Matthews Lake Fishing in Washburn County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Washburn County in Wisconsin is where Matthews Lake sits. It lies 981 feet above sea level. Roughly 267 acres of surface: treat each bay as a water in its own right. Roughly 2.5 miles of bank means you can walk to a fresh area when one goes quiet. On our Washburn County list it sits near the top for size. The nearest town is Spooner, 14 miles away. Shell Lake is 20 miles and Hayward 23 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Matthews Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on 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. Across Washburn County, recorded fish include largemouth bass, bluegill and northern pike. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. At Matthews Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 68°F and January near 9°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid April. In an average year the thaw lands around mid April and the freeze near late November. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. On Matthews Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Should this one be busy, West Wilcox Lake is 1.7 miles off. For Matthews Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.