Burbot fishing at Keeley Lake

Start shallow in spring: burbot sit in 17 to 56 ft that time of year. Summer fish stay in 17 to 56 ft, and winter fish hold in 14 to 56 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Deep basin: a deep basin around 48 ft that scores prime in spring. In summer the feeding windows fall in after dark and midday. A heavy jig + cut bait covers the summer program.

Cisco (Lake Herring) fishing at Keeley Lake

Start shallow in spring: cisco (lake herring) sit in 10 to 40 ft that time of year. By summer they slide out to 17 to 56 ft, and by winter most fish are in 17 to 56 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Deep basin: a deep basin around 48 ft that scores prime 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.

Lake Whitefish fishing at Keeley Lake

Spring lake whitefish on Keeley Lake hold shallow, usually 15 to 45 ft. By summer they slide out to 17 to 56 ft, and by winter most fish are in 17 to 56 ft. Deep basin is the standout, a deep basin at roughly 48 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.

Northern Pike fishing at Keeley Lake

Start shallow in spring: northern pike sit in 2 to 8 ft that time of year. By summer they slide out to 8 to 20 ft, and by winter most fish are in 5 to 15 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Shallow bay flat: a weed flat around 6 ft that scores prime in spring. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. A bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage covers the summer program.

Walleye fishing at Keeley Lake

Start shallow in spring: walleye sit in 4 to 15 ft that time of year. They move out to 15 to 35 ft in summer and finish the year down in 20 to 40 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Break off the point: a drop-off around 25 ft that scores prime in fall. Plan around the evening and early morning in the warm months. A crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled) covers the summer program.

Yellow Perch fishing at Keeley Lake

In spring, yellow perch run shallow here, mostly 3 to 12 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 10 to 30 ft, and winter fish settle into 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. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning. Tie on a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm and you're in the game.

How deep is Keeley Lake?

Keeley Lake is about 56 ft (17 m) deep 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 Keeley Lake?

Anglers target walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, lake whitefish, burbot, cisco (lake herring) on Keeley Lake.

Where is the best fishing spot on Keeley Lake?

Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 48 ft of water that rates prime for burbot in spring. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish Keeley Lake?

For burbot, the summer bite is best in after dark and midday. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.