

Natural Patterns: Some bucktails feature patterns that imitate the coloration and markings of specific forage species, such as perch, walleye, or sucker. These patterns can be effective when muskies are actively feeding on those specific prey species in the area.

Jerkbaits: Jerkbaits are excellent for triggering reactionary strikes from muskies. Their lifelike action imitates injured baitfish, making them an irresistible target. Consider using jerk baits in natural colors such as silver, gold, or perch patterns to match the local forage.

Topwater Lures: Few things in fishing are as exhilarating as seeing a musky explode on a topwater lure. Walk-the-dog style lures or prop baits can be extremely effective during low-light conditions or when muskies are actively feeding near the surface.

Soft Plastic Swimbaits: Soft plastic swimbaits have gained popularity in recent years due to their realistic appearance and enticing swimming action. Opt for larger-sized swimbaits in natural colors, rigged with a weighted hook or a jig head, and retrieve them at a moderate pace.

Remember, muskies can be selective, so it's essential to experiment with different bait styles, colors, and retrieval speeds to determine what they prefer on any given day.

Prime Fishing Spots in Wisconsin:

Wisconsin offers an abundance of fantastic fishing spots for musky enthusiasts. Here are some renowned destinations to consider when planning your musky fishing adventure:

Chippewa Flowage: Located in Sawyer County, the Chippewa Flowage is a sprawling body of water renowned for its trophy musky potential. Its vast size and diverse structure provide ample opportunities to target these majestic fish.

Lake Wissota: Nestled near Chippewa Falls, Lake Wissota is another popular musky fishery. This 6,300-acre lake boasts healthy musky populations and offers a variety of underwater structures and weed beds that attract muskies.

Lake Minocqua: Part of the famous Minocqua Chain of Lakes in Oneida County, Lake Minocqua is known for its scenic beauty and excellent musky fishing. This lake has a well-deserved reputation for producing trophy-sized muskies.

Eagle River Chain: The Eagle River Chain of Lakes is a premier musky destination, hosting several interconnected lakes, including the renowned Catfish Lake and Eagle Lake. Its numerous bays, weed beds, and deep structures make it an ideal muskie habitat.

Wisconsin River: Fishing for muskies on the Wisconsin River is an exhilarating experience. Known for its diverse habitats and abundant fish populations, the river offers anglers a chance to target these elusive, powerful predators. With its varied structure—ranging from deep pools and submerged logs to weed beds and rocky outcrops—the Wisconsin River provides ideal conditions for musky fishing. Whether you’re casting large lures or trolling, the thrill of hooking a musky in this scenic, natural setting makes for an unforgettable adventure.

Green Bay: For those looking for an opportunity to catch muskies in a larger water body, Green Bay offers exceptional fishing. Target the areas around rock piles, reefs, and other structures for a chance at a trophy-sized musky.