Traders Bayou
Waupaca County, Wisconsin
About Traders Bayou
Traders Bayou offers the classic northern Wisconsin combo: northern pike and bass in a Waupaca County setting that draws anglers and families alike, a intimate 38-acre lake reaching 24 feet at its deepest. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. The fishery includes Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Panfish.
Bottom composition: 0% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 99% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
44.35870° N, 88.80800° W
WBIC 200500 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·Northern pike are ambush predators — target weed edges, fallen timber, and points with large spoons or swimbaits.
- ·Spring pike fishing (ice-out through June) can be outstanding as they move into shallow, warming bays to spawn.
- ·Largemouth bass relate to shallow structure. Work topwater lures at dawn in summer, then switch to soft plastics rigged weedless around lily pads and fallen wood.
- ·Bluegill and crappie stack up in 8–15 ft of water near weedlines. Small jigs tipped with a waxworm are hard to beat.
- ·Panfish are often excellent for kids and beginners — look for them around any dock or submerged brush piles.
Local's Guide
Fishing
Species-specific tips above. Wisconsin fishing license required for ages 16+. See current season regulations below.
View fishing regulations ↓Swimming
Traders Bayou has limited visibility and a gravel and sand bottom, making it better suited for boating and fishing than swimming. The 38-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for Traders Bayou are coming soon. Know a great spot near Traders Bayou? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Waupaca County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
Traders Bayou is one of Waupaca County's lesser-known gems — the kind of place locals return to year after year. Early mornings before 9am offer the calmest water and best fishing before boat traffic picks up. If you're visiting for the first time, check the DNR boat landing locations before you arrive — some are well-marked, others take a local to find. Know something about Traders Bayou that visitors should? Share a tip at staynorthern.com/contact — we add the best ones to this page.
Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Not documented
Clean lake
Seasonal Notes
See below
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Ice out typically arrives in mid-April on central Wisconsin lakes. Fishing season hits its stride in mid-May and runs strong through June and again in fall. Swimming conditions are best from late June through mid-August. Fall color peaks in early-to-mid October. Ice fishing season runs late December through February in most years.
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Traders Bayou?
Traders Bayou is home to Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Panfish. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Can you boat on Traders Bayou?
Traders Bayou does not currently have a public boat landing listed in the Wisconsin DNR database. Shore fishing or kayak/canoe access may still be available — check local access points.
How big is Traders Bayou?
Traders Bayou has 38 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 24 feet.
What is the bottom of Traders Bayou like?
The lake bottom is composed of 0% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 99% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Traders Bayou?
No invasive species are currently documented in Traders Bayou by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is Traders Bayou located?
Traders Bayou is located in Waupaca County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 44.3587° N, 88.8080° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Traders Bayou?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Waupaca County lakes. Check our Traders Bayou vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Waupaca County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Traders Bayou
| Species | Season | Min. Length | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullheads | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Catfish | Open All Year | See specific species regulations in this group. | — |
| Channel Catfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25 in total, but only 24 if one flathead catfish is included. | — |
| Cisco And Whitefish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Flathead Catfish | May 2, 2026 to September 30, 2026 | The minimum length is 30, but flathead catfish from 36" to 42" may not be kept.The daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| Lake Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | Open All Year | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Muskellunge And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | The minimum length limit is 50" and the daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| Northern Pike | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length limit is 26" and the daily bag limit is 2. | — |
| Paddlefish | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Panfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25. | — |
| Rock, Yellow, And White Bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rough Fish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Round Goby | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0. One may be killed and transported to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Ruffe | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0. One may be killed and transported to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Sauger And Hybrids | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Trout | See specific regulations | https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ . | — |
| Walleye, Sauger, And Hybrids | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag is 3, only one of which may be a sauger or hybrid. | — |
| White Perch | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0. One may be killed and transported to a WDNR Office. | — |
Regulations sourced from Wisconsin DNR fisheries data. Always verify current regulations before fishing.
Lake Details
- WBIC
- 200500
- County
- Waupaca County
- Surface Area
- 38 acres
- Max Depth
- 24 ft
- Bottom
- 0% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 99% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 44.3587, -88.8080
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Traders Bayou? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.