Oak Lake, Wisconsin: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Oak Lake is a Lincoln County water, Wisconsin side. It sits in rolling bush. About 8 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Most waters listed here for Lincoln County are larger. You are 7.3 miles from Merrill. Further out sit Tomahawk (15 miles) and Maine (18 miles). Near neighbours: Nelson Lake roughly 0.8 miles, Anderson Lake 1.1 miles away, Anient Lake roughly 1.1 miles, Ackerman Lake 1.2 miles away and Knight Lake roughly 1.7 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Oak Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. County-wide records name brown trout, rainbow trout, pumpkinseed, walleye and bluegill. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. On Oak Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 67°F for July and 10°F for January. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid April. On average, mid April opens the water and late November closes it again. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Oak Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. The nearest alternative is Nelson Lake, 0.8 miles out. Nothing on Oak Lake should be assumed from this page alone.