Verna Lake Fishing in Vilas County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Wisconsin holds Verna Lake, in Vilas County. The land about it is lake country bush. Around 73 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The bank runs about 1.4 miles all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. For a base, Lac du Flambeau sits 8.3 miles out. Green Bay sits 129 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Verna Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Records held for Vilas County cover bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, largemouth bass and rock bass. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. On Verna Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 9°F in January up to 65°F in July. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. After mid April the shallows warm and the fish move up. The lid tends to go about mid April and return around late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. On Verna Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Little Spider Lake sits 0.9 miles off and takes the overflow. Rules at Verna Lake are worth checking on the day.