Fishing Chokecherry Lake in Vilas County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Chokecherry Lake is set in Vilas County, Wisconsin. The country round it is lake country bush from end to end. Surface area runs to about 3 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is a small entry by Vilas County standards. Wakefield at 18 miles is the nearest place to stop. It is 146 miles to Green Bay, the nearest city. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Chokecherry Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Records held for Vilas County cover bluegill, yellow perch, walleye and largemouth bass. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. At Chokecherry Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 10°F to 65°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Once it clears, about late April, the fishing comes on quickly. Open water usually runs from late April until about late November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Time your trip to Chokecherry Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Pincherry Lake, 0.2 miles away. Where Chokecherry Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.