Vilas County Visitor Guide - 2020

FISHING
Vilas County boasts some of the best fishing for smallmouth
bass, walleye and musky in North America. With 1,300 lakes
and 73 rivers and streams, there are nearly limitless places
to cast a line. We have big lakes with plenty of open water
and small lakes that are rarely fished. Want to make the most
of your next fishing trip? Here are some answers to a few
common questions.
WHERE SHOULD I FISH? You can barely drive a country mile
in Vilas County without passing a decent fishing lake. Our
lake grid (pages 11-14) details waters with public access
that will help you find beautiful fishing waters. The grid
includes species of fish, the size and depth of each lake and
boat launch details, along with GPS coordinates.
WHAT FISHING EVENTS ARE COMING UP? We have
tournaments year-round for competitive anglers, seminars
for amateurs who want to learn more and special events for
kids. See Fishing Events on page 34.
DO I NEED A BOAT? No! There are endless places to enjoy
shore fi shing. Check out Upper Gresham Lake in Boulder
Junction, Rest Lake in Manitowish Waters, Star Lake in
Sayner-Star Lake, Silver Lake in Eagle River and several
locations in Presque Isle, including Horsehead Lake, Little
Horsehead Lake and Oxbow Lake.
HOW CAN I BE SURE TO LAND A BIG FISH? There are no
guarantees in life, but your chances of success will improve
drastically if you hire a fishing guide. Guides can share
lessons you’ll use for a lifetime, plus, they’re a bargain when
you factor in the great value of being able to use their boat
and equipment.
10 FISHING
BASS FISHING ON LITTLE ST. GERMAIN LAKE
Dawn B. | St. Germain
A very happy fisherman, catching a bass on Little St. Germain Lake!
Record haul
Anglers have landed some state records on Vilas
County’s lakes. There was the 54-inch tiger musky
caught on Lac Vieux Desert in 1919, and the 29-
inch silver redhorse caught in Plum Creek in 1985.
There was the 18-pound walleye landed on High Lake
in 1933 and the 4.3-inch mottled sculpin (they are
small!) captured in Gunlock Lake in 2016. Records are
meant to be broken, and they just might be broken here
again—cast a line and try your luck.
VILAS.ORG