Oxford sits in the heart of central Wisconsin’s Marquette County, surrounded by lakes, ponds, and trout streams that give anglers more water than they can cover in a single weekend. If you’ve never wet a line here and are not sure where to begin, our guide covers everything you need for a great day of fishing in Oxford, Wisconsin.
Can You Fish Year-Round in Oxford, Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin’s general inland fishing season opens in early May and runs into the following winter, and many local waters stay open all year for species like panfish. Largemouth and smallmouth bass move to catch-and-release fishing during the off-season, so there’s almost always something to chase. Plus, once the lakes freeze, ice fishing takes over, and hardwater anglers pull panfish, northern pike, and walleye through the ice well into late winter.
What Types of Fish Are Common in Oxford, Wisconsin?
The Oxford area is best known for its panfish. Bluegill, crappie, and perch fill the local lakes, making this an ideal place for kids and first-timers to land fish without much fuss. Cast a little wider and you’ll run into plenty of other species:
- Largemouth bass – Found in nearly every lake and pond in the county
- Northern pike – Abundant in the larger, weedier waters
- Walleye – A prized catch in the bigger lakes and the Fox River
- Catfish and white bass – Common in Buffalo Lake and the connected river system
- Brown and rainbow trout – Wild, naturally reproducing populations in the nearby Mecan River
Best Fishing Spots in Oxford
When you stay in Oxford, you have good fishing options close to town and a few more that are worth a short drive. Here’s where to start.
Right at the campground, guests at Emrick Lake Campground and Resort can fish the resort’s private lake – easy enough to teach a child to cast or slip out for a sunrise bite before the rest of the campground wakes up. Plus, every June, the resort hosts a Father’s Day fishing tournament where anglers compete for the biggest catch.
Fishing Spots Near Oxford
Willing to drive a few minutes more? The wider county opens up plenty of opportunities!
- Buffalo Lake – This sprawling 2,179-acre lake is loaded with walleye, northern pike, catfish, and panfish. The stretch of the Fox River that feeds it is famous for its spring walleye and white bass run.
- Mecan River – For something completely different, try this rive, which holds wild brown and rainbow trout in clear, spring-fed water, some of the best trout streams in central Wisconsin.
Where to Get Bait and Supplies
For live bait, tackle, and anything you forgot to pack, stop at The Minnow Bucket at 321 S. Franklin Ave in Oxford. You can pick up your Wisconsin fishing license there as well – it’s just a quick stop on the way to the water and a good place to get gear.
What they stock:
What to Cook with Your Catch
Half the fun of a fishing trip is dinner. Here’s how to handle your catch back at the campsite:
- Panfish (bluegill and crappie) – Made for the classic shore lunch – fillet them, dredge the fillets in seasoned cornmeal, and pan-fry in butter until golden.
- Walleye – The star of any Wisconsin fish fry. Turns out beautifully beer-battered and fried, or baked with lemon and fresh herbs.
- Trout (from the Mecan) – Wrap it in foil with butter, garlic, and dill and cook it right over the campfire.
The bottom line: If you’d rather let someone else handle the cooking, you can always order a fish special at the Twisted Pine Bar & Grill back at camp.
Make Emrick Lake Your Fishing Basecamp
Oxford gives you quiet panfish ponds, big walleye water, and wild trout streams all within a short drive of one another. Emrick Lake Campground and Resort puts you right in the middle of it, with fishing on-site, comfortable cabins and campsites, and plenty to keep the whole family busy when the rods are put away. Book your stay and start planning your trip!
