Rock Lake in Burnett County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Rock Lake belongs to Burnett County, Wisconsin. Rolling bush runs right down to the water. It measures about 77 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Around 1.3 miles of margin, front to back. Nearest place of any size is Sandstone, 22 miles away. Saint Paul is the closest city, 83 miles away. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Rock Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Fish documented in Burnett County include brown trout, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill and pumpkinseed. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Rock Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 68°F and January near 9°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid April. On average, mid April opens the water and late November closes it again. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Expect Rock Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. A campsite is mapped about half a mile away, which makes an early start easier. The water borders St. Croix State Forest, so reserve rules are likely to apply. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. For a change of water, Billys Lake is 0.4 miles distant. What applies at Rock Lake may have changed since it was mapped.