Kelleys Lake Fishing in Polk County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  In Wisconsin, Kelleys Lake belongs to Polk County. It sits at 1,312 feet above sea level. The water measures roughly 18 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. The nearest place of any size is Cumberland, 8.5 miles away. After that come Shell Lake at 14 miles and Turtle Lake at 15 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Kelleys Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Polk County records list brown trout, rainbow trout, northern pike, largemouth bass and bluegill among the fish reported. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Kelleys Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 69°F, the coldest about 9°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. After mid April the shallows warm and the fish move up. Break-up near mid April, freeze-up near late November: that is the shape of an average year. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. The season on Kelleys Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Lower Waterman Lake, 1.3 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Rules at Kelleys Lake are worth checking on the day.