As the area’s largest, Pewaukee Lake is a hub of activity for the community during the spring and summer months. The Potawatomi gave this beautiful, spring-fed lake its original name, Pewaukee-wee-ning, meaning “Lake of Shells,” because of the large quantities of shells along her shores. Today, the bounty of fish in Pewaukee makes it a celebrated fishing destination, and its 2,500 acres a recreational playground for sailing, power boating, jet skiing and water skiing.
Bluegill, Northern Pike, Walleye and Perch are abundant on Pewaukee Lake, but the big trophy is Musky, which became the official state fish in 1955. More 50+-inch Musky have been caught in Pewaukee than on any
other lake in the state.
Musky Fishing
Musky season starts in early May, if you are fishing the Southern Zone of the lake and late May in the Northern Zone. In this early part of the season, Musky can be found in and around weed beds, rock bars and drop-offs and shorelines with submerged wood or other cover. They tend to migrate to the deeper parts of the lake as the summer heats up. Fall is also an ideal Musky fishing time with the cooler weather, musky can be found in deep or shallow parts of the lake.
Part of the lure of Musky fishing is the elusiveness of the fish. Many fishermen rely on the local expertise of fishing guru Aaron Stack with Bitten for Reel Guide Services to increase their chances of catching the big one. Mike has been fishing for Musky for decades, and still finds the experience thrilling.
Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? The wide, sandy beach at Lakefront Park is located in the heart of Pewaukee’s downtown and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing or sandcastle building. There are also free concerts and water ski shows all summer long as part of Waukesha Pewaukee’s ongoing summer events.
Boat Rentals & Bait
Rent a boat at Beachside Boat & Bait, Pontoons on the Move or Smokey’s Muskie Shop (open beginning in April).
Fishing bait is available at Beachside Boat & Bait and Smokey’s Muskie Shop.
Boat Launch Areas
If you have your boat with and are looking for public places to launch it on Pewaukee Lake, be sure to check out one of these places.
Lake-Link Boat Launch Info. (includes driving directions)
After Fishing Food & Drinks
At the end of a great day of fishing, boating or swimming, what better way to relax than to visit some of the local establishments for cocktails and a bite to eat at one of the places to eat along Pewaukee Lake:
- Artisan 179 shared plates, soups, salads, sandwiches, and daily specials
- Brewer’s Two Cafe – casual cafe offering coffee, homemade pastries & lighter bites, plus views of Lake Pewaukee.
- Curly’s Waterfront Pub & Grill – burgers, soup/salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizza
- Doc’s Dry Dock – pizza
- Park Avenue Pizza Company – pizza, burgers, fried chicken, fish and more
- Seester’s Mexican Cantina – Casual Mexican restaurant & bar with beach views & specialties like portobello quesadillas
- Sunset Grille – Laid-back hangout with a deck offering burgers, pizza, wings, salads and sandwiches
- The Beachhouse Bistro – a sharable small plates, casual restaurant
