Fishing at Bradley Lake, Burnett County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Look for Bradley Lake in Burnett County, Wisconsin. The country round it is mixed forest from end to end. It covers about 8 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Most waters listed here for Burnett County are larger. The nearest town is Spooner, 21 miles away. Shell Lake lies 26 miles off, Hayward another 28 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Bradley Lake

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Reported across Burnett County: brown trout, northern pike and largemouth bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. The shape of Bradley Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 68°F in July and bottoms out near 9°F in January. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. Climate figures give an open season running mid April to late November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. At Bradley Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. The nearest alternative is Richart Lake, 0.5 miles out. Check the current arrangement for Bradley Lake.