Fishing Deerfoot Lake in Vilas County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Out in Vilas County, Wisconsin, sits Deerfoot Lake. It stands 1,591 feet above sea level. Around 38 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Lac du Flambeau sits 10 miles from the bank. It is 144 miles to Green Bay, the nearest city. Round about: 0.6 miles out stands Pier Lake, Gem Lake out at 0.7 miles, 0.9 miles out stands Chub Lake, Benson Lake out at 0.9 miles and 1.1 miles out stands McKinney Lake. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Deerfoot Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Species logged across Vilas County include bluegill, yellow perch and walleye. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Take Deerfoot Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 65°F, with January the cold end at about 10°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. The lid usually goes in mid April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Climate averages put the opening at about mid April and the closing near late November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Deerfoot Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. 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. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Pier Lake, 0.6 miles away. Check the position on Deerfoot Lake before loading the car.