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Wisconsin · Fishing
Cassian sits in the heart of Oneida County, and the fishing around town is built around quiet inland lakes rather than big-name rivers or flowages.
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Cassian sits in the heart of Oneida County, and the fishing around town is built around quiet inland lakes rather than big-name rivers or flowages. West Horsehead Lake, East Horsehead Lake, and Timber Lake are the three waters you'll find listed here, and all three are the kind of spots where you can launch a small boat or fish from shore without fighting crowds. The Horsehead lakes are connected by a short channel, which means you can move between them in a single outing and cover different structure and depth without trailering your boat twice. Timber Lake runs smaller and tends to get less pressure, making it worth a look if the Horseheads are busy on a summer weekend. Expect the typical northern Wisconsin mix of walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and panfish — bluegill and crappie in particular can be reliable through the ice and again in the spring spawn. Cassian itself is a small community, so plan ahead: bring your own gear, pick up your Wisconsin fishing license before you arrive, and confirm current regulations through the Wisconsin DNR since bag limits and size restrictions on specific lakes can vary by water body.
Both lakes hold a mix of species common to Oneida County waters, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish like bluegill and crappie. The channel connecting the two lakes lets fish move between them, so structure near that passage is worth targeting for walleye and pike.
Timber Lake is a legitimate option, especially if you want a quieter experience. Smaller lakes like this often hold good panfish and bass populations and see less boat traffic than better-known waters nearby. It's a reasonable choice for a half-day trip or if you want to mix up your outing.
Laurel Lake Campground
~44 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
East Horsehead Lake
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Pelican Lake - Rhinelander Access
~34 min drive
Easy
Eagle River - Florence District
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
West Horsehead Lake
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Lac du Flambeau - Flambeau Lake Chain
~39 min drive
Easy
Timber Lake
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Pritch Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Cherry Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Shadow Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Fetke Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Little Tomahawk Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Late May through June is strong for most species as water temperatures rise and fish are active post-spawn. Walleye fishing tends to pick up at dawn and dusk through summer. Ice fishing for panfish and northern pike runs from roughly December through early March, depending on ice conditions that year.
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid Wisconsin fishing license. You can buy one online through the Wisconsin DNR's Go Wild system or at sporting goods retailers. Cassian is a small community without many retail options, so purchase your license before you make the drive.
A medium-light spinning rod covers most situations across all three lakes — it handles panfish and bass comfortably and can manage smaller walleye and pike with the right line. If you're specifically targeting northern pike, step up to a medium-heavy rod with a steel or fluorocarbon leader. A small jon boat or kayak is ideal since these are inland lakes without large-water hazards, though shore fishing is possible where access allows.