Shoe Lake Fishing Guide, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Shoe Lake stands in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. It sits in mixed forest. The water measures roughly 11 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. Some 3.2 miles away sits Kiel, the nearest settlement. The big place round here is Green Bay, 40 miles distant. Round about: Graf Lake 0.4 miles away, 0.7 miles out stands Prueder Lake, Mud Lake 1.3 miles away, 2.3 miles out stands Wilke Lake and Sy Lake 2.4 miles away. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Shoe Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Across Manitowoc County, recorded fish include brown trout, rainbow trout, common carp, Chinook salmon and Coho salmon. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. At Shoe Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 70°F and January near 17°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near early April. Ice usually gives way near early April, and forms again about early December. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Shoe Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Nothing is listed nearby for parking or launching a boat. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Graf Lake at 0.4 miles is the sensible second choice. Where Shoe Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.