Pike Lake Fishing Guide, Washington County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Pike Lake is set in Washington County, Wisconsin. It lies 991 feet above sea level. At some 462 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. The shoreline runs about 3.8 miles, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. Few waters listed in Washington County are bigger. 2.4 miles away sits Hartford, the nearest town. Beyond it, Slinger at 2.8 miles and Richfield at 8 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Pike Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Survey and observation records for Washington County include common carp, pumpkinseed and green sunfish. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Read Pike Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 17°F to 70°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early April. Averages suggest open water from about early April through to roughly early December. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Plan around that when you fish Pike Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Mapping shows a ramp about half a mile from the shore. Recorded parking is half a mile off, far enough to travel light. Public data records a pier about half a mile out. There is a toilet block some half a mile out. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. The nearest alternative is Werner Pond, 1.5 miles out. Check the current arrangement for Pike Lake.