Lotus Lake Fishing near Eagle River, Wisconsin

• Overview

  The Vilas County entry here is Lotus Lake, in Wisconsin. The water sits 1,631 feet up. This is a pocket water of some 23 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Bank access stretches around 0.9 miles in total. It is high ground by Wisconsin standards. The town to know is Eagle River, 4 miles out. Rhinelander follows at 21 miles, then Lac du Flambeau at 27 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Lotus Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Reported across Vilas County: bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, largemouth bass and rock bass. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. On Lotus Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 65°F, the coldest about 9°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from mid April. Ice usually gives way near mid April, and forms again about late November. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lotus Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Sunset Lake, 0.6 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Confirm before you fish Lotus Lake.