Looking for ice fishing in the Stevens Point Area? Look no more! We have made the ultimate guide to ice fishing in the Stevens Point Area, for an unforgettable ice fishing experience on the many beautiful lakes in the area.
NOTE: Before venturing onto the ice, remember to prioritize safety: Use common sense, stay informed about ice conditions, and be cautious to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Lake Dubay
Lake Dubay is the premier location for ice fishing in Portage County and is home to large numbers of popular sportfish including walleye and perch. The lake is no secret to anglers, so fishing pressure can be quite high at times. That said, the lake is over 6,000 acres in size, so anglers can usually find solitude if that is something important to them. If solitude is not important, a good way to figure out where to fish is simply to look for large groups of ice-fishing shacks. Highway DB runs north to south along the east side of the Lake, and fishing the bays around the road is a good bet for anglers.
Species Present: Perch, Walleye, Bluegill, Crappie, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Musky, and so much more! Characteristics: 6,830 acres, max depth 30 feet
Sunset Lake
Sunset Lake is a beautiful little lake located just north of the Town of Amherst. Fish present within the lake includes Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Rainbow Trout. With a maximum depth of 55 feet, this lake is able to support a diverse fishery. Anglers should target the steep drop-offs around the lake for bass and panfish, and look towards the deeper areas of the lake for the stocked rainbow trout.
Species Present: Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Rainbow Trout Characteristics: 63 acres, max depth 55 feet
Wisconsin River Reservoirs and Sloughs
The Wisconsin River is a popular place for ice fishermen, and for good reason. Many of the backwater sloughs created by the dams along the rivers hold good numbers of panfish in the winter. The waters around Rusty's Backwater Saloon are a good area to check, and some of the backroads that access the Stevens Point Flowage can also provide some fast-paced fishing when the timing is right. In addition to quality panfish, there are many other species that can be targeted through the ice including Walleye and Northern Pike. There are thousands of acres to fish with multiple access points up and down the river.
Species Present: Bluegill, Crappie, Perch, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Musky, ect... Characteristics: Stevens Point Flowage, 2489 acres, max depth 25 feet
Collins Lake
Collins Lake is a quality fishery for anglers looking to catch good numbers of panfish with the chance for a trophy Largemouth Bass or Northern Pike. Much of the shoreline is undeveloped, so fishing pressure may be a bit lower. Anglers should focus on the points of the lake and work the dropoffs near the shore to find panfish, and look to the deeper parts of the lake to target larger Bass and Pike.
Species Present: Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Bluegill, Crappie, Yellow Perch Characteristics: 43 acres, max depth 56 feet
McDill Pond
McDill Pond is located right between Stevens Point and Plover and can provide anglers with good fishing access in spots close to town. The dam that forms the reservoir creates many shallow weedy bays that are not productive during the winter due to low oxygen levels. Fishing near the dam and the original river channel may be more productive, and there are many different fish present within the reservoir including bluegill, perch, smallmouth, and largemouth bass.
Species Present: Bluegill, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass Characteristics: 247 acres, max depth 19 feet
Lake Emily
Lake Emily is a popular spot to ice fish in the Stevens Point Area. As a result, angling pressure can be high at times. Although there are shore fishing opportunities in the warmer months, it is limited to the Eastern half of the lake. So, if you do not have watercraft for the summer months, we suggest taking advantage of winter as it's the prime opportunity to get to those otherwise hard-to-reach areas of the lake.
Species Present: Northern Pike, Walleye, Bass, and pan fish Characteristics: 108 acres, max depth 35 feet
Spring Lake
Spring Lake is a small impoundment that forms the headwaters of a tributary of the Tomorrow River. Anglers have reported some large bass being caught from the lake in addition to some decent-sized panfish. Access to the lake is good, with roads reaching the lake on both the north and south end of the lake. There is very little development around the lake, so it is a good choice for anglers looking for a bit of seclusion.
Species Present: Bluegill, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Trout Characteristics: 38 acres, max depth 42 feet
Want More?
Looking for more fishing in the Stevens Point Area? Check out On the Line: Fishing in the Stevens Point Area. Or looking for outdoor rentals? Read our Guide to Outdoor Rentals! Want even more information on fishing in the area? View our online fishing map or order a copy of your own today. Then be sure to share your next fishing adventure by including @stevenspointarea on Instagram or use #stevenspointarea!
