Conley Lake Fishing in Ashland County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Out in Ashland County, Wisconsin, sits Conley Lake. Height above sea level is 1,404 feet. 24 miles away sits Ashland, the nearest town. Saint Paul is the closest city, 147 miles away. Nearest other option: Meder Lake 2.8 miles away, 3 miles out stands Long Lake, Beaver Lake 3.9 miles away, 4.1 miles out stands English Lake and Snowshoe Lake 4.2 miles away. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Conley Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Records held for Ashland County cover rainbow smelt, yellow perch, white sucker, johnny darter and brown trout. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. On Conley Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 9°F in January to roughly 66°F in July. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid April. Open water usually runs from mid April until about late November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. It sets the rhythm of the year at Conley Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Should this one be busy, Meder Lake is 2.8 miles off. For Conley Lake in particular, ask before you travel.