Radtke Lake Fishing Guide, Washington County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  This water sits in Washington County, Wisconsin. The setting is lake country bush. This is a pocket water of some 10 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Start from Newburg, 3.4 miles down the road. Milwaukee is the closest city, 27 miles away. Also worth knowing: Proschinger Lake (0.9 miles), Hawthorn Lake at about 2.9 miles, Newburg Pond 243 (3.5 miles), Mud Lake at about 4 miles and Green Lake (4.3 miles). Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Radtke Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Reported across Washington County: common carp, pumpkinseed, green sunfish, largemouth bass and bluegill. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Anyone new to Radtke Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 70°F, the coldest about 18°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from early April. In an average year the thaw lands around early April and the freeze near early December. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. At Radtke Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Should this one be busy, Proschinger Lake is 0.9 miles off. Treat access at Radtke Lake as something to verify.