Fishing Viola Lake in Burnett County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Viola Lake is listed under Burnett County, Wisconsin. It stands 971 feet above sea level. The water covers around 265 acres, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. Some 3.2 miles of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. Size puts it in the front rank of our Burnett County list. Frederic lies 15 miles from the water. For a city, Saint Paul is 73 miles off. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Viola Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Burnett County records list brown trout, northern pike, largemouth bass and bluegill among the fish reported. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. The shape of Viola Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 69°F, while January sits near 10°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early April. On average, early April opens the water and late November closes it again. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. Viola Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. No launch point is recorded nearby, so this is a bank water unless you carry a boat in. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. The nearest alternative is Rohr Lake, 0.9 miles out. Signs at Viola Lake carry more weight than any list.