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Wisconsin · Fishing
Three Lakes sits in the heart of Oneida County, surrounded by one of the largest inland chain of lakes in the world, and the fishing here reflects that geography.
6 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 6 spots
Three Lakes sits in the heart of Oneida County, surrounded by one of the largest inland chain of lakes in the world, and the fishing here reflects that geography. Within the area covered by Roamze listings, you have dedicated lake fishing at Furbush Lake, Julia Lake, Wolf Lake, and Scott Creek Impoundment, plus surf fishing access at Laurel Lake Campground and Luna White Deer Campground. That mix matters practically: the campground-based surf fishing spots let you fish from shore at dawn without moving your car, while the dedicated lake listings tend to suit anglers who want to spend a full day working structure. Scott Creek Impoundment fishes differently from the natural lakes on this list — impoundments typically have shallower, warmer water that can hold different species concentrations depending on the season. Wisconsin's Northwoods lakes in this region commonly hold walleye, muskie, bass, and panfish, though the specific species mix varies by water body. If you're planning a trip from out of town, it's worth checking current Wisconsin DNR regulations for Oneida County before you go, since slot limits and special rules can apply to individual lakes on this chain.
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid Wisconsin fishing license. You can buy one online through the Wisconsin DNR's Go Wild portal or at local bait shops in Three Lakes. Non-resident licenses are available by the day or for the full year, so a short trip doesn't require a full annual purchase.
Laurel Lake Campground and Luna White Deer Campground are listed specifically as surf fishing locations, meaning shore access is part of the point. If you're fishing without a boat, start there. The dedicated lake fishing listings at Furbush, Julia, Wolf, and Scott Creek Impoundment don't specify shore access in the listing data, so confirm launch or access details before you go.
Laurel Lake Campground
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Kentuck Lake Campground
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Wolf Lake
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Pelican Lake - Rhinelander Access
~28 min drive
Easy
Wolf River - Lily Section
~33 min drive
Moderate
Luna White Deer Campground
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Eagle River - Florence District
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Furbush Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Spectacle Lake Campground (Wisconsin)
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Lakewood - Laona District
~42 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Julia Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Lost Lake Cabins
~40 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Early morning and the hour before sunset are consistently productive on Northwoods lakes, particularly for walleye and bass that move shallower to feed in low light. Midday in summer tends to push fish deeper, especially on the clearer natural lakes. If you're surf fishing from the campground spots, an early start before other campers are active also means less shoreline disturbance.
A medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting setup covers most situations across these lakes. Jigs, crankbaits, and live bait rigs are all practical choices for the species mix common to Oneida County waters. If you're targeting muskie specifically, bring heavier tackle and wire leaders. Local bait shops in Three Lakes can tell you what's been working on specific lakes in the current week.
Impoundments generally have more variable water levels, softer bottom structure, and warmer water than the natural glacial lakes in this chain. That can mean better panfish and bass action in the shallows early in the season, but it also means conditions shift more noticeably with rainfall and drawdowns. It's worth checking current water conditions locally before planning a full day there.
