Fishing near Janesville, Wisconsin
Rock County, population 65,615.
- under a mileto nearest lake
- 10landings nearby
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Wisconsin water within reach of Janesville
In Rock County, the city of Janesville had 65,615 residents in 2020. Kiwanis Pond sits under a mile southeast of town, nearer than any other lake page. Size leader nearby: Clear Lake, Rock County, 77 acres. Trailer the boat under a mile to Rock River Access, the nearest landing page.
Trout anglers can drive 15 miles to the Yahara River. Bank anglers can use Whitewater Lake Fishing Pier, 17 miles out.
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| Lake | Distance | Acres | Max depth ft | Landings | DNR lake class | Top fish (WDNR rating) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kiwanis Pond | under a mile southeast | 15 | 37 | 1 | simple warm clear | panfish (abundant) |
| Lions Park Pond | under a mile south | 12 | 18 | 1 | simple warm dark | panfish (common) |
| Spauldings Pond | 5 miles northeast | 25 | 12 | 0 | simple warm dark | largemouth bass (abundant) |
| Storrs Lake | 8 miles northeast | 20 | 25 | 1 | simple warm dark | largemouth bass (present) |
| Clear Lake, Rock County | 8 miles north | 77 | 12 | 1 | simple warm dark | panfish (abundant) |
| Gibbs Lake, Rock County | 11 miles northwest | 73 | 23 | 1 | simple warm dark | panfish (common) |
Streams close to Janesville
- Turtle Creek, Rock County8 miles
- Yahara River15 miles, 6 trout miles
- Badfish Creek16 miles
- Bluff Creek19 miles, 2 trout miles
- Whitewater Creek19 miles
Straight-line distances from the Census point for Janesville; WDNR Find a Lake and lake classification data.
Landings around Janesville, mapped
- Rock River AccessRock River, under a mile
- Traxler Park Beach Lagoon Carry-inBeach Lagoon, under a mile
- Lions Park Pond Boat RampLions Park Pond, under a mile
- Kiwanis Pond Boat LaunchKiwanis Pond, under a mile
- Traxler Park Boat RampRock River, 1 mile
- Afton Road Boat LaunchRock River, 2 miles
- Riverside Park Boat Launch on Rock RiverRock River, 2 miles
- Rock River RampRock River, 4 miles
- Happy Hollow County Park Boat RampRock River, 6 miles
- Clear Lake Public AccessClear Lake, 8 miles
Places to cast from shore near Janesville
- Whitewater Lake Fishing PierWhitewater Lake, 17 miles
How the rivers near Janesville are running
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Rock River At Afton, Wi | 2,310 cfs, 5.02 ft gage height | Oct 22 5:00 am |
| Rock River At Newville, Wi | 1,450 cfs, 2.74 ft gage height | Oct 22 5:00 am |
| Turtle Creek At Carvers Rock Road Near Clinton, Wi | 139 cfs, 3.87 ft gage height | Oct 22 5:00 am |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Oct 22, 2026 5:34 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Getting bait in Janesville
Shops that serve Janesville anglers
- Lured Inn Outdoorsbait and tackle shop, Janesville, under a mile
- Its A Keeper Bait & Tacklebait and tackle shop, Janesville, 1 mile
- Grubby Mike's Fishing Tacklebait and tackle shop, Janesville, 2 miles
- Dick's Sporting Goods, 2500 Milton Ave # UNITK1Abait and tackle shop, Janesville, 2 miles
- Sierra, 2700 N Pontiac Dr Ste 150bait and tackle shop, Janesville, 2 miles
- Farm & Fleet Of Janesvillefarm and general store with fishing gear, Janesville, 3 miles
- Walmart Janesvillefarm and general store with fishing gear, Janesville, 3 miles
- O'Pros Fly Fishingfly shop, Janesville, 4 miles
Permitted events near Janesville
| Date | Event | Water | Fish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-26 | Rock River Open Bass Tournament | Rock River | Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass |
WDNR Calendar of Permitted Tournaments for Rock County, checked October 2026.
Harvest limits near Janesville
| Species | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | 3 in total; minimum length 15 inches | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Northern pike (south of Hwy 10) | 2; minimum length 26 inches | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Largemouth bass | 5; minimum length 14 inches | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Smallmouth bass (Southern Bass Zone) | 5 in total with largemouth bass; minimum length 14 inches | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Muskellunge | 1; minimum length 40 inches | May 2, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026 (open water only) |
| Panfish | 25 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Catfish | 10 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Cisco and whitefish | 10 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Rock, yellow and white bass | No bag limit; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Bullheads and rough fish | No bag limit; no minimum length | Open all year |
2026-2027 Wisconsin Hook and Line guide; pike row for the Southern Zone (south of US Highway 10) by the town position. Each lake page shows that lake rule.
Close to Janesville
Communities around Janesville
- Milton7 miles
- Hanover9 miles
- Shopiere9 miles
- Footville10 miles
- Fulton10 miles
Counties holding Janesville
- Rock Countyseat: Janesville
Piscifun reels sized for Janesville
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Water close to Janesville in photographs
Photo: Joshua Mayer, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Scott Catron, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Downspec, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Axhi12, CC BY-SA 3.0
Common questions near Janesville, answered
What is the nearest Wisconsin lake to Janesville?
Kiwanis Pond, under a mile southeast.
Where do boaters put in near Janesville?
Try Rock River Access, under a mile out.
Can kids fish from shore near Janesville?
Whitewater Lake Fishing Pier, some 17 miles away.
Which store near Janesville sells bait?
Lured Inn Outdoors is the closest listing, under a mile away.
Do lakes near Janesville hold walleye?
Lakes close to town list walleye as present at most.
Which Wisconsin county is Janesville in?
The town belongs to Rock County.
Where is the closest trout stream to Janesville?
Nearest: the Yahara River, 15 miles off, 6 miles of trout water.
Is Janesville north or south of Highway 10?
The Southern Zone (south of US Highway 10) applies near Janesville, with lake rules first.
Is there a one-day license for Janesville visitors?
Prices for visitors: $15 for a day, $29 for four, $33 for fifteen.
Take the boat out near Janesville
Every spot listed opens with directions.