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Wisconsin · Fishing
Wolf River, Wisconsin sits in the heart of Langlade County, and while the river itself draws most of the regional attention, the lake fishing in this area is what keeps a lot of anglers coming back year after year.
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Wolf River, Wisconsin sits in the heart of Langlade County, and while the river itself draws most of the regional attention, the lake fishing in this area is what keeps a lot of anglers coming back year after year. The listings on this page cover four lakes worth putting on your radar: Sasacat Lake, Sawyer Lake, Saul Spring, and Dark Lake. These are smaller, quieter waters compared to the heavily trafficked flowages further north, which means less boat traffic on weekday mornings and a better shot at working a shoreline without company. Expect the typical northern Wisconsin mix of largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and panfish depending on the lake, though conditions and structure vary enough between these four that it pays to check each one individually before you load the truck. Access points, parking, and whether you need a motorized or non-motorized setup differ by location, so read the individual listing details before you go. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply across all of these waters, and a valid Wisconsin fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
These are typical northern Wisconsin lake fisheries, so you're likely looking at a mix of largemouth bass, northern pike, panfish like bluegill and crappie, and possibly walleye depending on the specific lake. Check the Wisconsin DNR's fish survey data for each individual water body before your trip — those reports will tell you what species are actually present and in what numbers, which is more reliable than general assumptions about the region.
Yes. Anyone 16 or older needs a valid Wisconsin fishing license. You can purchase one online through the Wisconsin DNR's Go Wild system or at local bait shops and sporting goods stores in the area. Non-residents pay a higher fee, and there are short-term options if you're only visiting for a few days.
Morgan Lake Campground And Group Site
~1h 4m drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Sawyer Lake
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Lakewood - Laona District
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Wolf River - Lily Section
~39 min drive
Moderate
Pelican Lake - Rhinelander Access
~58 min drive
Easy
Laurel Lake Campground
~1h 13m drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Saul Spring
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Peshtigo River - Roaring Rapids Section
~48 min drive
Moderate
Lost Lake Cabins
~1h 15m drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Wichser Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Flora Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
White Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WI.
Late May through early July is generally productive once water temperatures stabilize after ice-out and the bass spawn wraps up. Fall, from mid-September through October, is another strong window when fish feed aggressively before winter. Summer midday heat can slow surface activity, so early morning and the last two hours before dark tend to be the most consistent times to be on the water.
A medium-action spinning or baitcasting setup in the 6 to 7 foot range covers most situations on smaller Wisconsin lakes. Bring a selection of jigs, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits for bass and pike, and lighter finesse rigs if you want to target panfish. A landing net, needle-nose pliers for hook removal, and a cooler with ice if you plan to keep fish are all worth packing.
Access varies by lake, and that's worth confirming on each individual listing before you go. Some smaller Wisconsin lakes have developed boat landings with parking, while others may require a short carry-in for a canoe or kayak. Check the specific listing details and cross-reference with the Wisconsin DNR's public access maps to avoid showing up without a way to get your boat in the water.
