Rainbow Flowage in Vilas County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Rainbow Flowage belongs to Vilas County, Wisconsin. Elevation runs to 1,581 feet. Surface area runs to some 5.1 sq miles, so a boat and a plan are both worth having. It ranks high for size among our Vilas County listings. Eagle River lies 14 miles from the water. Rhinelander lies 16 miles off, Lac du Flambeau another 20 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Rainbow Flowage

  Depth figures are not published for this one. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Open biodiversity records for Vilas County list bluegill, yellow perch and walleye. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Rainbow Flowage that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 66°F and January about 9°F. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. From about mid April to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. At Rainbow Flowage the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Mapping shows a campsite some half a mile from the water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. Failing this one, try Corky Lake, 1.9 miles away. Check the position on Rainbow Flowage before loading the car.