Fishing at Spencer Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Spencer Lake lies within the bounds of Polk County, Wisconsin. It stands 965 feet above sea level. Surface area is around 187 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. Roughly 2.5 miles of bank means you can walk to a fresh area when one goes quiet. Few waters listed in Polk County are bigger. For supplies, Shell Lake is 12 miles out. Further out sit Frederic (15 miles) and Spooner (15 miles). Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Spencer Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. 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. Public occurrence data for Polk County names brown trout, rainbow trout and northern pike. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. On Spencer Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 10°F in January up to 69°F in July. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Count the season from break-up, usually mid April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid April until roughly late November. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. It holds true on Spencer Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. If the gate is shut, Bass Lake at 1.1 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm access to Spencer Lake locally before you travel.