Harrison Lake, Wisconsin: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Within Lincoln County, Wisconsin, you have Harrison Lake. The setting is rolling bush on every side. It runs to roughly 185 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. The margin runs to about 3.2 miles in total. Size puts it in the front rank of our Lincoln County list. The closest town, Rhinelander, is 9.4 miles distant. The big place round here is Green Bay, 100 miles distant. A county boundary sits nearby, which can matter for local access rules.

• Where to Fish on Harrison Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. County-wide records name brown trout, rainbow trout, pumpkinseed and walleye. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. The shape of Harrison Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 67°F at the top of summer and 10°F at the bottom of winter. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Break-up comes around mid April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Expect the water usable from around mid April until roughly late November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Harrison Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. This sits inside Lincoln County Forest, so read the reserve notices first. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. For a change of water, Fawn Lake is 1.2 miles distant. Ask locally about Harrison Lake if anything is unclear.