Fishing at Council Grounds State Park

A dam on the Wisconsin River at Council Grounds forms Lake Alexander. Because it is a reservoir, the lake contains a wide variety of fish found both in lakes and streams.

You can catch fish from shore or a boat or canoe.
DNR Photo by Matt Kecker

Fish Species

The most common sport fish is the northern pike. Although most northerns in the lake are less than 25 inches long, some trophy fish reaching close to 40 inches are present. Northern pike are active all year round and provide action whether you are ice fishing or soaking a minnow on a hot summer day. Large minnows and artificial bait such as spoons and spinners are a good bet to get you a strike.

Walleye and smallmouth bass are also found in Lake Alexander. These species provide excellent fishing at times but can be difficult to catch without hard work. Walleye and smallmouth bass are commonly found near rocky points and under water bars. Minnows and jigs tipped with minnows are baits that work well for these fish.

Muskellunge are present, but in low numbers. Even though muskies are not plentiful, some “big” fish lurk in Lake Alexander. A department netting survey captured one musky that measured over 60 inches, a real trophy in anyone’s book.

Panfish are good eating and provide action many times when the “big ones” are not hungry. Yellow perch are the main panfish but anglers also take bluegills and black crappies. Yellow perch are caught near the bottom in both deep and shallow water. Bluegill and black crappies often hang around brush, logs, or weed beds. Try worms or small minnows and you have a good chance of taking home some of these tasty fish.

Shore Fishing

Fishing the Council Grounds shoreline, from the Alexander Hydro Plant to the shelter house area, can be quite productive. Deep pools, rook riffles and slow moving weedy areas provide a variety of fishing opportunities along this stretch of the Wisconsin River.

Minnows or crawlers with a bobber can be used in any area and will catch smallmouth bass, northern pike and an occasional musky or walleye. Artificial lures can be used in the rocky areas to catch smallmouth bass, northern and walleye. Lead headed jigs, tipped with live bait, are particularly effective in spring and fall. Be prepared to retrieve rapidly as the rock-strewn river bottoms claimed thousands of baits.

An accessible fishing pier is located on the Northwest side of the park, near the lake Alexander boat landing. The pier is designed with a wide walkway and safety rails for easy and safe maneuverability. This pier is connected to the boat landing area by an accessible trail containing fishing stations along the way. These enable visitors to fish on platforms, jutting out into the water, thereby preventing erosion along the banks. These accessible opportunities were made possible through Wisconsin Stewardship and federal Sport Restoration monies.

Every year, exceptional sized smallmouth, northern, and walleye are caught. While many fishermen choose to keep what they catch, a growing number of anglers engage in the practice of catch and release. Fish, released unharmed, will grow and, in time, provide a thrill for another lucky fisherman.

All persons fishing, age 16 and over, must have a Wisconsin fishing license. Wisconsin Annual Free Fishing Weekend is the first weekend in June, and provides an opportunity to try out Wisconsin waters without a fishing license. Good luck fishing!

More Information

Interactive map of Wisconsin dams

For more information, ask Council Grounds State Park, (715) 536-8773.