Dunhams Bay Fishing Guide, Walworth County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  In Wisconsin, Dunhams Bay falls inside Walworth County. Around the bank it is pine and birch. Head to Elkhorn, 6.6 miles away, for anything you forgot. The nearest city of size is Milwaukee, 38 miles away. Within a short drive: Middle Lake lies 0.4 miles on, Green Lake the better part of 0.9 miles, Pleasant Lake lies 1.4 miles on, Lake Wandawega the better part of 1.7 miles and Silver Lake lies 2.9 miles on. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Dunhams Bay

  Depth figures are not published for this one. The mouth fishes hardest when the run is at its strongest. Salt and fresh mix here, and the mixing line is worth finding. Across Walworth County, recorded fish include common carp, bluegill and brown trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. The shape of Dunhams Bay decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 18°F in January to roughly 72°F in July. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Winter locks it down, and early April brings it back. On average, early April opens the water and mid December closes it again. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. On Dunhams Bay the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. A made slipway is 0.9 miles from here, which settles the boat question. A pier half a mile from here gives a platform over deeper water. Overnight stays are possible about half a mile out, where camping is mapped. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. For a change of water, Middle Lake is 0.4 miles distant. Rules at Dunhams Bay are worth checking on the day.