Butternut Lake in Forest County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In Wisconsin, Butternut Lake belongs to Forest County. The bank is 1,683 feet above sea level. Shoreline length is close to 7.6 miles, and each section fishes a little differently. Size puts it in the front rank of our Forest County list. Some 12 miles away sits Eagle River, the nearest settlement. Beyond it, Iron River at 21 miles and Stambaugh, Iron River at 21 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Butternut Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Forest County records list brown trout, largemouth bass and yellow perch among the fish reported. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. The near bank of Butternut Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 65°F at the top of summer and 10°F at the bottom of winter. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid April. Climate figures give an open season running mid April to late November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. At Butternut Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Recorded parking is half a mile off, far enough to travel light. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Harmony Lake at 0.9 miles is the sensible second choice. Confirm access to Butternut Lake locally before you travel.