Pewaukee Lake
Comofort Suites : (262) 506-2000
Holiday Inn: (262) 506-6300
The nearly 2500 acres
and 45 foot depth makes Pewaukee Lake a virtual
mecca for metropolitan muskie anglers. Looming in the shadows of Milwaukee
and its surrounding communities, Pewaukee's fertile waters and abundant
forage base is home to a muskie fishery that sports great numbers
and big fish.
Muskies haven't always called Pewaukee Lake home. In the mid 1960's,
muskies were first introduced into these waters. The early hybrid
muskie stockings were gradually phased out and pure muskies are now
planted.
In spring, the primary location for finding muskies is on the eastern
lake basin shallow flats where the early growing weeds and its warming
water temperatures attract toothy predators. Muskies at this time
can also be found on the rock point that bisects the lake, and straight
across on the weed point that its proximity to deeper water makes
it a year round producer. Bucktails with brass, chartreuse and orange
blades work well in Pewaukee's murky waters. Gliding and pull style
jerk baits work well all season long, with spring being your best
chance to score on a top water bait. Shallow running crank baits take
the nod in spring, shifting to a deep diving crank bait in the summer
and fall.
As the season progresses into summer, many anglers find themselves
primarily fishing the low light hours of morning, evening and at night.
Summers heightened boating traffic forces the muskies on Pewaukee
to feed primarily at night; however, mid-day trolling in the deeper
waters of the western basin can produce numbers and trophies. Larger
bucktails and jerk baits are the shallow water presentation of choice
while big lipped crank baits take the deeper suspending muskies.
In fall, the western basin stays hot for contacting muskies. Concentrate
your efforts on the few remaining patches of deep weeds and on steep
breaks, Weighted jerk baits in a sucker pattern and large 8"
to 10" crank baits are the weapons of choice. Large suckers on
a quick strike rig, fished deep can produce big in the fall on Pewaukee
Lake.