Cisco (Lake Herring) fishing at Simpson Lake

Start shallow in spring: cisco (lake herring) sit in 10 to 40 ft that time of year. By summer they slide out to 14 to 46 ft, and by winter most fish are in 14 to 46 ft. The spot to know is Deep basin, a deep basin in about 39 ft of water that rates prime for cisco (lake herring) in spring. Plan around early morning in the warm months. Summer baits: a vertical flutter spoon (small) or a drop-shot micro plastic gets it done.

Walleye fishing at Simpson Lake

Spring walleye on Simpson Lake hold shallow, usually 4 to 15 ft. By summer they slide out to 15 to 35 ft, and by winter most fish are in 20 to 40 ft. Deep basin is the standout, a deep basin at roughly 39 ft, rated prime for winter walleye. Best bite is the evening and early morning. Summer baits: a crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled) gets it done.

Yellow Perch fishing at Simpson Lake

Start shallow in spring: yellow perch sit in 3 to 12 ft that time of year. By summer they slide out to 10 to 30 ft, and by winter most fish are in 15 to 35 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. Tie on a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm and you're in the game.

Northern Pike fishing at Simpson Lake

Spring northern pike on Simpson Lake hold shallow, usually 2 to 8 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 8 to 20 ft, and winter fish settle into 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. Plan around early morning and the evening in the warm months. A bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage covers the summer program.

Smallmouth Bass fishing at Simpson Lake

In spring, smallmouth bass run shallow here, mostly 3 to 12 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 10 to 30 ft, and winter fish settle into 20 to 45 ft. Main-lake point is the standout, a point at roughly 12 ft, rated prime for fall smallmouth bass. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. A drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig covers the summer program.

Rock Bass fishing at Simpson Lake

In spring, rock bass run shallow here, mostly 2 to 10 ft. They move out to 5 to 20 ft in summer and finish the year down in 12 to 30 ft. Main-lake point is the standout, a point at roughly 12 ft, rated prime for summer rock bass. Plan around the evening in the warm months. Tie on a ned rig (small) or a marabou jig and you're in the game.

How deep is Simpson Lake?

Simpson Lake is about 46 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 Simpson Lake?

Anglers target smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, rock bass, cisco (lake herring) on Simpson Lake.

Where is the best fishing spot on Simpson Lake?

Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 39 ft of water that rates prime for cisco (lake herring) in spring. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish Simpson Lake?

For cisco (lake herring), 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.