Lake Ruth Fishing near Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Out in Bayfield County, Wisconsin, sits Lake Ruth. Rolling bush runs right down to the water. Around 66 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The bank runs about 1.5 miles all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. The town to know is Lake Nebagamon, 13 miles out. Ashland lies 26 miles off, Washburn another 28 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Lake Ruth

  Depth figures are not published for this one. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Fish documented in Bayfield County include rainbow smelt, brown trout, yellow perch and rainbow trout. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Take Lake Ruth a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 9°F in January up to 67°F in July. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid April. The lid tends to go about mid April and return around late November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Lake Ruth runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. 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. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. For a change of water, Camp Two Lake is 0.7 miles distant. Treat Lake Ruth as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.