Fishing at McKinney Lake, Vilas County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Set in Vilas County, Wisconsin, this is McKinney Lake. It sits at 1,594 feet above sea level. About 13 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Most waters listed here for Vilas County are larger. Lac du Flambeau is the closest town at 11 miles. Green Bay is the closest city, 144 miles away. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on McKinney Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Species logged across Vilas County include bluegill, yellow perch and walleye. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Fish McKinney Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 10°F to 65°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Once it clears, about mid April, the fishing comes on quickly. 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. Time your trip to McKinney Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Parking is close: a car park sits half a mile from the bank. A pier or jetty stands half a mile away, which helps on a crowded bank. Overnight stays are possible half a mile away. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. For a change of water, Chub Lake is 0.2 miles distant. Check the position on McKinney Lake before loading the car.