Sylvan Lake in Oneida County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Oneida County, Wisconsin, is where Sylvan Lake sits. Country round the bank runs to lake country bush. It measures about 77 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The nearest town is Rhinelander, 6.1 miles away. It is 107 miles to Green Bay, the nearest city. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Sylvan Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Species logged across Oneida County include brown trout, walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike and bluegill. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Fish Sylvan Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 66°F and January near 10°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about mid April. On average, mid April opens the water and late November closes it again. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. Sylvan Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Should this one be busy, Silver Lake is 0.7 miles off. Check the current arrangement for Sylvan Lake.