Fishing at Stanberry Lake, Washburn County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Look for Stanberry Lake in the Washburn County part of Wisconsin. The land about it is rolling bush. Around 37 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The closest town, Hayward, is 6.4 miles away. Little Round Lake lies 12 miles off, Spooner another 18 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Stanberry Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Across Washburn County, recorded fish include largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike and yellow perch. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. At Stanberry Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 67°F, while January sits near 9°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. Climate figures give an open season running mid April to late November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. It sets the rhythm of the year at Stanberry Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. For a change of water, Brinkman Lake is 1.7 miles distant. Treat Stanberry Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.