South Fish Lake Fishing in Polk County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  South Fish Lake is set in Polk County, Wisconsin. It sits in mixed forest. It measures about 73 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. With about 1.6 miles of edge, you can try several depths in one session. 7.1 miles away sits Amery, the nearest town. Saint Paul is the closest city, 37 miles away. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on South Fish Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Across Polk County, recorded fish include brown trout, rainbow trout, northern pike and largemouth bass. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. On South Fish Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 71°F, with January the cold end at about 11°F. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Once it clears, about early April, the fishing comes on quickly. In an average year the thaw lands around early April and the freeze near late November. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. At South Fish Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. The water sits inside or beside a nature reserve, so expect extra rules. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. North Fish Lake at 0.6 miles is the sensible second choice. Nothing here settles the position at South Fish Lake for certain.