BOULDERJUNCTION WI

MUSKIES:

Lure Selection: Smaller is better! Small, single bladed bucktails like Mepps Musky Killers are most effective. 7" jerkbaits can also be very productive as the erratic retrieve and hesitations can trigger strikes.

 

Retrieve Techniques: Retrieve speed varies on water temp and visibility conditions.

 

Location: Find their food and you find the musky. Panfish congregating both pre and post spawn attract the attention of bigger hungry predators.

 

Tackle: Use a 7.5' - 8' foot, heavy action rod to cast and retrieve the larger baits. 

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LARGEMOUTH BASS:

Shallow Edges:

Focus on shoreline edges, especially those with heavy cover and weed growth, as largemouths often use these areas as ambush points. 

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Timing:

Fish early and late in the day, as largemouths often move to shallow water at those times.  Mid-day largemouth will become much more shy and wary. 

 

Lure Selection:

Consider using buzzbaits, spinners, and topwaters, as well as swim jigs with craw or paddletail trailers.  Consider slow presentations like soft plastics (wacky/augertail worms) during high sun, mid day fishing. 

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SMALLMOUTH BASS:

Rocky Lakes: Target lakes with a rocky bottom and plenty of crayfish, as these are the smallmouth's preferred environment. 

 

Structure: Fish near structure, such as rocks, logs, and drop-offs.  never pass up a submerged stump as they will more than likely hold a smallmouth. 

 

Lure Selection: Buzzbaits, spinners, and crankbaits can be effective. Working specific cover with soft plastic craws and ned rigs are also deadly techniques.

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WALLEYE:

Lure Selection: Jigs and minnows, slip bobbering leeches and crawler harnesses are king in the northwoods. Casting evening crankbaits around wood cover as well as rock/sand flats can yield great results. 

 

Location: Fish in hard-bottom lakes and rivers with gravel, rock, or sand. Finding deep weed edges during hot summer days can be a great way to coax shy walleye into biting. 

 

Techniques: Consider using the "drag" technique, where constant pressure is applied to the line to feel strikes. 

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OTHER TIPS:

 

Early Morning / Evening Bite:

The early morning and sunset bites are often good in Vilas County, especially in the summer months.

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Weather:

Sunny, warm days are ideal for fishing, but be prepared for changes in weather.

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Local Guides:

Consider hiring a local fishing guide to learn about the best spots and techniques. Check out our Guides page so see our local guides.

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Shore Fishing:

Vilas County offers many opportunities for shore fishing-

Upper Gresham Lake fishing pier

Lost Canoe Lake 

Nixon Lake boat access

Manitowish River at intersection of County H & K

Fishtrap Dam

Cathedral Point - Trout Lake narrows