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Wisconsin · Fishing
St. Germain sits in the heart of Vilas County, a part of northern Wisconsin where lakes outnumber towns by a wide margin. The fishing here centers on smaller, quieter waters rather than the big-name flowages you'll find elsewhere in the Northwoods.
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St. Germain sits in the heart of Vilas County, a part of northern Wisconsin where lakes outnumber towns by a wide margin. The fishing here centers on smaller, quieter waters rather than the big-name flowages you'll find elsewhere in the Northwoods. Little Bass Lake, South Bay, and Little Cloud Lake represent the kind of spots locals return to season after season — accessible enough for a morning trip, but productive enough to keep you out past noon. These are lake-fishing destinations, which in Vilas County typically means walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and panfish like bluegill and crappie, depending on the specific water. The pace here is unhurried. You're not fighting boat traffic or crowds, and that matters when you're trying to work a weedline or find fish holding on a subtle depth break. Whether you're launching a kayak or fishing from shore, St. Germain's lakes reward anglers who take time to read the water rather than just cover it. Wisconsin's inland fishing regulations apply throughout the area, so checking the current Vilas County-specific rules before you head out is worth the five minutes it takes.
Vilas County lakes like these typically hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. The specific mix varies by lake depending on structure, depth, and vegetation, so it's worth asking at a local bait shop in St. Germain before you commit to a single setup.
Yes. Any angler 16 or older needs a valid Wisconsin fishing license. Licenses are available online through the Wisconsin DNR or at local sporting goods and bait shops in the St. Germain area. Vilas County may have specific size and bag limits that differ from statewide defaults, so review the current year's regulations for this county before you go.
Laurel Lake Campground
~35 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Little Bass Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Eagle River - Florence District
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Lac du Flambeau - Flambeau Lake Chain
~32 min drive
Easy
South Bay
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Little Cloud Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Pickerel Lake
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Camp Twelve Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Dam Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Blueberry Lake
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Lone Tree Lake
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
McLeod Lake
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows on smaller Northwoods lakes. Walleye in particular tend to move shallow and feed more aggressively in low light. Midday fishing in summer can still be worthwhile if you target deeper structure or shaded weed edges.
All three are lake-fishing spots, and access conditions vary. Smaller lakes like Little Cloud Lake and Little Bass Lake often have fishable shoreline, but a canoe, kayak, or small motorboat opens up significantly more water. Check local access points before assuming you can walk in, as some shoreline is privately owned.
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations on these lakes. For walleye, jigs tipped with live crawlers or leeches are a reliable starting point. For bass and pike, soft plastics and spinnerbaits work well around weeds and structure. Bring a landing net, a cooler if you plan to keep fish, and insect repellent -- Vilas County mosquitoes are not optional.
