Big Eau Pleine - WI

[HOP]

I have a relative looking at a place on Big Eau Pleine Reservoir in Wisconsin. Does anyone have some good feedback on it as a fishing lake? Good / bad? What species are prevelant? Would you consider it a GOOD lake for any species in particular? Thanks for any input on this.

HOP

[dr who]

i live in the area and fish regularly out there. lots of water. usually target walleyes, and have good success. crappie fishing is not what it used to be, but still get some decent ones now and then. big northern and muskie are in there, but we don't fish for them, occasionally hook them while walleye fishing. it usually has a major algae bloom in the summer and things get tough, water gets pretty thick. the bad part is it usually gets drawn down and if you have waterfront property, you suddenly acquire more dry land in front of your property. fifteen to eighteen feet drawdown is not uncommon.

[Greggb]

I live close by and fish it often. It is a nice body of water but.... The water does fluctuate a lot. Like Dr. Who said, 15-18ft. And in the summer the lake comes alive with algae. Not really a swimming, water skiing lake. It has a lot of walleyes in it though.

[HOP]

Thanks for the feedback. Greatly appreciated.

HOP

[Central WI Native]

I live about 15 minutes from the Big Eau Pleine Flowage. There are hundreds in our area who would love to have lake frontage close to home or even call home, but most drive right by and head north a few hours to their cottages on much better lakes. I looked at places here for several years and have concluded NO WAY. Most locals have come to a similar conclusion. The draw-downs have been abslutely tragic for those with lake frontage--the water is too low more often than it is adequate. It is full now and looks great in the spring. The algae bloom can be horrible--my whole reel spool would fill up with green scum that the line retained in mid-summer outings. I catch some nice fish there every year and will continue to fish open water in the spring and fall, but I would not buy property there even though I can afford it. It may appear to be a good deal now but your investment will not grow in this property like it would elsewhere in WI-- the word has been out a long time to avoid buying on this flowage. Sorry, I am not a negative person and I dislike making this kind of report, but I would want you to be honest with me too.

[HOP]

I truly thank you for the frankness. Red flags were definitly going up when I read about the drain down. That plus the algae is not in line with what is wanted.

Thanks for the feedback, I guess the look will continue.
HOP