Gates Lake Fishing near Park Falls, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Wisconsin holds Gates Lake, in Ashland County. The surroundings are pine and birch. At 22 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. The nearest place of any size is Park Falls, 17 miles away. The big place round here is Saint Paul, 141 miles distant. Nearest other option: Muskellunge Lake at 1.6 miles, Pelican Lake sits 2.4 miles out, Seagels Lake at 3.8 miles, Torrey Lake sits 4.9 miles out and Gordon Lake at 5.8 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Gates Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Across Ashland County, recorded fish include rainbow smelt, yellow perch, white sucker and johnny darter. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. The shape of Gates Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 9°F and July at about 65°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid April. Ice usually gives way near mid April, and forms again about late November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Gates Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Muskellunge Lake sits 1.6 miles off and takes the overflow. Treat access at Gates Lake as something to verify.