Sunfish Lake Fishing near Eagle River, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Forest County, Wisconsin, is where Sunfish Lake sits. It sits in pine and birch country. At 19 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Wisconsin listings. Eagle River is the closest town at 13 miles. Beyond it, Iron River at 19 miles and Stambaugh, Iron River at 20 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Sunfish Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Records held for Forest County cover brown trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch and northern pike. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. On Sunfish Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 65°F at the top of summer and 10°F at the bottom of winter. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid April. Climate figures give an open season running mid April to late November. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. On Sunfish Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. A campsite lies half a mile away for anyone staying over. 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. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. For a change of water, Franklin Lake is 1.1 miles distant. Check the position at Sunfish Lake before loading the car.