Head to Vilas County in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, and you’ll find an angler’s paradise. Vilas County has more than 1,300 lakes that boast a healthy population of game fish, from musky and northern pike to walleye and panfish. Here’s a closer look at the fish you can find in northern Wisconsin and some suggestions on where to cast a line in Vilas County.
Musky
Wisconsin’s state fish is a popular game fish among experienced anglers and newbies alike. These giant fish can top 4 feet in length and are known as ferocious fighters.
Common catch size (via Wisconsin DNR): 24-30 inches
Where to find them in Vilas County: Boulder Junction is known as the Musky Capital of the World® for good reason—there are more than 50 Class-A musky lakes in the area
Northern pike
Another fun fighter, northern pike can be distinguished from musky via their horizontal markings, scales on the lower part of their gill covers, and rounded tail fins. Pike will bite on almost anything that comes their way—buzz baits are especially fun to use.
Common catch size (via Wisconsin DNR): 18-24 inches
Where to find them in Vilas County: Little St. Germain Lake, St. Germain; Silver Lake, Eagle River
Walleye
One of the most popular game fishes in Wisconsin, walleye can be found in hundreds of Northwoods lakes. They generally prefer clear-water lakes and stay in deep water during the day, moving into the shallows at night.
Common catch size (via Wisconsin DNR): 14-17 inches
Where to find them in Vilas County: Alder Lake, Manitowish Waters; Long Lake, Phelps
Smallmouth Bass
Looking for a fun fishing experience in Vilas County? Go after this hard-fighting fish that can generally be found in rocky lakes where its favorite food (crayfish) is present. Lake fishing is usually best during and just after the spawning season in June.
Common catch size (via Wisconsin DNR): 12 inches
Where to find them in Vilas County: Big Lake, Presque Isle; Big Arbor Vitae Lake, Minocqua
Largemouth Bass
The largest member of the sunfish family, largemouth bass can be identified by, well, its mouth—they’re known as “bucketmouth” and like to hang out in warm water and under cover like lily pads, docks, or weed beds.
Common catch size (via Wisconsin DNR): 12-14 inches
Where to find them in Vilas County: Ballard Lake, Sayner-Star Lake; Lake Helen, Winchester
Panfish
This class of fish—which includes bluegill, crappie, sunfish, perch, bluegill, and more—are fun to catch on light tackle and can be found in most Vilas County lakes.
Common catch size (via Wisconsin DNR): 6-7 inches (bluegill), 7-10 inches (crappie), 4-5 inches (sunfish), 7-10 inches (perch)
Where to find them in Vilas County: Black Oak Lake, Land O’ Lakes; Gunlock Lake, Lac du Flambeau
Lake Trout
These fish naturally reproduce in some northern Wisconsin lakes and are stocked in some of the state’s deepest lakes. Use live bait in the shallows early in the season or troll deep waters later in the season. Brook trout and other species can also be found in some Vilas County rivers and streams.
Common catch size (via Wisconsin DNR): 24-27 inches (lake trout), 6-10 inches (brook trout)
Where to find them in Vilas County: Trout Lake, Boulder Junction; Upper Buckabaton Lake, Conover
Find more Vilas County fishing information here.
