Taylor Lake Fishing near Hayward, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Taylor Lake lies within the bounds of Washburn County, Wisconsin. The water sits 1,178 feet up. Surface area runs to about 12 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Washburn County. Hayward at 12 miles is the nearest place to stop. Spooner is 18 miles away, with Little Round Lake at 19 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Taylor Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Washburn County records list largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike and yellow perch among the fish reported. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. On Taylor Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 67°F and January about 9°F. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. From about mid April to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. On Taylor Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Should this one be busy, Rainy Lake is 0.6 miles off. Rules at Taylor Lake are worth checking on the day.