East Ellerson Lake near Lac du Flambeau: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  In Wisconsin, East Ellerson Lake belongs to Vilas County. The country round it is pine and birch from end to end. It runs to roughly 136 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. Shoreline comes to about 2.3 miles, small enough to learn in a day. Lac du Flambeau at 7 miles is the nearest place to stop. The big place round here is Green Bay, 133 miles distant. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on East Ellerson Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Across Vilas County, recorded fish include bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, largemouth bass and rock bass. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. The shape of East Ellerson Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 66°F and January about 9°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Ice-out usually falls in mid April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid April until roughly late November. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Plan any trip to East Ellerson Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. Should this one be busy, Middle Ellerson Lake is 0.4 miles off. Where East Ellerson Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.