Fishing in Eau Claire

The city of Eau Claire has a long-standing motto of “voici l’eau claire,” which translates to “here is clear water.” With a city motto like that, it’s not surprising to find that Eau Claire has many prime fishing locations.

Whether you’re serious about your angling, or you just like to kick back and enjoy the evergreen scenery while waiting for your bobber to sink, you will discover that the bodies of water surrounding Eau Claire have fish in them. That’s right! You can find plenty of our Wisconsin angler’s favorite fish including Walleye, Musky, Northern Pike,Trout and more right here in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. To help ease the chaos of planning your next fishing trip, we’ve gathered information from our most trusted resources (including Uncle Earl) to help guide you to your best fishing spot in the region. 

Where are the best areas for fishing?

The Eau Claire area bodies of water include:

  • Altoona Lake (720 acres, max depth 25 ft. Known for Musky, Panfish, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye)
  • Big Falls County Park
  • Elk Creek State Public Fishing Area (3.3 miles of trout stream fishing)
  • Chippewa River (Known for Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Sturgeon and Catfish)
  • Lake Eau Claire (870 acres, max depth 25 ft. Known for Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye)
  • Eau Claire River (Known for Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Panfish, Catfish, Musky, Trout and Walleye)
  • Half Moon Lake (Known for Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout and Walleye)
  • Otter Creek (Known for Trout)
  • Lake Wissota (6,148 acres, max depth 64 ft. Known for Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Sturgeon and Catfish)
  • Lake Menomin (1,009 acres, max depth 34 ft. Known for Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye)

Do I need a fishing license?

If you’re 16 years or older, you sure do! To quote Uncle Earl, “Primo nature experiences aren’t free! “The Wisconsin DNR website is a great resource for fishing license rates, regulations and figuring out where to purchase your permit. You can also purchase them conveniently online

Are there any important fishing dates?

Why, yes! The Wisconsin fishing opener occurs traditionally the first Saturday in May and brings thousands of anglers out onto the Wisconsin rivers, lakes and streams. Mark your calendar for May 4, 2024. For specific fishing seasons, utilize the Wisconsin DNR fishing schedule

The next important dates are Wisconsin free fishing weekends! Yes, you read that right—FREE. (Gotcha, Earl!) You’ve wanted to take your friends fishing but they have been reluctant and are too cheap to purchase a fishing license? This is the PERFECT opportunity to get your friends on the water. Wisconsin Free Fishing Weekends are traditionally held the third full weekend in January and the first full weekend in June. Mark your calendar for June 1-2, 2024 and January 18-19, 2025

Where can I get all of my fishing tackle, gear and bait?

Well, here ya go:

Are there any fishing guides in Eau Claire?

That is where the area’s best fishing guides come in. Reach out to the real pros and have them help you reel in the next big Kahuna!

It’s time to hang your “Gone Fishin’ sign on your door, and book your trip to Eau Claire! Check out our wide selection of hotelsrestaurants and other exciting things to do while you’re visiting. 

“Catch” You Later!

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