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[AlumniClub]

One can easily run out of superlatives when discussing the fishery encompassed by these two large bodies of water in and around Rhinelander. Accordingly, we’ll not try to get flowery here. We’ll be laconic. Spare. Downright terse. In fact, we’ll simply say that Boom/Rhinelander is some of the very best fishin’ water in northern Wisconsin. Which, of course, is saying a lot, for northern Wisconsin’s fishing water is some of the best anywhere. Boom Lake, which is practically on the main street of Rhinelander, is simply superb, says Roger Sabota, who’s been guiding in the area for over 20 years – that is, when he’s not teaching math or being a dean at nearby Nicolet Community College. According to Sabota, of C&R Guide Group, Rhinelander, big Boom’s reputation was made on Muskies. And they’re great here. You’ll frequently find 50-inchers, Sabota says, and sometimes you’ll find them larger than that. In fact, 40-pound Muskies are not all that unusual here: over 30 are boated each year in this lake. In addition to what Sabota labels as “outstanding Muskies,” Boom Lake offers “better than average” Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike. And, there are some truly impressive Crappies here. For Muskies, Sabota suggests working the bays on the north side for early action. Flip #5 Mepps spinners or chubs into the weeds and stumps of Bass Lake, Moonlite Bay, Bostrom’s Bay, and Peggy Sloughs. Grandma baits also work well here early. As the season advances, the Muskies begin moving, Sabota says. Some of the best action for them after June 1, he says, is along the riprap shores at Hodag Park in downtown Rhinelander and at the country club on the northeast end. You’ll find Muskies, too, hanging around the weed edges near the boat landing off Riverview Road, and on the northwest end of the lake, near Manor Road. For Smallie action, fish the same riprap shores where the Muskies hang out, and for Crappies, try the cribs opposite the Rose Street boat landing. Success isn’t guaranteed, but you’ll almost always at least get a bite. The Rhinelander Flowage, meanwhile, is connected to Boom Lake, says Sabota, and contains a similar fishery. The weedbeds and stump fields on the east side of the river channel are good early locations for Muskie action. And, as the season advances, shift to the weed edges west of the island in the Wisconsin River channel near the entrance to Boom Lake, and on the east-side bay of the Flowage proper. The weed and stump field on the south end of Lawrence Island and in the long, shallow east bay also should not be ignored. Throw topwaters into these areas on summer evenings. These two lakes don’t lack for access sites or accommodations. There are five resorts in the immediate Rhinelander area, and three spots on Boom Lake, alone, to stop for food and gas. The Rose Street landing near Hodag Park is perhaps the best of the bunch; it sports several ramps, plus piers and plenty of parking. By the way...In case you’re wondering what in the heck a “Hodag” is, it’s a mythical beast which supposedly appeared in the old lumbering days to eat young lumberjacks and white bulldogs. Given the size of the Muskies which inhabit these waters, maybe the mythical beast isn’t make-believe after all. Thanks to guide Roger Sabota of C & R Guide Group, Rhinelander (715) 369-2283.

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