Nelson Lake, Wisconsin: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Look for Nelson Lake in Vilas County, Wisconsin. Elevation runs to 1,624 feet. Roughly 110 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. Compared with other Wisconsin water on our list, it sits high. Eagle River is the closest place, 5.5 miles off. For a city, Green Bay is 117 miles off. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Nelson Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Species logged across Vilas County include bluegill, yellow perch and walleye. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. The shape of Nelson Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 65°F, with January the cold end at about 9°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around mid April. From about mid April to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. At Nelson Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. There is no recorded infrastructure here; expect to find your own way in. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. If the gate is shut, Bullfrog Lake at 0.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Signs at Nelson Lake carry more weight than any list.