West Wilcox Lake, Wisconsin: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  West Wilcox Lake is a Washburn County water, Wisconsin side. The land about it is pine and birch. Small at around 16 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Washburn County. Spooner at 15 miles is the nearest place to stop. Then Shell Lake, 21 miles, and Hayward, 21 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on West Wilcox Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Reported across Washburn County: largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, yellow perch and walleye. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. The shape of West Wilcox Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 68°F, with January the cold end at about 9°F. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid April. In an average year the thaw lands around mid April and the freeze near late November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. The season on West Wilcox Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. 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. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. For a change of water, East Wilcox Lake is 0.3 miles distant. Ask locally about West Wilcox Lake if anything is unclear.