Vilas County Visitor Guide - 2019

FISHING
With 1,300 lakes and 73 rivers and streams, Vilas County
has 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 Vilas County 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 like
North Twin Lake in Phelps. The grid includes species of fish,
the size and depth of each lake and boat launch details,
along with GPS coordinates. Punch the coordinates into
an Internet browser or the mobile map of your choosing
and you’ll see the lake on a map.
WHAT FISHING EVENTS ARE COMING UP? We have
tournaments for competitive anglers, seminars for those
who want to learn more and special events for kids.
See them on page 34.
DO I NEED A BOAT? No! There are endless places to enjoy
shore fishing. You’ll find accessible piers or good shore
fishing at Upper Gresham Lake in Boulder Junction, Rest
Lake in Manitowish Waters, Star Lake in Sayner-Star Lake
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 we’ll guarantee that 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
BIG FISH BRING BIG SMILES
Mary O. | Boulder Junction
Vilas County always delivers lasting memories, fun times and fish!
Record Haul
Vilas County’s lakes have produced some big fish, and
the biggest have broken state records. There was the
54-inch tiger musky caught on 4 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 last year.
Records are meant to be broken, and they just might
be broken here again. Cast a line and try your luck.
VILAS.ORG