Lake Whitefish fishing at Bay Lake

Start shallow in spring: lake whitefish sit in 15 to 45 ft that time of year. Summer pushes them deeper, 22 to 73 ft, and winter fish settle into 25 to 70 ft. The spot to know is Deep basin, a deep basin in about 62 ft of water that rates prime for lake whitefish in summer. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning. A blade bait vertical or a small jigging spoon covers the summer program.

Cisco (Lake Herring) fishing at Bay Lake

Spring cisco (lake herring) on Bay Lake hold shallow, usually 10 to 40 ft. They move out to 22 to 73 ft in summer and finish the year down in 20 to 60 ft. The spot to know is Deep basin, a deep basin in about 62 ft of water that rates prime for cisco (lake herring) in summer. Plan around early morning in the warm months. A vertical flutter spoon (small) or a drop-shot micro plastic covers the summer program.

Walleye fishing at Bay Lake

Spring walleye on Bay Lake hold shallow, usually 4 to 15 ft. They move out to 15 to 35 ft in summer and finish the year down in 20 to 40 ft. The spot to know is Break off the point, a drop-off in about 33 ft of water that rates prime for walleye in fall. Plan around the evening and early morning in the warm months. Summer baits: a crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled) gets it done.

Yellow Perch fishing at Bay Lake

Spring yellow perch on Bay Lake hold shallow, usually 3 to 12 ft. By summer they slide out to 10 to 30 ft, and by winter most fish are in 15 to 35 ft. Shallow bay flat is the standout, a weed flat at roughly 6 ft, rated prime for spring yellow perch. Plan around early morning in the warm months. A drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm covers the summer program.

Northern Pike fishing at Bay Lake

In spring, northern pike run shallow here, mostly 2 to 8 ft. They move out to 8 to 20 ft in summer and finish the year down in 5 to 15 ft. The spot to know is Shallow bay flat, a weed flat in about 6 ft of water that rates prime for northern pike in spring. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. Tie on a bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage and you're in the game.

Smallmouth Bass fishing at Bay Lake

In spring, smallmouth bass run shallow here, mostly 3 to 12 ft. By summer they slide out to 10 to 30 ft, and by winter most fish are in 20 to 45 ft. The spot to know is Rock reef, a rock pile in about 9.066421500744989 ft of water that rates prime for smallmouth bass in spring. Best bite is early morning and the evening. A drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig covers the summer program.

How deep is Bay Lake?

Bay Lake is about 73 ft at its deepest point. The contours here are modeled from the water's real shape and maximum depth, so treat them as a rough guide.

What fish are in Bay Lake?

Anglers target smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, lake whitefish, burbot, rock bass, cisco (lake herring), pumpkinseed on Bay Lake.

Where is the best fishing spot on Bay Lake?

Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 62 ft of water that rates prime for lake whitefish in summer. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish Bay Lake?

For lake whitefish, the summer bite is best in early morning. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.