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Potato Lake Info
This southwestern Rusk County lake is perhaps aptly named. Shallow and weedy, the lake is distinctly russet-colored -- until, that is, the heavy weed and algae growth turn the waters pea-green later in the summer. But don’t let the lake’s appearance prevent you from fishing here. For these fertile waters are about as good at growing fish as Idaho’s volcanic soils are at sprouting spuds; you’ll find some real prizes here. Frank Pratt, Hayward-area DNR fisheries manager, whose district formerly included this lake says Potato is one of the best Muskie waters in northern Wisconsin. His motion is seconded by Jeff Sheffield of James Sports, Ladysmith, who notes that Potato is “true trophy Musky water,” one of the lakes that any Muskie angler should visit. Of course, Sheffield notes, you’ll find most other warm-water species here, as well. There are fair populations of Walleyes and Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass abound. Similarly, you’ll find large numbers of keeper-size Crappies and Bluegills. Take Muskie early with a bobber/sucker minnow rig off the McDermott Creek inlet, and later, move to the shallow flats of Eden Bay, where you can work bucktails and jerkbaits around the weed growth. The shallow flats of the lake’s middle basin also are a top Muskie producer, and they’re also well known as a hangout for Bass, Northerns, and Panfish. “The Narrows,” which leads to “South Bay,” the lake’s southern basin, are a good spot summer and winter for Bluegills and Crappies, says Sheffield. You’ll also find Crappies off the eastern shore of South Bay and off Squaw Point in the northern basin. The entire southern shoreline of South Bay, meanwhile, has a sharply defined weedline at the 8-foot level. This should be worked for Muskie and Bass. And try the cribs between Bird Island and the small islet to the southwest for Walleye, Perch and Crappies. The winter fishery here is mainly for Northern Pike and Panfish. You’ll find them suspended off the deep weed edges over deep water. In 1998, there was a 40-inch minimum size limit on Muskies. You’ll want to check current Wisconsin regs for up-to-date info before fishing. Access to Potato Lake is quite good. You’ll find public ramps with parking at the northwest and northeast, and there’s for-fee launching at The Narrows. Thanks to Jeff Sheffield of James Sports, Ladysmith (715) 532-6016.
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