Ham Lake Fishing in Burnett County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Look for Ham Lake in Burnett County, Wisconsin. Country round the bank runs to mixed forest. About 313 acres, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. At about 3.7 miles of edge, most people work one arm at a time. Size puts it in the front rank of our Burnett County list. The nearest town is Spooner, 21 miles away. The nearest city of size is Saint Paul, 81 miles away. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Ham Lake

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Reported across Burnett County: brown trout, northern pike and largemouth bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Anyone new to Ham Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 69°F and January near 9°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. After mid April the shallows warm and the fish move up. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid April until roughly late November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Ham Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. For a change of water, Crooked Lake is 0.9 miles distant. Check the position at Ham Lake before loading the car.