A fishing rod rests on a wooden dock overlooking a calm, misty lake at dawn.

Best Places to Fish in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is an angler’s paradise. It is home to more than 15,000 lakes and countless rivers teeming with fish ranging from walleye and musky to bass and panfish. Whether you’re chasing trophy catches in the Northwoods or enjoying a relaxing day on a quiet lake, the state offers something for every level of fisherman. 



Here are some of the best places to fish in Wisconsin—including several standout destinations in and around Phillips.

A rainbow trout leaps out of the water, surrounded by splashes and other fish, in a bright, outdoor setting.

Before We Begin: Wisconsin Fishing Regulations

Fishing in Wisconsin is guided by statewide regulations designed to protect fish populations and ensure long-term sustainability. These regulations include seasonal restrictions, bag limits, and size requirements. Please read through them before planning your trip.

Solberg Lake

Location: Price County

Distance: At Comfort Cove Resort


Fishing on the 800-acre Solberg Lake offers a well-rounded Northwoods experience. It is relatively shallow—reaching depths of about 16 feet—which creates productive fishing conditions with warmer water and abundant vegetation. Anglers can expect to find walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and plenty of panfish like bluegill and crappie, with walleye and panfish considered especially abundant. Solberg Lake has both public boat launches and shoreline access, making it a great spot for fishermen of all experience levels. 


Special regulations apply, so it’s important to check current Wisconsin DNR guidelines before heading out.

Location: Price County

Distance: Located in Phillips



The Phillips Chain of Lakes—including lakes like Duroy, Elk, and Long—offers a scenic and accessible fishing experience right in the heart of Phillips. These interconnected waters are home to bass, panfish, catfish, and more, with some species open year-round under Wisconsin regulations.


Motor trolling is allowed, and the variety of lakes provides anglers with multiple environments to explore in a single trip. It’s an ideal destination for those looking for both convenience and variety.

Phillips Chain of Lakes

A person wearing a fishing vest and cap casts a line into a calm, sunlit river bordered by trees at dawn.

Butternut Lake

Location: Price/Ashland Counties

Distance: ~35 minutes


Located just outside Phillips, Butternut Lake, WI is a Northwoods favorite known for its diversity of fish species. Anglers can target musky, walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish, making it a great all-around fishing destination. The lake’s structure—featuring weedlines and fish cribs—creates excellent conditions for both beginners and experienced anglers. 


As with many northern Wisconsin lakes, musky regulations often include higher minimum length limits to support trophy fish populations.

Location: Price County

Distance: ~40 minutes

Another standout near Phillips is Pike Lake, which is particularly well-known for its strong walleye population. The lake’s combination of natural structure and man-made fish cribs makes it a productive spot for walleye, as well as musky, bass, and panfish. Anglers often find success along windblown shorelines where fish tend to congregate. 


Standard Wisconsin regulations apply, though specific bag limits and size restrictions may vary by species.

Pike Lake

Turtle-Flambeau Flowage

Location: Iron County

Distance: ~50 minutes

For anglers seeking a more remote, wilderness-style experience, the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage delivers. This expansive flowage is known for musky, walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike, all set against a backdrop of undeveloped forest and quiet waters. The area’s limited development enhances its appeal, offering a peaceful escape and excellent fishing opportunities.


Special regulations may apply to protect fish populations, particularly for musky.

Two people sit on a rocky lakeshore at sunset, holding fishing rods and looking out over the calm water.

Location: Sawyer County

Distance: 1 hour


The Chippewa Flowage is one of Wisconsin’s most legendary fishing destinations. It is especially known for its world-class muskellunge fishing. This sprawling 15,000-acre flowage is filled with islands, submerged timber, and bays that create ideal habitats for musky, walleye, bass, crappie, and bluegill. Anglers flock here for the chance to land trophy fish, particularly during late spring through early fall. 


Special regulations often apply to musky, including minimum size limits designed to promote trophy populations, so it’s important to check current rules before fishing.

Chippewa Flowage

Location: Winnebago County

Distance: ~3 hours


As Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago offers unmatched fishing opportunities year-round. Though it requires a longer  drive to get there, it’s definitely worth the time. Known for its massive walleye population and unique lake sturgeon fishery, the lake also produces yellow perch and white bass in abundance. Winter brings a famous sturgeon spearing season, while spring and summer are prime for walleye anglers. 


Regulations here are strictly enforced, especially for sturgeon, which have highly controlled harvest seasons.

Lake Winnebago

Stay at Comfort Cove Resort

Whether you’re casting a line in the quiet lakes around Phillips or exploring some of the state’s largest waters, make sure you come back to Comfort Cove Resort for a night of rest and relaxation. Our 13-acre property provides both cabins and RV sites with full hookups as well as a variety of amenities that include boat rentals, a camp store, clean restrooms and showers, and full access to Solberg Lake.


Experience fishing in the tranquil setting of Comfort Cove Resort. Book your stay with us today!