Fishing Cleveland Lake in Vilas County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Within Vilas County, Wisconsin, you have Cleveland Lake. The bank is 1,696 feet above sea level. With some 33 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Wisconsin listings. Eagle River is the closest town at 20 miles. Lac du Flambeau is 26 miles away, with Wakefield at 32 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Cleveland Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Survey and observation records for Vilas County include bluegill, yellow perch, walleye and largemouth bass. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. At Cleveland Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 65°F; the cold one sits at 9°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Ice is part of the season here, ending near late April. In an average year the thaw lands around late April and the freeze near late November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. At Cleveland Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Nothing in the way of made access shows up nearby: no ramp, no car park, no path. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Helen Lake sits 0.6 miles off and takes the overflow. The position on Cleveland Lake is worth confirming on the day.