Fishing Trout Lake

Popular Fish Species
Trout Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Trout Lake, WI

Popular Fish Species Trout Lake, WI

Lake Trout Fishing

Good fisheries management by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has created a nice lake trout fishery in Trout Lake, WI. Year round, fishing for lake trout is often quite good and the fish are plentiful. These large trout prefer water below 60 degrees, however they can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 100 feet or more during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental assistance to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish and other small fish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.

Walleye Fishing

Trout Lake is home to a hearty population of walleye. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Trout Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Trout Lake, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Largemouth bass are also popular here with many anglers. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, when the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, lake trout, bowfin, musky and northern pike at Trout Lake in Wisconsin.

Trout Lake Fishing Video

One of the deeper, small lakes in the area, Trout Lake is a 3,900-acre lake offering more than just trout fishing. Bass, walleye, sunfish, perch, bowfin, northern pike and muskie also inhabit this fertile fishery. in north-central Wisconsin, 10 miles north of Woodruff.

Trout Lake is located in the northern part of Wisconsin, specifically in Vilas County. It is a beautiful and pristine lake known for its clear waters and excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers flock to Trout Lake to pursue its diverse range of fish species and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Lake trout is the prized species that attracts many anglers to Trout Lake. These deep-water dwellers require specialized techniques such as downrigging or vertical jigging to target them effectively. Anglers often use spoons, crankbaits, or live bait such as smelt or suckers to entice lake trout. Catching a trophy-sized lake trout is a thrilling experience and a testament to the angler's skills.

Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass are also abundant in Trout Lake. Anglers can target smallmouth bass along rocky shorelines, drop-offs, or submerged structures using techniques such as casting with crankbaits, jigs, or soft plastics. Largemouth bass, on the other hand, prefer areas with vegetation, fallen trees, or lily pads. Anglers often use topwater lures, spinnerbaits, or plastic worms to entice largemouth bass.

Muskie is another popular species in Trout Lake. The lake provides suitable habitat for muskie, with its deep waters and abundant forage. Anglers target muskie using large bucktails, jerkbaits, or live bait such as suckers or large shiners. The chance of hooking into a trophy muskie makes Trout Lake an exciting destination for dedicated muskie anglers.

Walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill can also be found in Trout Lake. These panfish species provide enjoyable angling opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Walleye are often targeted near submerged structures or drop-offs using techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs, jigging with minnows or leeches, or casting with jigs and plastics. Northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill can be caught using various bait presentations or small jigs.

The lake has 18 miles of shoreline, which is best fished form a boat. However some nice fish are caught while fishing from the bank. Public access is available at a half dozen areas around the lake including boat landings, nature preserves, the campgrounds and along some of the roads circling the lake. No rental boats are available at the lake so bring a canoe, kayak or fishing boat to enjoy the good fishing here.

Primary fish species residing in Trout Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Trout Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NO
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Trout Lake not only offers excellent fishing but also provides opportunities for boating and camping. Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts can explore the lake's crystal-clear waters, enjoy various water sports activities, and relax in the scenic camping areas surrounding the lake. With its diverse fishery, beautiful surroundings, and recreational opportunities, Trout Lake is a cherished destination for anglers and nature lovers alike in Wisconsin.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Cabins on Trout Lake
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
715 614-3993

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Trout Lake North Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, northeast side, off County Road M, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Trout Lake South Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, southeast side, off Lake Shore Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.