American Lake, Wisconsin: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  In Wisconsin, American Lake falls inside Iron County. The land about it is rolling bush. It covers about 10 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Most waters listed here for Iron County are larger. The closest town, Wakefield, is 15 miles away. Ironwood follows at 15 miles, then Bessemer at 15 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on American Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Survey and observation records for Iron County include walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, muskellunge and rainbow trout. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. American Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 65°F, while January sits near 10°F. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid April. Climate averages put the opening at about mid April and the closing near late November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. On American Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Long Lake, 0.9 miles away. Check the current arrangement for American Lake.