Claire Lake Fishing near Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin

• Overview

  In Wisconsin, Claire Lake belongs to Bayfield County. The country round it is lake country bush from end to end. Surface area runs to about 4 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Bayfield County. For a base, Lake Nebagamon sits 16 miles out. After that come Hayward at 27 miles and Ashland at 28 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Claire Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Records held for Bayfield County cover rainbow smelt, brown trout, yellow perch and rainbow trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Fish Claire Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 66°F and January reads 9°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Winter locks it down, and mid April brings it back. The season between ice runs from about mid April to late November. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. Plan any trip to Claire Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. For a change of water, Wilderness Lake is 0.6 miles distant. Check the position at Claire Lake before loading the car.