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Wisconsin · Fishing
Upham, Wisconsin sits in Marathon County's lake country, and the fishing here centers on a handful of quiet inland lakes that don't see the pressure of better-known destinations to the north.
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Upham, Wisconsin sits in Marathon County's lake country, and the fishing here centers on a handful of quiet inland lakes that don't see the pressure of better-known destinations to the north. Gabriel Lake, Shanty Bottom Lake, Townline Lake, and Little Pike Lake make up the core of what's fishable in the area — all lake fishing, no rivers or streams in this particular mix. These are the kinds of waters where you launch a small boat or fish from shore without fighting for a spot, and where early mornings in summer or the first weeks of the open-water season tend to produce the most consistent action. Expect the typical Wisconsin warmwater mix: largemouth bass, panfish like bluegill and crappie, and northern pike are common in lakes of this type across the region, though you should check current Wisconsin DNR reports for species-specific information on each water body before you go. Access points and boat launch conditions vary by lake, so it's worth a quick call to the Marathon County Parks department or a check of the DNR's online lake finder before your first visit. This is straightforward, unpretentious fishing — bring a medium-light spinning setup, a cooler, and a valid Wisconsin fishing license.
All four fishable waters in the Upham area — Gabriel Lake, Shanty Bottom Lake, Townline Lake, and Little Pike Lake — are inland lakes, so you're looking at lake fishing exclusively here. No trout streams or rivers are part of this local lineup.
Yes, a valid Wisconsin fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older. You can purchase one online through the Wisconsin DNR's Go Wild system or at local sporting goods retailers. Annual, 15-day, and 24-hour options are available depending on how long you're staying.
Laurel Lake Campground
~58 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Shanty Bottom Lake
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Wolf River - Lily Section
~31 min drive
Moderate
Pelican Lake - Rhinelander Access
~33 min drive
Easy
Lakewood - Laona District
~53 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Little Pike Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Prairie River - Merrill Trout Section
~42 min drive
Moderate
Townline Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Borth Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Gabriel Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Bog Lake
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Hilson Lake
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are consistently the most productive windows on small Wisconsin lakes like these, particularly for bass and panfish. Midday in summer tends to push fish deeper or into shaded structure, so plan your launch accordingly.
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations on lakes like these. Bring a mix of soft plastics and jigs for bass, small bobber rigs with live bait for panfish, and larger spinnerbaits or spoons if you're targeting northern pike. A small boat or kayak opens up more water, but shore fishing is viable on several of these lakes.
Wisconsin's general inland fishing season for species like bass and panfish typically opens in early May, though the exact date varies by species and county. The Wisconsin DNR publishes a current season calendar each year — check it before your trip since regulations can change and some species have different opener dates.
