Potfish Lake near Eagle River: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Potfish Lake is set in Vilas County, Wisconsin. Everything around it is rolling bush. Small at around 19 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. It is high ground by Wisconsin standards. The closest town, Eagle River, is 15 miles away. Then Iron River, 22 miles, and Stambaugh, Iron River, 22 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Potfish Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Survey and observation records for Vilas County include bluegill, yellow perch, walleye and largemouth bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. The near bank of Potfish Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 65°F and January about 9°F. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Count the season from break-up, usually late April. From about late April to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. It holds true on Potfish Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, Sugar Maple Lake is 1.2 miles off. None of that is settled for Potfish Lake in what we hold.