Fishing at Hills Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  In Wisconsin, Hills Lake belongs to Waushara County. It sits at 869 feet above sea level. Around 130 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Around 2.5 miles of margin, front to back. It is among the larger waters listed here for Waushara County. The nearest town is Mount Morris, 3 miles away. Further out sit Silver Lake (7.5 miles) and Wautoma (8.2 miles). There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Hills Lake

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Open biodiversity records for Waushara County list brown trout, rainbow trout and bluegill. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Fish Hills Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 71°F, with January the cold end at about 15°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near early April. Climate averages put the opening at about early April and the closing near early December. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. On Hills Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. A slipway half a mile out gives trailer access. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. Toilets are half a mile away, which matters on a long session. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. The nearest alternative is Round Lake, 0.6 miles out. For Hills Lake in particular, ask before you travel.