Capitola Lake, Wisconsin: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Set in Lincoln County, Capitola Lake is a Wisconsin water. It stands 1,526 feet above sea level. At 5 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Most waters listed here for Lincoln County are larger. Tomahawk sits 9.1 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Further out sit Rhinelander (11 miles) and Merrill (24 miles). Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Capitola Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Records held for Lincoln County cover brown trout, rainbow trout, pumpkinseed, walleye and bluegill. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The shape of Capitola Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 67°F and January near 10°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid April. Break-up sits around mid April on average, with the water closing again about late November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. Expect Capitola Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. You can camp about half a mile away, going by the mapping. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Mud Lake, 0.2 miles away. Where Capitola Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.