Kapes Lake in Burnett County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Kapes Lake lies in Burnett County, Wisconsin. It lies 971 feet above sea level. At roughly 15 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is a small entry by Burnett County standards. For supplies, Frederic is 9.4 miles out. Then Grantsburg, 15 miles, and Luck, 15 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Kapes Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Survey and observation records for Burnett County include brown trout, northern pike, largemouth bass and bluegill. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Kapes Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 69°F and January reads 10°F. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Break-up comes around early April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Ice clears near early April and comes back about late November in a typical year. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Plan around that when you fish Kapes Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Public data has parking about half a mile from the shore. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. If the gate is shut, Larson Lake at 0.7 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the position on Kapes Lake before loading the car.