Gateway Lake Fishing near Eagle River, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Gateway Lake is listed under Vilas County, Wisconsin. Height above sea level is 1,693 feet. Surface area runs to about 5 acres — small enough to read in one session. Our Vilas County list holds plenty of bigger water. The closest town, Eagle River, is 17 miles distant. Further out sit Iron River (27 miles) and Stambaugh, Iron River (28 miles). It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Gateway Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Records held for Vilas County cover bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, largemouth bass and rock bass. The county list is broader than any single water. Gateway Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 65°F and January near 9°F. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Ice-out usually falls in late April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. Average temperatures cross freezing around late April in spring and again near late November in autumn. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. On Gateway Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. If the gate is shut, Little Moon Lake at 0.6 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at Gateway Lake are worth checking on the day.