What Bohner Lake offers and who should fish it

Bohner Lake is a shallow, weedy walleye and pike lake in Shawano County, roughly 30 miles northeast of Appleton. The lake runs about 380 acres and rarely exceeds 25 feet deep — most of it sits between 8 and 15 feet. Heavy aquatic vegetation dominates the structure, which makes it excellent for pike and a solid walleye fishery in spring and fall when the weeds thin out or fish move to deeper edges.

This is a lake for anglers who like working shallow water and don't mind navigating around vegetation. Pike fishing here can be very good, especially in early summer and again in fall. Walleye fishing peaks in May and June before summer heat pushes them deeper into the few holes the lake offers. If you prefer open-water casting and deep-structure work, Bohner is not your destination — but if you like casting to weed lines, pitching into pockets, and reading shallow-water signs, it rewards that approach.

Key Takeaways

  • Bohner Lake is a 380-acre shallow lake dominated by weeds, best for pike and walleye in spring and fall.
  • Pike fishing is productive year-round but peaks in early summer and fall; walleye fishing is strongest May through June.
  • The lake has a public boat launch on the north shore near County Road M, with parking for roughly a dozen vehicles.
  • Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — you need a valid state license, and walleye and pike have specific season dates and slot limits that vary by year.
  • Summer weed growth can make navigation difficult; early morning trips and a GPS unit with a good map card are essential.

Access and boat launch details

The primary public access is a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources boat launch on the north side of the lake, accessible via County Road M near the town of Shawano. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp with a small parking area — typically room for 10 to 15 vehicles. There is no fuel dock, no bait shop, and no facilities beyond the ramp itself, so plan accordingly.

The launch can get soft or muddy during heavy rain or spring snowmelt, so check conditions before making the drive if you have a heavy trailer. A few local resorts and private properties border the lake, but there is no public shoreline access beyond the launch area. If you plan to fish from shore, ask permission at nearby properties or plan to launch a canoe or kayak from the ramp.

Walleye fishing: spring and fall patterns

Walleye on Bohner respond best in May and June when water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s. Early morning and evening hours are most productive — fish move shallow to feed on minnows and crawfish in the weed edges. Work the transition zones where deeper water meets shallow flats, using live minnows under a slip bobber or casting small jigs tipped with minnow heads along weed lines.

By July and August, walleye retreat to the deepest holes — typically 20 to 25 feet — and bite becomes inconsistent during daylight. Fall fishing, from September through October, mirrors spring: fish move back to shallower edges as water cools, and evening bite can be excellent. Night fishing with live minnows or crawlers under lights is also productive in fall if you have a generator and are comfortable running after dark.

Pike fishing year-round

Pike are the most consistent target on Bohner Lake. They hunt in the weeds throughout the year and respond to large presentations — 4- to 6-inch swimbaits, large topwater plugs, and spinnerbaits all work. Early summer (June and July) is peak season; fish are aggressive and hungry after spawning. Cast along weed edges, into pockets within dense vegetation, and around any deeper holes or channels you can identify.

Fall pike fishing is also excellent, particularly September and October when fish feed heavily before winter. Winter pike fishing is possible through the ice, though the shallow depth and heavy weed growth make it challenging — holes tend to be scattered and hard to locate. Spring pike fishing can be good in April and May, but fish are still in spawning mode and less predictable than in summer and fall.

Seasonal conditions and what to expect

Spring (April–May): Water temperatures 45–60°F. Walleye and pike are active. Weed growth is minimal. Boat traffic is light. Weather is unpredictable — bring rain gear and a life jacket.

Summer (June–August): Water temperatures 70–80°F. Weeds are thick and can slow navigation. Pike bite well early and late in the day. Walleye retreat deep. Boat traffic increases on weekends. Early morning trips are most productive and least crowded.

Fall (September–October): Water temperatures 60–50°F. Weeds begin to thin. Both walleye and pike feed aggressively. Weather becomes more stable. This is often the best overall fishing window.

Winter (November–March): The lake freezes. Ice fishing is possible but requires scouting for safe ice thickness and locating holes through heavy weed growth. Check local ice reports before heading out.

Tackle, baits, and techniques

For walleye, bring live minnows (shiners or chubs, 3–4 inches), slip bobbers, 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jigs, and crawlers. A 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod is standard. For pike, use larger presentations: 4- to 6-inch swimbaits, 3/8- to 1/2-ounce spinnerbaits, and topwater plugs. A 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy rod handles pike better and helps you work through weeds.

A GPS unit with a detailed lake map is nearly essential on Bohner — the weed growth and shallow depth make it easy to get turned around, and marked waypoints for productive holes and channels save time. Polarized sunglasses help you spot weed edges and shallow structure. A weed rake or similar tool can help clear vegetation from your prop if you get tangled.

Wisconsin regulations and licensing

You must have a valid Wisconsin fishing license. Licenses are available online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at the launch area (if a vendor is present), or at sporting goods stores in Shawano. Walleye and pike have specific season dates, minimum sizes, and daily catch limits that change year to year — check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations guide before you fish.

As of recent years, walleye typically have a minimum size of 15 inches with a daily limit of 5 fish, and pike have a minimum of 24 inches with a limit of 2 fish, but these can vary. The DNR publishes updated regulations each January, so confirm the current rules on their website or call the Shawano office directly if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a bait shop near Bohner Lake?

There is no bait shop directly at the launch. The nearest options are in Shawano, roughly 5 miles away. Bring live minnows and crawlers with you, or plan to stop in town before heading to the lake.

Can I fish Bohner Lake in winter?

Yes, the lake freezes and ice fishing is possible. However, the shallow depth and heavy weed growth make it challenging to locate productive holes. Check ice thickness reports and local conditions before heading out, and bring a GPS or map to help you find deeper areas.

What is the best time of year to fish Bohner?

Fall (September–October) is often the most productive overall — both walleye and pike feed aggressively, weeds begin to thin, and weather is more stable. Spring (May–June) is also excellent for walleye. Summer pike fishing can be very good early and late in the day, but midday bite is slow.

Do I need a boat to fish Bohner Lake?

A boat is the most practical way to access productive water. You can launch a canoe or kayak from the ramp and fish from shore or shallow water, but most of the lake's best structure is in deeper weed beds that are easier to reach by motorboat.

How deep does Bohner Lake get?

Most of the lake is 8 to 15 feet deep. The deepest holes reach about 25 feet. This shallow profile means summer heat can push fish deep quickly, and winter ice-out happens earlier than on deeper lakes in the region.