What Half Moon Lake Offers

Half Moon Lake is a 1,100-acre lake in Vilas County in far northern Wisconsin, roughly 20 miles south of the Michigan border. It holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass, with walleye as the primary draw. The lake is moderately developed — there are cabins and a few resorts on the shoreline — but the water itself stays relatively quiet because it sits away from major highways. If you want a traditional Northwoods walleye lake without the crowds of Eagle River or Rhinelander, Half Moon delivers that plainly.

The lake runs roughly north-south and is deepest in its northern basin, where you will find structure that holds walleye year-round. Shallow bays on the south and west sides warm quickly in spring and hold bass and pike. The bottom is a mix of sand, rock, and muck — typical for this region — and weed growth is moderate to heavy depending on the season. Water clarity is fair to good most of the year, which means walleye will suspend in deeper water during bright midday hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Half Moon Lake holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass, with walleye most abundant and the main reason anglers visit.
  • The northern basin reaches depths of 60 feet and holds structure year-round; the southern shallows warm first in spring and hold pike and bass.
  • Public boat launch access is available at the Half Moon Lake public landing on the east shore; no launch fee is charged.
  • Wisconsin fishing regulations apply: walleye season runs year-round with a five-fish daily limit, and pike have a one-fish daily limit during open season.
  • Summer can bring algae blooms typical of Northwoods lakes; spring and fall offer clearer water and more predictable fishing.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is the most reliable time to fish Half Moon. Walleye move into the shallower bays and along the drop-offs as water temperature climbs from the low 40s to the mid-50s. Jigs tipped with live minnows or crawlers work well in 8 to 15 feet of water. Pike also become active in the shallows during this window, and you can catch them on larger minnows or crankbaits. The water is usually clearer in spring than it will be later, and the lake is less crowded than summer weekends.

Summer (June through August) brings warm water and more boat traffic. Walleye move deeper — expect to find them in 25 to 45 feet during the day — and early morning and evening bite periods become critical. Algae blooms are common on Northwoods lakes in mid to late summer, and Half Moon is no exception; blooms can reduce visibility and concentrate fish in clearer pockets. Pike fishing slows in the heat unless you target deep structure or fish at dawn. Largemouth bass fishing improves in the weedy bays, especially around submerged timber.

Fall (September through October) reverses the summer pattern. Walleye move back into shallower water as temperatures drop, and the bite becomes more consistent throughout the day. Water clarity improves as algae dies back. This is an excellent time to fish Half Moon if you can avoid the opening weekend of deer season (mid-November), when boat traffic spikes. Pike fishing also improves in fall as the water cools.

Winter (November through March) brings ice fishing. Half Moon freezes solid by late December in most years. Walleye can be caught through the ice in 20 to 40 feet of water using small jigs and live minnows. Pike are less predictable under the ice but are present. Check ice thickness before heading out — the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recommends at least 4 inches for walking and 5 to 7 inches for vehicles. Winter access is via the public landing area or designated ice roads.

Access and Boat Launch

The Half Moon Lake public boat landing is located on the east shore and is maintained by Vilas County. The launch has a single concrete ramp, parking for roughly 20 vehicles with trailers, and a small dock. There is no launch fee. The landing is accessible year-round, though winter access depends on road conditions and whether the county maintains the access road — call ahead if you are planning an ice-fishing trip in January or February.

The landing sits in a small bay with shallow water near the ramp; once you clear the bay, water depth increases quickly. Fuel and supplies are available in nearby towns — Conover is about 10 miles south, and Eagle River is roughly 25 miles south. There are no services directly at the landing itself.

If you do not have your own boat, several resorts on Half Moon Lake rent aluminum boats and small cabin cruisers by the day or week. Calling ahead is necessary, especially during summer weekends. Canoe and kayak access is possible from the public landing, though the lake is large enough that wind can build quickly; stay near the launch area if you are paddling.

Walleye Fishing Tactics

Walleye on Half Moon respond to live-bait presentations and crankbaits. In spring and fall, jigs (1/4 to 3/8 ounce) tipped with live minnows or nightcrawlers work in 8 to 20 feet of water along the drop-offs and structure. Cast toward deeper water and work the jig slowly along the bottom. Early morning and evening are most productive, but you can catch walleye throughout the day in spring and fall.

