What You'll Find at Bruemmer Park

Bruemmer Park is a small impoundment near Rhinelander in Oneida County that holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish in a setting built for day trips rather than destination travel. The park itself sits on the water's edge with a boat launch, parking, and picnic facilities—the kind of place locals know and out-of-state anglers rarely find. The impoundment is shallow and weedy, which means the fishing changes noticeably by season and time of day.

The water is murky to tea-colored depending on recent rainfall, and that color matters: walleye bite better in low light here, and pike hunt more actively in the weeds when the sun is high. If you're coming from the Rhinelander area or passing through central Wisconsin, Bruemmer Park works as a half-day stop. If you're planning a week-long trip, you'll want to pair it with other waters nearby—Crescent Lake and Pelican Lake are both within 30 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Bruemmer Park holds walleye and northern pike in a shallow, weedy impoundment best fished in early morning, late evening, or overcast days.
  • The boat launch is free and the park has parking and picnic tables, making it a straightforward day-trip destination from Rhinelander.
  • Wisconsin fishing licenses are required; check current regulations for walleye and pike bag limits and size restrictions before you fish.
  • Summer weed growth can make navigation difficult, so a shallow-draft boat or canoe works better than a deep-V hull in peak season.
  • The park has no lodging, fuel, or tackle shop on-site, so bring supplies from Rhinelander or plan accordingly.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is often the most productive time. Walleye move shallow to spawn and feed heavily afterward, and pike are active in the warming water. Early morning and dusk are best; the water is still cold, and fish haven't retreated to deeper holes yet. Expect to work shallow structure—fallen trees, weed edges, and the channel areas where deeper water meets the flats.

Summer (June through August) brings weed growth that can choke the shallower sections. Walleye move to slightly deeper water and are most active at dawn and dusk; midday fishing is slow unless it's overcast. Pike stay in the weeds but hunt more aggressively in low light. The weeds also mean you'll lose lures and get snagged more often, so bring extras and consider heavier jigs that cut through vegetation.

Fall (September through October) cools the water and pushes fish into more predictable patterns. Walleye feed throughout the day as water temperature drops, and pike are less sluggish. This is often a solid time to fish, though the park can get crowded on weekends with anglers taking advantage of the bite.

Winter (November through March) closes most public access, though some anglers fish through the ice if conditions allow. Check with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources or the Rhinelander office for current ice-out dates and any seasonal closures.

How to Get There and What to Bring

Bruemmer Park is located off Highway 8 near Rhinelander. From downtown Rhinelander, take Highway 8 east and follow signs for the park; it's roughly 10 minutes from town. The access road is paved and well-marked. Parking is free, and the boat launch is a single-lane concrete ramp suitable for small to medium boats and trailers.

There is no fuel, tackle shop, or food service at the park itself. Rhinelander has gas stations, grocery stores, and tackle shops on Highway 8 and in the downtown area. If you're staying overnight, Rhinelander has motels and campgrounds; the nearest full-service resort is several miles away. Bring drinking water, snacks, and a cooler if you plan to stay all day.

A shallow-draft boat or canoe is ideal for Bruemmer Park, especially in summer. The impoundment is roughly 200 acres but much of it is less than 10 feet deep, and weed growth can make navigation tricky. If you have a deep-V bass boat, you'll spend time backing out of shallow areas. A 14- to 16-foot aluminum boat with a 9.9 or 15 hp motor is the practical standard for locals.

Walleye Fishing Tactics

Walleye at Bruemmer Park respond to live bait and jigs. Nightcrawlers on a simple slip-sinker rig work well in spring and fall; cast toward weed edges and let the bait sit. In summer, when walleye move deeper, vertical jigging with a 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jig tipped with a minnow or crawler is more effective. Work the deeper channel areas and any structure you can find with a depth finder.

Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and the last hour before dark are the most reliable times. On overcast days, walleye bite throughout the day. Avoid midday sun in summer unless clouds roll in. Trolling crankbaits along the weed line can also produce, though the shallow water and weeds make it slower going than on larger lakes.

Northern Pike and Panfish

Pike are abundant and aggressive at Bruemmer Park. They hunt in the weeds and shallow bays, especially in early morning and late evening. Throw large topwater lures, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range. Pike here are often in the 18- to 26-inch range, with occasional fish over 30 inches. The shallow, weedy habitat means pike are used to hunting in tight spaces, so they'll hit a lure that lands close to cover.

Panfish—bluegill, crappie, and perch—are present throughout the park and provide a good backup if walleye and pike are slow. Fish the shallower bays with small jigs, spinners, or live minnows. Kids and beginners often have good success with panfish here, making Bruemmer Park a reasonable family destination if you're flexible about what you're targeting.

Regulations and Licensing

Wisconsin fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores in Rhinelander, or at the park office if staffed. Licenses are available as daily, three-day, or annual options.

Walleye and pike regulations vary by year and are set by the Wisconsin DNR. Check the current regulations before you fish—bag limits, size restrictions, and seasonal closures change. The Rhinelander DNR office can provide a current regulation summary, or you can download the Wisconsin fishing guide from the DNR website. Oneida County is in the Northern Zone, which has its own rule set separate from southern Wisconsin.

Nearby Waters and Alternatives

If Bruemmer Park is crowded or the bite is slow, Crescent Lake and Pelican Lake are both within 30 minutes and hold similar species. Crescent Lake is slightly larger and deeper, with better structure for walleye. Pelican Lake is shallower and weedier, similar to Bruemmer but with more pike habitat. Both have public access and boat launches.

The Rhinelander area also has several smaller lakes and flowages accessible by canoe or small boat. If you're staying multiple days, exploring two or three waters gives you options if one is off or overcrowded. The Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce and local tackle shops can point you toward current conditions on nearby lakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Bruemmer Park year-round?

Open-water fishing runs from spring through fall. Winter ice fishing is possible when ice is safe, but check with the Wisconsin DNR or Rhinelander office for current conditions and any seasonal closures before you go.

Do I need a boat to fish Bruemmer Park?

A boat is the most practical way to reach productive water, but shore fishing is possible from the park area. The shoreline is limited, and you'll have better success on the water. If you don't have a boat, renting one in Rhinelander is an option.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (two hours before sunset) are most productive. On overcast days, walleye bite throughout the day. Midday summer fishing is slow unless clouds cover the sun.

How deep is Bruemmer Park?

Most of the impoundment is 5 to 10 feet deep, with a few deeper holes reaching 15 to 20 feet. The shallow depth and weed growth mean a depth finder is helpful for finding the deeper channels and structure.

Is there camping near Bruemmer Park?

There is no camping at the park itself. Rhinelander has several campgrounds and RV parks within 10 to 15 minutes. State forest campgrounds are also available in the surrounding area; check the Wisconsin DNR website for options.