Rat Lake Fishing in Forest County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Forest County, Wisconsin, is where Rat Lake sits. It sits at 1,486 feet above sea level. At 5 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Forest County. Nearest place of any size is Crandon, 19 miles away. Then Kingsford, 24 miles, and Iron Mountain, 25 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Rat Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. 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. Species logged across Forest County include brown trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike and bluegill. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Fish Rat Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 65°F and January at 11°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around mid April. Climate averages put the opening at about mid April and the closing near late November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. It holds true on Rat Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. For a change of water, Logger Lake is 0.9 miles distant. Rules at Rat Lake are worth checking on the day.