Rock Lake in Washburn County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Rock Lake lies within the bounds of Washburn County, Wisconsin. The country here is pine and birch. It covers about 12 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Most waters listed here for Washburn County are larger. Rice Lake lies 17 miles from the water. Spooner lies 18 miles off, Shell Lake another 19 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Rock Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Washburn County records list largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, yellow perch and walleye among the fish reported. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Rock Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 68°F and January reads 9°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid April. The water is typically free of ice between mid April and late November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. At Rock Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. No slipway, car park or made path shows up nearby in mapping, so treat access as rough. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. For a change of water, River Lake is 0.6 miles distant. Check the position at Rock Lake before loading the car.