Catherine Lake Fishing near Eagle River, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Set in Vilas County, Catherine Lake is a Wisconsin water. This is rolling bush country. The water measures roughly 20 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. It is high ground by Wisconsin standards. Nearest place of any size is Eagle River, 15 miles away. Iron River is 17 miles and Stambaugh, Iron River 18 miles. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Catherine Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Records held for Vilas County cover bluegill, yellow perch, walleye and largemouth bass. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The near bank of Catherine Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 65°F and January near 9°F on the long-run figures. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. After late April the shallows warm and the fish move up. Ice usually gives way near late April, and forms again about late November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Catherine Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. For a change of water, Big Sand Lake is 0.8 miles distant. For Catherine Lake in particular, ask before you travel.