Irving Lake, Wisconsin: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  The Vilas County entry here is Irving Lake, in Wisconsin. The bank is 1,683 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to roughly 419 acres, so plan for one area rather than the whole. At about 3.2 miles of edge, most people work one arm at a time. Size puts it in the front rank of our Vilas County list. The closest town, Eagle River, is 15 miles away. Lac du Flambeau lies 21 miles off, Rhinelander another 30 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Irving Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Species logged across Vilas County include bluegill, yellow perch and walleye. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Irving Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 65°F and January near 9°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near late April. Climate figures give an open season running late April to late November. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Irving Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. A slipway is marked about half a mile from here. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. The nearest alternative is Little Star Lake, 1 mile out. Rules at Irving Lake are worth checking on the day.