What You'll Find at Jordan Pond

Jordan Pond is a shallow glacial lake in central Wisconsin that holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish in roughly equal measure. The lake runs about 280 acres and averages 20 feet deep, with the deepest hole around 40 feet — typical of the region's kettle lakes. The bottom is mostly sand and muck, which walleye prefer, and the shoreline has enough weed growth to hold pike and largemouth bass year-round.

The pond sits in a quiet area without heavy residential development, which keeps the fishing pressure moderate compared to lakes closer to Madison or Milwaukee. Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons for walleye and pike; summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday fishing slows as the water warms. Winter ice fishing draws a steady crowd for panfish and walleye through February and into March.

Key Takeaways

  • Jordan Pond holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish; walleye fishing peaks in spring and fall, while pike are catchable year-round.
  • The lake is shallow (20 feet average) with sand and muck bottom, so focus on the deeper holes and weed edges rather than deep structure.
  • Public boat access is available at the town landing; no launch fee, but arrive early on weekends during peak season.
  • Wisconsin fishing license and inland trout stamp are required; walleye and pike have bag limits and size restrictions that change annually.
  • Summer fishing is best before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.; winter ice fishing for panfish and walleye runs December through March.

Access and Boat Launch Details

Jordan Pond has a public boat landing managed by the town, located on the south shore. The ramp is gravel, wide enough for most trailers, and the parking lot holds roughly 15 vehicles. There is no launch fee. The landing is open year-round, though winter access depends on snow removal — call ahead if you plan to ice fish and want to confirm the lot has been plowed.

The landing sits about 20 minutes from Highway 39, so it is not a destination lake for anglers traveling from far away, but it is convenient if you live in central Wisconsin or are passing through the region. Cell service is spotty on the water, so download a map or GPS waypoint before you leave the parking lot. The nearest gas and food are in the small town about 5 miles away.

Walleye Fishing: Spring and Fall Peak

Walleye are the primary target for many anglers on Jordan Pond, and they bite most reliably in April and May, and again in September and October. During these windows, fish the deeper holes — the 35- to 40-foot basin on the north end of the lake — using live minnows (shiners or chubs, 3 to 4 inches) on a slip-sinker rig. Jigs tipped with minnow heads also work well and let you cover water faster if you are trolling slowly along the drop-off.

Summer walleye fishing is possible but requires early starts. Fish the weed edges and deeper sand flats at dawn, before 9 a.m., using the same live-minnow rigs. By midday the fish move deeper and stop feeding. Fall fishing is more forgiving — walleye feed throughout the day as water cools, and you can work the same areas with confidence from sunrise to sunset. Winter ice fishing for walleye is productive; set tip-ups with live minnows over the deep holes, or jig vertically with small spoons and minnow-head jigs.

Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass

Pike are present year-round and do not follow the seasonal pattern of walleye as strictly. They hunt the weed beds along the shoreline and the shallow flats, especially where cattails or lily pads meet open water. Cast large swimbaits (4 to 6 inches), spinnerbaits, or topwater plugs along these edges, particularly in spring and fall when pike are most aggressive.

Summer pike fishing is slower but not impossible — work the weeds early and late in the day, or focus on the deepest weed pockets where pike retreat during heat. Largemouth bass share the same habitat and respond to the same lures. Neither pike nor bass draw the same attention as walleye on this lake, so you may have the weed edges to yourself, especially on weekdays.

Panfish and Winter Ice Fishing

Bluegill, crappie, and pumpkinseed sunfish are abundant in Jordan Pond and provide steady action for anglers of all skill levels. Summer panfish fishing is best in the shallower bays and along the weed line; use small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with waxworms or maggots, or live crickets. A simple bobber and small hook also works. Panfish bite throughout the day in summer, unlike walleye, so you do not need to time your trip around dawn or dusk.

Winter ice fishing is when panfish shine on Jordan Pond. The lake typically freezes by mid-December and remains fishable through February and into early March. Drill holes over the shallow flats (8 to 12 feet) and fish small jigs or spoons with waxworms. Panfish congregate in loose schools, so if you find one hole with fish, move a few feet and drill another — you will likely find more. Walleye also bite through the ice; set tip-ups in the deeper holes and check them every 30 minutes.

Regulations and Licensing

Wisconsin requires a current fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, at the boat landing (if a vendor is present), or at most sporting goods stores in town. An inland trout stamp is also required if you plan to fish for trout, though Jordan Pond does not hold trout.

Walleye on Jordan Pond have a daily bag limit and minimum size restriction; pike and bass have separate limits. These rules change annually, so check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you go — the DNR publishes an updated guide each year, available online and at the landing. Panfish have generous bag limits and no size restriction in most years. Possession limits are double the daily bag limit, so plan accordingly if you are keeping fish for a meal.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most consistent seasons. Water temperatures are moderate, walleye bite throughout the day, and pike are aggressive. Summer fishing requires early starts and patience; the lake can feel empty by 10 a.m. Winter ice fishing is popular and productive, but you will share the ice with other anglers, especially on weekends. Weekday trips in any season mean fewer boats and quieter fishing.

Jordan Pond is not a trophy lake — most walleye run 15 to 20 inches, and pike average 18 to 24 inches. The appeal is steady action and a peaceful setting rather than the chance at a 30-inch fish. Expect to catch panfish reliably and walleye or pike on most outings if you fish the right times and places. The lake is also shallow enough that wind can make it choppy quickly, so check the forecast before you launch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Jordan Pond?

A boat is not required. The shoreline has public access in several spots, and you can wade or fish from shore in the shallower bays. However, a boat lets you reach the deeper holes and weed edges where walleye and pike hold, so most serious anglers launch. A small aluminum boat or canoe is ideal for this shallow lake.

What is the best time of day to fish walleye?

Spring and fall, walleye bite all day. Summer, fish before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Winter, ice fishing is productive throughout the day, though dawn and dusk can be slightly better. Check the weather and water temperature — walleye feed more actively when conditions are stable.

Can I keep fish I catch at Jordan Pond?

Yes, within the daily bag and size limits set by Wisconsin. Panfish have no size limit and generous bag limits. Walleye and pike have minimum sizes and daily limits that vary year to year — check the current regulations. Most anglers keep panfish for eating; walleye and pike are often released.

Is the boat landing crowded?

The landing is quiet on weekdays and moderately busy on weekends, especially during spring and fall. Arrive early on Saturday and Sunday if you want a parking spot close to the ramp. Winter ice fishing can draw crowds on nice days, but the lake is large enough that you can find open ice away from the main fishing areas.

What should I bring for a day of fishing?

Bring a Wisconsin fishing license, a map or GPS, sunscreen, and water. For walleye and pike, pack live minnows (keep them in an aerated bucket or bait cooler), jigs, and swimbaits. For panfish, small jigs and waxworms are enough. A life jacket is required by law if you are in a boat. In winter, bring a shelter, heater, and extra layers — ice fishing is cold.