Crane Lake Fishing near Nashville, Wisconsin

• Overview

  In Wisconsin, Crane Lake belongs to Langlade County. The surroundings are rolling bush. At some 353 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. At about 3.4 miles of edge, most people work one arm at a time. Few waters listed in Langlade County are bigger. Nashville is the closest town at 10 miles. Further out sit Crandon (11 miles) and Antigo (23 miles). A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Crane Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Fish documented in Langlade County include brown trout, rainbow trout, largemouth bass and bluegill. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. Anyone new to Crane Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 66°F and January near 10°F on the long-run figures. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid April. From about mid April to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Anyone fishing Crane Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. If the gate is shut, Pickerel Lake at 1.3 miles is the nearest alternative. What applies at Crane Lake may have changed since it was mapped.