Mirror Lake in Vilas County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In Wisconsin, Mirror Lake falls inside Vilas County. It stands 1,673 feet above sea level. Around 42 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. It sits higher than most water we list in Wisconsin. Nearest town is Lac du Flambeau, 24 miles off. Eagle River is 25 miles away, with Wakefield at 26 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Mirror Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Records held for Vilas County cover bluegill, yellow perch and walleye. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Mirror Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 9°F and July at about 65°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near late April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late April and starts locking again about late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Time your trip to Mirror Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. The water borders Guido Rahr, Sr. Tenderfoot Forest Reserve, so expect the reserve rules to apply. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Roach Lake at 0.6 miles is the sensible second choice. Signs at Mirror Lake carry more weight than any list.