What You'll Find at Wehrspann Lake

Wehrspann Lake is a 1,200-acre impoundment in Vilas County, Wisconsin, built on the Presque Isle River system. The lake holds a solid walleye population alongside northern pike and some largemouth bass, making it worth the drive if you're chasing walleye in the north woods. The water is relatively clear, with depths reaching into the 40-foot range, and the shoreline mixes rocky points, shallow bays, and drop-offs that hold fish predictably across seasons.

What sets Wehrspann apart from the better-known lakes in the region is the lack of heavy pressure. You'll see boats, but not the crowds that pack Eagle River or Minocqua waters. That means fish stay in their patterns longer and respond more reliably to standard presentations. The lake also sits close enough to Highway 51 that you can reach it from Rhinelander in under an hour, but far enough off the main tourist corridor that it doesn't draw the casual traffic.

Key Takeaways

  • Wehrspann holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass across depths from 6 feet to 40 feet, with rocky structure and bays holding fish year-round.
  • Spring walleye bite peaks in April and May on shallow structure; summer requires deeper presentations along drop-offs and the main basin.
  • The lake is accessible from public boat landings at the north and south ends, with parking and facilities at both.
  • Winter ice fishing for walleye is productive from January through early March, with jigging and tip-ups both effective on mid-lake structure.
  • Wisconsin fishing license and inland trout stamp (if applicable) are required; check current regulations for walleye and pike bag limits before you fish.

Spring Walleye: April Through May

Spring is the most reliable season on Wehrspann. Walleye move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively before and after the spawn window. In April and early May, focus on the rocky points and shallow bays on the north and east shorelines, where water warms first. Depths of 6 to 12 feet hold active fish, and you can work them with live shiners under a slip bobber or cast small crankbaits and jigs along the structure.

The Presque Isle River inlet on the north end is particularly productive in spring. Current from the river brings food and oxygenated water, and walleye stack up there waiting to move into spawning areas. Fish the deeper side of the current break with a jig and minnow, working slowly and staying in contact with the bottom. Early morning and late evening are prime, but spring walleye bite throughout the day when the water is still cold.

Summer: Deeper Structure and Night Fishing

By June, walleye have finished spawning and moved to deeper, cooler water. The main basin and the drop-offs along the eastern shoreline become your target. Fish depths of 20 to 35 feet during the day, using live bait rigs or jigging spoons. Slip sinker rigs with live shiners or crawlers work well if you're drifting the deeper structure, and you can cover water efficiently this way.

Summer night fishing is often more productive than daytime. Walleye move shallower to feed after dark, and you can catch them on the same rocky points and shallow bays that held them in spring. Bring a headlamp with a red filter to preserve your night vision, and work the 8- to 15-foot zone with live bait or small crankbaits. The bite can be fast and furious for a few hours after sunset, then slow as the night deepens.

Fall: Transition and Pike Opportunity

September and October bring a shift. Walleye begin moving back to shallower structure as water cools, and the bite returns to the points and bays where you found them in spring. The transition is fast—sometimes a matter of days—so pay attention to water temperature and adjust your depth accordingly. Early fall still requires deeper presentations; by late October, shallow structure is productive again.

Fall is also prime time for northern pike. Pike are aggressive in autumn as they feed heavily before winter, and Wehrspann holds some solid fish. Throw larger lures—6- to 8-inch crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits—along the weed edges and rocky structure. Pike don't require the finesse that walleye do, and the action can be explosive if you find a school.

Winter Ice Fishing

Wehrspann freezes reliably by mid-December and holds ice through early March. The lake is popular with ice anglers, and for good reason: walleye bite well through the ice, and the structure is easy to locate and fish. The main basin and the drop-offs along the east shore hold fish all winter. Drill holes in 20 to 30 feet of water and use a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head, or set tip-ups with live shiners.

Early ice (December and early January) and late ice (late February and early March) are most productive. Mid-winter can be slow, but it's still worth fishing if you're willing to put in time. Check ice thickness before you venture out—the Wisconsin DNR recommends a minimum of 4 inches for walking and 5 to 7 inches for vehicles, depending on conditions. Bring a spud bar and test as you go.

Access and Facilities

Wehrspann has two public boat landings. The north landing is accessed from County Road M near the Presque Isle River inlet and has a paved ramp, parking for roughly 20 vehicles, and a vault toilet. The south landing is accessed from Forest Road 2178 and is smaller but less crowded. Both are maintained by the Wisconsin DNR and are open year-round.

There are no resorts or rental cabins directly on Wehrspann, but the town of Presque Isle is about 10 minutes away and has a few small motels and restaurants. Rhinelander, 30 minutes south, has more options for lodging and supplies. Gas and groceries are available in both towns. If you're planning to fish multiple days, Rhinelander is your best bet for amenities.

Regulations and What to Bring

You'll need a current Wisconsin fishing license. If you plan to keep any walleye, check the current bag limit and size restrictions on the Wisconsin DNR website before you fish—these can change year to year. Northern pike have their own regulations, and largemouth bass are catch-and-release only on many northern Wisconsin lakes, so verify before you keep any fish.

Bring a depth finder if you have one; it cuts the learning curve significantly and helps you locate structure quickly. A good map of the lake (available from the DNR or local bait shops) is also valuable. Standard walleye tackle—6- to 7-foot medium-action rods, 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line, jigs, crankbaits, and live bait—covers most situations. For pike, heavier tackle and wire leaders prevent bite-offs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Wehrspann?

Spring (April and May) is most reliable for walleye, with active fish in shallow water and consistent daytime bites. Fall (September and October) is also strong. Winter ice fishing is productive if you're equipped for it, but summer requires more effort and night fishing to find active fish.

Can I rent a boat at Wehrspann?

No boat rentals operate directly on Wehrspann. You'll need to bring your own boat or rent from a shop in Rhinelander or Presque Isle and transport it to the launch. Several shops in Rhinelander rent fishing boats by the day.

Are there pike worth targeting on this lake?

Yes. Wehrspann holds northern pike in the 24- to 32-inch range, with occasional larger fish. Fall is the best season, and larger lures (6 to 8 inches) along structure produce consistent action. Pike are less selective than walleye and bite aggressively.

Is Wehrspann crowded?

Not compared to Eagle River or Minocqua lakes. You'll see other boats, especially on weekends and during peak seasons, but the lake is large enough that you can find quiet water. Weekday fishing is noticeably less crowded.

What should I do if I'm new to the lake?

Start at the north end near the Presque Isle River inlet—it's a natural fish-holding area and easier to read than open water. Fish the rocky points and shallow bays in spring, then move deeper as summer approaches. A local bait shop in Presque Isle or Rhinelander can give you current conditions and recent catch reports.