Wisconsin · Fishing
Fishing in Plum Lake, Wisconsin
Plum Lake, Wisconsin sits in Vilas County in the heart of the Northwoods, and the fishing around town is almost entirely lake-based — which makes sense given the density of glacial lakes in this corner of the state.
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Plum Lake, Wisconsin sits in Vilas County in the heart of the Northwoods, and the fishing around town is almost entirely lake-based — which makes sense given the density of glacial lakes in this corner of the state. The six lakes covered in local listings include Blueberry Lake, Hennig Lake, Decker Lake, Ballard Lake, Eloise Lake, and Lone Tree Lake, each offering standard Northwoods lake fishing for species like largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, bluegill, and perch depending on the individual water. These are not large, heavily pressured resort lakes — they tend to be smaller, quieter, and worth exploring if you're willing to move around rather than committing to one spot for a full day. Most are accessible by small boat or canoe, and a few can be worked effectively from shore. The area sees its heaviest fishing pressure in summer, but early June and September often fish better than the peak of July, when boat traffic picks up and fish push deeper. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older, and Vilas County does enforce its own local regulations on some waters, so checking the current Wisconsin DNR regulation pamphlet before you go is worth the five minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of fish can I expect to catch on these lakes?
The lakes around Plum Lake are typical Northwoods glacial fisheries, so you're most likely targeting largemouth or smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, bluegill, and yellow perch. Species mix varies by lake, so if you're after a specific fish it's worth checking the Wisconsin DNR's online lake pages for individual water bodies like Decker Lake or Ballard Lake before you head out.
Do I need a boat, or can I fish from shore?
A small boat, kayak, or canoe will open up more water on most of these lakes, but shore access is possible on several of them. Lone Tree Lake and some of the smaller waters on the list tend to have shallower, weedier shorelines that can actually produce well for bass and pike without ever getting on the water.
What time of year is best for fishing around Plum Lake?
Early June through mid-July and again in September are generally the most productive windows. Midsummer fishing can slow during the heat of the day, especially on clearer lakes, and boat traffic on weekends in July can push fish off their patterns. If you're visiting in summer, early morning and the last two hours before dark are your best bets.
What license and regulations do I need?
Any angler 16 or older needs a valid Wisconsin fishing license, available through the Wisconsin DNR website or at local bait shops in the area. Vilas County has some special regulations on specific lakes regarding size limits and bag limits, so download or pick up the current Wisconsin DNR fishing regulations pamphlet and check the entries for each lake you plan to fish.
What gear setup makes sense for a first trip to these lakes?
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations well across these lakes — it works for bass, pike, and panfish without needing to swap setups constantly. For pike and walleye, a fluorocarbon leader or light wire leader is worth rigging up, since both species are common enough that losing lures to bite-offs gets old fast. Local bait shops near Plum Lake can tell you what's been working on specific waters in the current week.
