Gem Lake Fishing near Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Gem Lake belongs to Vilas County, Wisconsin. The setting is rolling bush on every side. Small at around 19 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Most waters listed here for Vilas County are larger. Nearest town is Lac du Flambeau, 11 miles off. Further out sit Wakefield (24 miles) and Bessemer (25 miles). Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Gem Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. 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. Reported across Vilas County: bluegill, yellow perch and walleye. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. On Gem Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 65°F, with January the cold end at about 10°F. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. The season between ice runs from about mid April to late November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. The season on Gem Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Chub Lake sits 0.4 miles off and takes the overflow. Ask locally about Gem Lake if anything is unclear.