Fishing Sugarbush Lake in Polk County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Sugarbush Lake falls in Polk County, part of Wisconsin. Elevation runs to 1,214 feet. At roughly 15 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Turtle Lake sits 6.3 miles from the bank. Saint Paul is the closest city, 55 miles away. Alternatives close at hand: Glovers Lake after 0.7 miles, Little Round Lake sits 0.9 miles out, Snake Lake after 0.9 miles, Phillips Lake sits 1.4 miles out and Mud Lake after 2.5 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Sugarbush Lake

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. County-wide records name brown trout, rainbow trout, northern pike, largemouth bass and bluegill. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. The shape of Sugarbush Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 69°F at the top of summer and 10°F at the bottom of winter. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. Averages place the thaw at mid April and the freeze at late November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. That is the shape of the year on Sugarbush Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. Failing this one, try Glovers Lake, 0.7 miles away. Confirm access to Sugarbush Lake locally before you travel.