Reynolds Lake Fishing near Wakefield, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Vilas County, Wisconsin, is where Reynolds Lake sits. The bank is 1,680 feet above sea level. At 11 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Most waters listed here for Vilas County are larger. Wakefield is the closest place, 20 miles off. Lac du Flambeau lies 23 miles off, Bessemer another 24 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Reynolds Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Records held for Vilas County cover bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, largemouth bass and rock bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Reynolds Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 10°F to 65°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around late April. The season between ice runs from about late April to late November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Reynolds Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. There is a ramp at Little Oxbow Lake Boat Launch, half a mile out. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Little Oxbow Lake at 0.2 miles is the sensible second choice. For Reynolds Lake in particular, ask before you travel.