Lake Whitefish fishing at Johnson Lake

Spring lake whitefish on Johnson Lake hold shallow, usually 15 to 45 ft. By summer they slide out to 26 to 85 ft, and by winter most fish are in 25 to 70 ft. Deep basin is the standout, a deep basin at roughly 72 ft, rated prime for summer lake whitefish. Plan around early morning in the warm months. A blade bait vertical or a small jigging spoon covers the summer program.

Cisco (Lake Herring) fishing at Johnson Lake

In spring, cisco (lake herring) run shallow here, mostly 10 to 40 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 40 to 80 ft, and winter fish settle into 20 to 60 ft. The spot to know is Deep basin, a deep basin in about 72 ft of water that rates prime for cisco (lake herring) in summer. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning. A vertical flutter spoon (small) or a drop-shot micro plastic covers the summer program.

Yellow Perch fishing at Johnson Lake

Spring yellow perch on Johnson Lake hold shallow, usually 3 to 12 ft. They move out to 10 to 30 ft in summer and finish the year down in 15 to 35 ft. The spot to know is Shallow bay flat, a weed flat in about 6 ft of water that rates prime for yellow perch in spring. Plan around early morning in the warm months. Summer baits: a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm gets it done.

Northern Pike fishing at Johnson Lake

In spring, northern pike run shallow here, mostly 2 to 8 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 8 to 20 ft, and winter fish settle into 5 to 15 ft. Shallow bay flat is the standout, a weed flat at roughly 6 ft, rated prime for spring northern pike. Best bite is 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 Johnson Lake

Spring smallmouth bass on Johnson Lake hold shallow, usually 3 to 12 ft. They move out to 10 to 30 ft in summer and finish the year down in 20 to 45 ft. Main-lake point is the standout, a point at roughly 21 ft, rated prime for fall smallmouth bass. Best bite is early morning and the evening. A drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig covers the summer program.

Rock Bass fishing at Johnson Lake

Spring rock bass on Johnson Lake hold shallow, usually 2 to 10 ft. By summer they slide out to 5 to 20 ft, and by winter most fish are in 12 to 30 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Main-lake point: a point around 21 ft that scores prime in summer. Best bite is the evening. Summer baits: a ned rig (small) or a marabou jig gets it done.

How deep is Johnson Lake?

Johnson Lake is about 85 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 Johnson Lake?

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

Where is the best fishing spot on Johnson Lake?

Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 72 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 Johnson 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.