Musky, walleye, bass, and panfish — where to go and what to use
Price County is the kind of fishing destination that serious anglers don't talk about too loudly. Not because the fishing isn't good — it's exceptional. But because the fewer people who know about it, the better the fishing stays.
The Flambeau River is the heart of Price County fishing. The North Fork and South Fork of the Flambeau converge in the county, creating a river system that holds musky, walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and panfish in impressive numbers.
The Flambeau Flowage — a 7,500-acre impoundment — is the crown jewel. It's one of Wisconsin's best musky waters, producing fish over 50 inches annually. The flowage also holds good numbers of walleye and crappie. Access is available at multiple public landings, and the lack of development along much of the shoreline keeps the experience wild.
Below the flowage, the river itself offers outstanding smallmouth bass fishing. The Flambeau's smallies are aggressive, numerous, and average 12-16 inches. A tube jig or a small crankbait will catch fish all day from June through September.
Butternut Lake, just north of Prentice, is a 1,300-acre natural lake that offers excellent multi-species fishing. Musky, walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, and panfish are all present in good numbers. The lake has a mix of shallow weed flats, mid-lake humps, and deep basins that provide habitat for every species.
Spring walleye fishing on Butternut can be exceptional. The fish move into shallow water after ice-out and can be caught with jig-and-minnow combinations. By summer, they move to the deeper structure and respond to crawler harnesses and crankbaits.
Price County is musky country. The "fish of 10,000 casts" is the apex predator in these waters, and catching one is a milestone in any angler's career. The Flambeau Flowage and Butternut Lake are the top destinations, but don't overlook smaller waters like Timm's Lake or the Phillips Chain.
Musky season opens the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and runs through November. The best fishing is typically in fall (September-November) when musky move shallow to feed before winter. Large suckers on quick-strike rigs are the most productive presentation, but bucktails and large crankbaits also produce.
When the lakes freeze — usually by late December — Price County transforms into an ice fishing paradise. Walleye and crappie are the primary targets, though northern pike and perch also provide action.
Butternut Lake is particularly good for ice fishing. The walleye bite peaks at dusk, and the crappie suspend over deep water during the day and move shallow at night. Portable fish houses are common, and the local bait shops in Prentice and Phillips keep current reports on ice conditions and active bites.
A Wisconsin fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Non-resident licenses are available online or at local bait shops. The daily bag limit for musky is one fish, with a 40-inch minimum on most waters. Walleye limits vary by water but are generally three to five fish.
Local bait shops are your best source for current conditions. Price County bait shops in Prentice and Phillips know what's biting and where. Stop at Ripsaw Saloon after a day on the water — the fish fry is made with the same walleye you were chasing. Plan your trip at Price County Fun.