Little Donahue Lake near Eagle River: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Within Vilas County, Wisconsin, you have Little Donahue Lake. This is lake country bush ground. At 19 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Vilas County. For a base, Eagle River sits 18 miles out. Lac du Flambeau lies 32 miles off, Iron River another 32 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Little Donahue Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Species logged across Vilas County include bluegill, yellow perch, walleye and largemouth bass. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Treat Little Donahue Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 9°F in January up to 65°F in July. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Break-up comes around late April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Open water usually runs from late April until about late November. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Little Donahue Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. There is recorded parking some half a mile off. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Lake Elaine sits 0.3 miles off and takes the overflow. The position on Little Donahue Lake is worth confirming on the day.