In summer, when walleye move deeper, switch to live-bait rigs or slip-sinker rigs that let you present a minnow 2 to 3 feet above the bottom in 30 to 50 feet of water. Trolling crankbaits along the deep structure in the northern basin is also effective. Walleye in deep water are often suspended, so do not assume they are on the bottom — use a fish finder to locate them.

Nighttime fishing is productive year-round. Walleye move into shallower water to feed after dark, especially in summer. Casting jigs or crankbaits in 6 to 15 feet of water from dusk until midnight can produce excellent results. A headlamp with a red filter helps you see without spooking fish.

Pike and Bass Opportunities

Northern pike on Half Moon are most abundant in the shallow bays and around weed edges. Spring and fall are the best seasons; summer heat pushes pike into deeper water or thick weeds where they are harder to target. Use larger minnows (4 to 6 inches), crankbaits that mimic baitfish, or spinnerbaits in the shallows. Pike are aggressive and will strike quickly — use a steel leader or heavy fluorocarbon to prevent bite-offs.

Largemouth bass fishing is secondary to walleye on Half Moon, but the lake holds a decent population in the weedy bays on the south and west shores. Soft plastics, topwater lures, and spinnerbaits work in and around submerged timber and weed beds. Summer and early fall are best for bass, when water temperature and weed growth are at their peak.

Regulations and Licenses

Wisconsin fishing regulations apply to Half Moon Lake. You must have a valid Wisconsin fishing license, available online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at any bait shop in the region. A license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Walleye season runs year-round with a five-fish daily limit and a 15-inch minimum length. Northern pike season runs year-round with a one-fish daily limit and a 24-inch minimum length. Largemouth bass season runs from the second Saturday in May through the last Sunday in November, with a five-fish daily limit and a 12-inch minimum length. Catch-and-release is allowed outside of open season.

Check current regulations before you fish, as rules can change. The Wisconsin DNR website has the most up-to-date information, and local bait shops in Conover or Eagle River can answer specific questions about Half Moon.

Where to Stay and What to Bring

Half Moon Lake has several small resorts and cabin rental operations on its shoreline. These range from rustic cabins to more modern facilities with amenities like docks and boat rentals. Booking ahead is necessary during summer weekends and throughout July and August. Conover, 10 miles south, has a few motels and a small grocery store. Eagle River, the largest nearby town, has more lodging options, restaurants, and a full-service grocery store.

Bring insect repellent — mosquitoes are heavy in spring and early summer, especially in the bays. Sunscreen and a hat are essential year-round. If you are fishing in summer, bring extra water and electrolyte drinks; the sun reflects off the water and dehydration happens quickly. For winter ice fishing, bring a portable shelter, a heater, and extra layers; Northwoods winters are cold and wind can shift quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Half Moon Lake good for beginners?

Yes. The lake is not crowded, walleye are present and catchable with basic jig-and-minnow tactics, and the public landing is easy to use. Spring and fall are forgiving seasons for learning. Avoid summer weekends if you want a quieter experience, and consider hiring a local guide for your first trip if you want to learn the structure quickly.

What is the best time to visit if I want to catch pike?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are most reliable for pike. Summer heat pushes pike into deep water or thick weeds where they are difficult to target. Use larger minnows or crankbaits in the shallow bays during spring and fall for the best results.

Can I fish Half Moon in winter?

Yes. The lake freezes solid by late December most years, and ice fishing for walleye is productive. Check ice thickness — at least 4 inches for walking — and confirm that the public landing access road is maintained by the county before you go. Winter access can be limited in heavy snow years.

Do I need a guide to fish Half Moon Lake?

No, but a guide can accelerate your learning curve, especially if you are unfamiliar with Northwoods lakes. Local guides know the structure, seasonal patterns, and current conditions. Several operate out of resorts on the lake or nearby towns. A half-day guided trip costs roughly $300 to $400, though prices vary.

What should I do if I catch an algae bloom in summer?

Algae blooms reduce visibility and can concentrate fish in clearer pockets of the lake. Fish early morning or evening when light is lower and walleye are more active in shallower water. If the bloom is heavy, consider visiting in spring or fall instead, when water clarity is better and fishing is more consistent.