Hourglass Lake Fishing near Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Wisconsin holds Hourglass Lake, in Iron County. It sits at 1,585 feet above sea level. The water measures roughly 5 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. On size it sits at the modest end of our Iron County list. Lac du Flambeau sits 8.8 miles from the bank. Further out sit Park Falls (19 miles) and Phillips (28 miles). The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Hourglass Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Records held for Iron County cover walleye, northern pike, yellow perch and muskellunge. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Work Hourglass Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 66°F in July and bottoms out near 10°F in January. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Count the season from break-up, usually mid April. On average, mid April opens the water and late November closes it again. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. It sets the rhythm of the year at Hourglass Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. The nearest alternative is Emerson Lake, 0.3 miles out. Rules at Hourglass Lake are worth checking on the day.