Fishing Dunn Lake in Vilas County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  The Vilas County end of Wisconsin holds Dunn Lake. The setting is lake country bush. Around 76 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. A shoreline of some 1.5 miles keeps the choices simple. Compared with other Wisconsin water on our list, it sits high. Lac du Flambeau is the closest town at 23 miles. Wakefield lies 25 miles off, Eagle River another 26 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Dunn Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Vilas County records list bluegill, yellow perch and walleye among the fish reported. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Dunn Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 65°F and January near 9°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Break-up comes around late April, and the run that follows is short and strong. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late April and starts locking again about late November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. It sets the rhythm of the year at Dunn Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try McCullough Lake, 0.9 miles away. Ask locally about Dunn Lake if anything is unclear.