Croker Lake Fishing Guide, Vilas County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Look for Croker Lake in Vilas County, Wisconsin. Country round the bank runs to lake country bush. About 12 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Vilas County. Eagle River is the closest place, 4.4 miles off. Further out sit Rhinelander (24 miles) and Lac du Flambeau (29 miles). No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Croker Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Species logged across Vilas County include bluegill, yellow perch, walleye and largemouth bass. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Fish Croker Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 65°F and January about 9°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid April. Open water usually runs from mid April until about late November. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Croker Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Should this one be busy, Range Line Lake is 0.4 miles off. For Croker Lake in particular, ask before you travel.