Fishing at Horsehead Lake, Vilas County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Horsehead Lake lies in Vilas County, in Wisconsin. It stands 1,637 feet above sea level. It runs to roughly 247 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. Around 3.1 miles of margin, front to back. It ranks high for size among our Vilas County listings. The closest town, Wakefield, is 20 miles distant. Lac du Flambeau is 20 miles away, with Bessemer at 23 miles. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Horsehead Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Fish documented in Vilas County include bluegill, yellow perch and walleye. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Anyone new to Horsehead Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 65°F and January near 9°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Once it clears, about late April, the fishing comes on quickly. Ice usually gives way near late April, and forms again about late November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. On Horsehead Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Public data records a boat ramp half a mile out. There is recorded parking some half a mile off. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Little Horsehead Lake, 0.8 miles away. Treat Horsehead Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.