What Dunnville Bottoms offers and when to fish it

Dunnville Bottoms is a 2,000-acre backwater complex on the Flambeau River in Ashland County, about 90 minutes north of Wausau. The area is known for walleye, channel catfish, and northern pike in a slow-water environment that contrasts sharply with the river's faster sections upstream and downstream. The bottoms form where the river widens and slows before the Flowage Dam, creating shallow bays, weed beds, and sandy flats that hold fish year-round.

Summer (June through August) is peak season for walleye and catfish. Water temperatures in the 70s bring active feeding, and the long daylight extends your fishing window. Fall (September through October) produces excellent walleye on structure as fish prepare for winter. Spring (April through May) can be productive but water levels fluctuate with snowmelt and dam releases. Winter ice fishing is possible but access and safety depend on ice thickness and weather; check with local bait shops before committing to a winter trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Dunnville Bottoms holds walleye, channel catfish, and northern pike in a slow-water backwater system on the Flambeau River in Ashland County.
  • Summer and fall are the most productive seasons, with walleye active on weed edges and sandy flats, and catfish feeding in deeper holes and channels.
  • A Wisconsin fishing license is required; no special stamp is needed for the Flambeau River.
  • Access is by boat launch at Dunnville or by canoe/kayak from upstream; there is no shore fishing infrastructure at the bottoms themselves.
  • Water levels and dam releases affect fishing conditions, so check current conditions with local outfitters before your trip.

Species and what to target

Walleye are the primary draw. They hold on weed edges, sandy points, and the transition zones between shallow flats and deeper channels. Early morning and evening produce the most consistent bites, though walleye will feed throughout the day in overcast conditions. Live shiners or crawfish work well; jigs tipped with minnows are effective year-round. Trolling along weed lines with crankbaits also produces, especially in summer when fish suspend slightly off bottom.

Channel catfish are abundant and often overlooked. They feed in deeper holes, around submerged wood, and in the main channel where current exists. Cut bait—shad, herring, or chicken liver—works best. Fish the bottom with a three-way rig or simple slip sinker setup. Catfish bite throughout the day but are most active at dusk and into the night. A single catfish rod left to soak while you work walleye can produce steady action.

Northern pike are present but less predictable. They hunt weed beds and shallow bays, especially in early morning. Large shiners or sucker minnows fished under a bobber, or pike-sized spinnerbaits, will draw strikes. Pike fishing is often incidental to walleye efforts but can be rewarding if you target the thickest weed cover.

Access and boat launch details

The primary public access is the Dunnville Boat Launch, located on County Road M near the village of Dunnville. The launch has a paved ramp, parking for trailers, and a small pier. It is maintained by Ashland County and is open year-round, though winter access depends on road conditions. There is no fee to launch.

From the launch, the bottoms are immediately accessible—you are already in the backwater system. The launch sits at the lower end of the complex, so you can motor upstream into the wider, shallower bays or stay near the launch in deeper water. If you have a canoe or kayak, you can also access the bottoms from upstream landings on the Flambeau, though this requires paddling several miles and is best suited to experienced paddlers familiar with river current.

There is no shore fishing access at Dunnville Bottoms itself. The surrounding land is private or state-owned forest with no public paths to the water. Plan on a boat-based trip.

Regulations and licensing

You must carry a valid Wisconsin fishing license. A daily license costs less than a full-season license and is available online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at any bait and tackle shop in the region. No special river stamp or permit is required for the Flambeau River.

Walleye and northern pike are subject to size and bag limits. Walleye have a 15-inch minimum length and a daily bag limit of five fish. Northern pike have an 24-inch minimum and a daily bag limit of one fish. Channel catfish have no size limit and a daily bag limit of 25 fish. These regulations can change, so check the current Wisconsin fishing guide before you go.

The Flambeau River is not a catch-and-release-only water. All species may be kept within legal limits. If you plan to keep fish, bring a cooler with ice.

Tackle and techniques that work

For walleye, a 6- to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braided or monofilament line is standard. Jigs in the 1/8- to 1/4-ounce range, tipped with live minnows or soft plastics, work in shallow water and around structure. Crankbaits in the 2- to 4-inch range are effective when trolling weed edges. Live-bait rigs with a slip sinker and a small hook work well in deeper holes.

For catfish, a heavier rod—7 to 8 feet, medium-heavy power—handles larger fish and allows you to cast cut bait farther. A three-way rig with a 1- to 2-ounce sinker keeps bait on bottom in current. Use a circle hook in the 2/0 to 4/0 range; circle hooks often hook themselves and reduce deep-throat injuries.

Bring a net if you plan to land larger walleye or pike. The shallow, weedy nature of much of the bottoms makes netting easier than trying to hand-land a thrashing fish.

Local conditions and what to expect

Dunnville Bottoms is a slow-water system, so wind has less impact than on open lakes, but it still affects boat handling and casting comfort. Summer afternoons can bring afternoon thunderstorms; watch the sky and head to the launch if weather deteriorates. The water is stained to moderately clear depending on recent rainfall and dam releases. This means fish rely more on vibration and smell than sight, so live bait and scent-enhanced lures often outperform flashy presentations.

The Flowage Dam downstream controls water levels. Dam releases can raise water levels and increase current, which can improve fishing by concentrating fish in deeper channels but can also make navigation tricky. Check the dam's release schedule with the Ashland County Parks Department or a local bait shop before you fish.

Mosquitoes are heavy in summer, especially in early morning and evening. Bring insect repellent and consider long sleeves and pants during peak season. The bottoms are remote, so cell service is spotty. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Nearby services and planning your trip

The village of Dunnville is small and has no gas station, restaurant, or lodging. The nearest services are in Bayfield (about 20 miles south) or Ashland (about 25 miles south). Both towns have motels, restaurants, and bait shops. Stock up on fuel, food, and tackle before heading to the bottoms.

If you do not have a boat, rental options are limited in the immediate area. Check with Ashland County Parks or call ahead to local marinas in Bayfield to see if boat rentals are available. Some outfitters in the region offer guided trips on the Flambeau; a guide can save time and help you learn the structure quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of day to fish Dunnville Bottoms?

Early morning (one hour before sunrise to mid-morning) and evening (two hours before sunset through dusk) are most productive for walleye. Catfish feed throughout the day but are most active at dusk and into the night. Overcast days can produce all day.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

Yes. There is no shore access at the bottoms. You must launch a boat at Dunnville or paddle in by canoe or kayak from upstream. The launch is public and free.

What should I do if the dam releases water and levels rise?

Rising water can improve fishing by concentrating fish in deeper channels, but it also increases current and can make navigation difficult. Fish the main channel and deeper holes rather than shallow bays. Check the dam's release schedule before you go, and consider postponing if releases are heavy.

Are there walleye in winter?

Yes, walleye are present under the ice, but winter access depends on ice thickness and safety. Check with local bait shops in Ashland or Bayfield for current ice conditions before attempting a winter trip. Ice fishing is not recommended without local knowledge.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes. Walleye, catfish, and pike may all be kept within Wisconsin's size and bag limits. Bring a cooler with ice if you plan to keep fish for the table.