Best Places to Fish in Wisconsin: Lake Arbutus
Lake Arbutus is a 774-acre waterway on the border of Jackson and Clark Counties in central Wisconsin. It is a popular recreational lake and has a maximum depth of 50 feet.
Due to heavy seasonal boat traffic, it is difficult to fish during the day. To avoid this, concentrate on the two main lake structures morning and evenings, in low-light conditions.
Muskie, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye and catfish can be found here. Due to the limited population of small panfish, nightcrawlers are the preferred live bait, but artificial lures also produce well.
The entire lake has scattered brush shelters and sapling tangles. This hard-to-locate structure can be a key to fishing success. Visitors have access to Lake Arbutus from public boat landings, public beach access and surrounding public lands or parks.
Interactive Lake Map
For a more detailed lake map and up-to-the-minute fishing reports, follow the Lake Arbutus waterway page on Fishidy.
Here are some tips for locating and catching fish in Lake Arbutus:
- Although walleye and smallmouth bass are the main attraction, do not overlook the limited muskie and northern pike population. Large spinnerbaits can account for some big fish.
- The deep creek channel in the northwest part of the lake produces walleye year-round. Fish early mornings and late evenings due to heavy boat traffic. This area is a local favorite for early ice fishing as well.
- During late February and March, slab-size crappie can be taken through the ice near the Black River dam on the southwest side.
- The entire area surrounding the main island is good for all species of fish. The recommended presentation is to cast jigs tipped with crawlers or leeches.
- Impressive northern pike catches have been taken in the southeast bay during winter on tip-ups. Large shiners are the preferred bait.
- Both main inlets hold some dandy channel cats. These aggressive fish are extremely underrated and can supply excellent action.
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