Forest County Fishing Friends Thread

[keith]

For the big fishing stories, see our Fishing! FishOn! Wisconsin Fishing Forums. These forums cover other topics including Great Lakes Fishing, more on Tackle, etc.

This thread is the place to click "Post Reply" and tell us where the fish are biting in Forest County!

You can also announce tournaments and such in this county here in this thread. (The main fishing forums recommended for that as well).

Please post this kind of information:

Subject Line: Lake or river name and what kind of fish are hitting

In the text: Please tell us whatever you can, including:

- where on the Lake / River
- what depth
- time of day
- bait / lure / presentation / colors
- boat access (and cost)

and anything else about the area like local bait shops, water hazards, alternative species and tackle in case the main stuff isn't happening, local places to stay, guide services, etc.

If it is an advertisement, put it in the classifieds; otherwise, hope you'll share some info for all. Just click "Post Reply".

Regards,
Keith

p.s.: If you're local and want to know when they're biting, click "Watch this topic for replies" below and an email will be sent to you whenever someone posts here. (You must be a registered Member of theBubbler.com - free.)

Please consider subscribing to topics in Fishing! FishOn! Wisconsin Fishing Forums as well.

[AlumniClub]

These two lakes lie just west of Eagle River in western Forest County. Both offer good and similar fisheries. Butternut, however, is probably the more productive body of water and has, therefore, a better fish population. The lake is known as a Walleye and trophy Northern Pike lake. You’ll find Northerns up to 25 pounds here,though catching them can be a trick. The Walleyes tend to run small, around 14 inches on average, though there are lots of them. And then there are Smallmouth Bass. Butternut is one of the better Smallmouth lakes in the area. The majority of the Smallies are around a pound and a half. There are lots of them, and they’re well worth fishing for. You’ll find some weedbeds here, which can be fished successfully for Walleyes and Northerns. For Smallies, you’ll want to fish the remains of old cribs in the southeast bay, near the landing, and scattered along the west shore from just below the point on up to the north end. And don’t ignore the rocky bars and islands on both sides. The island and related structure on the east is good Walleye country. And the west island/bar complex is likewise good for Walleyes, along with Smallies. But watch out for this area. The rocks here come verrrrrrrry close to the surface, and you could lose your lower unit if you’re not careful. Many boaters have already done so. Franklin, meanwhile, is known as a good early-season lake for Walleyes, despite its clear water. For some reason, the Walleyes get real tough in the summer; spring is the best time to fish them. Look for them off the point and island on the southwest, in the shallow bay to the southwest of this structure, and around the rock humps in the southwest end. You’ll also find them off the underwater point on the northwest. There’s a weed edge here which can be worked successfully. Jig/minnow combinations or crankbaits are the popular rigs. Meanwhile, big Northerns can sometimes be caught in the weedy area around the island on the southeast. And you’ll find Smallies in the rocky bay near the landing and along the eastern shore. A heads-up is in order: the rock humps on the southwest come quite close to the surface in some cases. You can lose a lower unit here as easily as you can in Butternut. Motor trolling is permitted here, and access is fairly good on both lakes.


GB2