Fishing at Moon Lake, Vilas County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Moon Lake is a Vilas County water, Wisconsin side. The surface lies 1,703 feet up. Surface area is around 95 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. The full circuit measures close to 2.5 miles on foot. It is high ground by Wisconsin standards. You are 18 miles from Eagle River. Iron River is 28 miles away, with Stambaugh, Iron River at 28 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Moon Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Vilas County records list bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, largemouth bass and rock bass among the fish reported. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Anyone new to Moon Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 9°F in January up to 65°F in July. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Once it clears, about late April, the fishing comes on quickly. On average, late April opens the water and late November closes it again. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Moon Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Launching is at Moon Lake Boat Launch, about half a mile away. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. If the gate is shut, Twist Lake at 0.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at Moon Lake are worth checking on the day.