Lake of the Woods Fishing near Eagle River, Wisconsin

• Overview

  In Wisconsin, Lake of the Woods belongs to Vilas County. Around the bank it is mixed forest. At 17 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. It is a small entry by Vilas County standards. Eagle River lies 17 miles from the water. Beyond it, Lac du Flambeau at 26 miles and Wakefield at 34 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lake of the Woods

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Vilas County records list bluegill, yellow perch and walleye among the fish reported. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Read Lake of the Woods before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 65°F and January about 9°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Ice-out usually falls in late April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. Climate figures give an open season running late April to late November. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. It holds true on Lake of the Woods more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. 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. Should this one be busy, Lac du Lune is 1.2 miles off. Where Lake of the Woods is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.