Indian Lake, Wisconsin: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Indian Lake sits in Ashland County, out in Wisconsin. It lies 1,119 feet above sea level. It measures about 40 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Ashland lies 17 miles from the water. After that come Washburn at 22 miles and Little Round Lake at 33 miles. Within a short drive: Birch Lake 0.7 miles, Marengo Lake at 1.6 miles, Long Lake 2.3 miles, Olson Lake at 3 miles and Beaver Lake 4.7 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Indian Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Records held for Ashland County cover rainbow smelt, yellow perch and white sucker. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Fish Indian Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 10°F in January up to 67°F in July. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid April. On average, mid April opens the water and late November closes it again. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. That shapes the year on Indian Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Birch Lake sits 0.7 miles off and takes the overflow. The position on Indian Lake is worth confirming on the day.