Peterson Lake Fishing Guide, Bayfield County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Peterson Lake is one of the Bayfield County waters in Wisconsin. It sits in pine and birch. Small at around 17 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. 15 miles away sits Lake Nebagamon, the nearest town. Ashland lies 24 miles off, Washburn another 24 miles. If this one is busy: Perch Lake about 0.7 miles, Half Moon Lake lies 1.1 miles on, Pike Lake about 1.2 miles, Lost Lake lies 1.2 miles on and Moon Lake about 1.4 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Peterson Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Fish documented in Bayfield County include rainbow smelt, brown trout, yellow perch and rainbow trout. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Read Peterson Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 9°F and July at about 67°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Once it clears, about mid April, the fishing comes on quickly. The lid tends to go about mid April and return around late November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. On Peterson Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Perch Lake at 0.7 miles is the sensible second choice. The position on Peterson Lake is worth confirming on the day.