Tilly Lake near Jackson: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Tilly Lake sits in Washington County, out in Wisconsin. This is mixed forest country. Small at around 12 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. The closest town, Jackson, is 1.2 miles distant. Milwaukee is the closest city, 25 miles away. Nearby alternatives: 0.5 miles away is Hasmer Lake, Schwietzer Pond some 0.7 miles off, 1.9 miles away is Lent Lake, Lehner Lake some 2.2 miles off and 3.2 miles away is Quas Lake. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Tilly Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Records held for Washington County cover common carp, pumpkinseed and green sunfish. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Tilly Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 70°F; by January the average is down near 17°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The lid usually goes in early April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Break-up near early April, freeze-up near early December: that is the shape of an average year. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Plan around that when you fish Tilly Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Public data has parking about half a mile from the shore. There is a mapped landing stage half a mile away. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Hasmer Lake, 0.5 miles away. Ask locally about Tilly Lake if anything is unclear.