Fishing at Franklin Lake, Vilas County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Wisconsin holds Franklin Lake, in Vilas County. This is lake country bush country. It runs to roughly 160 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. A shoreline of some 2.0 miles keeps the choices simple. Nearest town is Lac du Flambeau, 7 miles off. After that come Rhinelander at 27 miles and Park Falls at 28 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Franklin Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Fish documented in Vilas County include bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, largemouth bass and rock bass. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Fish Franklin Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 9°F in January up to 66°F in July. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid April. Expect the water usable from around mid April until roughly late November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. At Franklin Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. This lies within protected land, so the rules will be stricter than usual. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. The nearest alternative is Torpy Lake, 0.6 miles out. Confirm before you fish Franklin Lake.