Little Riley Lake Fishing in Florence County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  The Florence County end of Wisconsin holds Little Riley Lake. The water sits 1,394 feet up. Surface area runs to about 12 acres — small enough to read in one session. On size it sits at the modest end of our Florence County list. The nearest place of any size is Crystal Falls, 12 miles away. Further out sit Stambaugh, Iron River (12 miles) and Iron River (13 miles). A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Little Riley Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Fish documented in Florence County include brown trout, rainbow trout and largemouth bass. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. At Little Riley Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 65°F on average, January about 10°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about mid April. The water is typically free of ice between mid April and late November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Plan around that when you fish Little Riley Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Should this one be busy, Riley Lake is 0.3 miles off. Nothing here settles the position at Little Riley Lake for certain.