Fishing Gilmore Lake in Washburn County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Gilmore Lake stands in Washburn County, Wisconsin. The ground around here is rolling bush. At some 368 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. The outline measures near 5.8 miles, so local knowledge counts. Few waters listed in Washburn County are bigger. 21 miles away sits Spooner, the nearest town. Hayward lies 21 miles off, Shell Lake another 27 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Gilmore Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Species logged across Washburn County include largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, yellow perch and walleye. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Work Gilmore Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 68°F and January near 9°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid April. Averages suggest open water from about mid April through to roughly late November. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Anyone fishing Gilmore Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Launch at Lake Gilmore Boat Launch, half a mile from the water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Rice Lake sits 0.8 miles off and takes the overflow. Signs at Gilmore Lake carry more weight than any list.