Big Bear Lake Fishing in Burnett County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  The Burnett County entry here is Big Bear Lake, in Wisconsin. The land about it is rolling bush. Roughly 179 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. There is roughly 2.1 miles of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. Spooner is the closest town at 18 miles. Then Shell Lake, 22 miles, and Frederic, 29 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Big Bear Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Burnett County records list brown trout, northern pike and largemouth bass among the fish reported. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Big Bear Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 68°F, the coldest about 9°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid April. The lid tends to go about mid April and return around late November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. It sets the rhythm of the year at Big Bear Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. For a change of water, Webb Lake is 1.3 miles distant. Check the position on Big Bear Lake before loading the car.