Skinner Lake near Medford: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Skinner Lake sits in Taylor County, out in Wisconsin. The water sits 1,644 feet up. About 14 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Wisconsin listings. The nearest place of any size is Medford, 14 miles away. Athens lies 23 miles off, Phillips another 26 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Skinner Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Species logged across Taylor County include brown trout, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, bluegill and yellow perch. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Work Skinner Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 66°F in July and bottoms out near 10°F in January. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Once it clears, about mid April, the fishing comes on quickly. Expect the water usable from around mid April until roughly late November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. At Skinner Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Failing this one, try Kettle Lake, 0.2 miles away. For Skinner Lake in particular, ask before you travel.