Wisconsin Fishing Guide

Cisco (Lake Herring)

Coregonus artedi

A cold-water forage fish found in deep, cold northern lakes and Lake Superior. Popular ice fishing target in counties like Vilas, Oneida, and Bayfield. Cisco are critical prey for walleye, pike, lake trout, and musky.

Size Limit
No minimum
Daily Bag
25 (combined panfish on inland waters)
Season
Year-round
State Record
4 lb 3 oz
Lake Superior ()

Best Months to Fish

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

What to Use

Live Bait & Natural

SpikesWax worms

Lures & Artificials

Small jigging spoonsIce fliesTungsten jigs

Cisco (Lake Herring) Fishing in Wisconsin

A cold-water forage fish found in deep, cold northern lakes and Lake Superior. Popular ice fishing target in counties like Vilas, Oneida, and Bayfield. Cisco are critical prey for walleye, pike, lake trout, and musky.

More Wisconsin Fish Species

Channel Catfish

Ictaluridae

Muskellunge

Esocidae

Yellow Perch

Percidae

Largemouth Bass

Centrarchidae

White Bass

Moronidae

Chinook Salmon (King Salmon)

Salmonidae

View all fish species →

Plan Your Cisco (Lake Herring) Trip

Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next cisco (lake herring) fishing trip in Wisconsin.

Explore Lakes   Find a Guide   Bait & Tackle

Regulations shown are statewide defaults. Some waters have special regulations — always check the current Wisconsin DNR regulations before fishing. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for ages 16+.