Boulder Junction, WI is located in Vilas County and is known for its excellent multi-species fishing. With access to dozens of quality lakes, anglers can target muskie, smallmouth bass, walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, and panfish. Many of the area’s waters are part of the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area, which is known for its special regulations and great catch-and-release opportunities.
Fishing by Species – Boulder Junction, WI
Walleye Fishing
Boulder Junction is home to great walleye fishing. Escanaba Lake is loaded with fish, though only 1 over 28” can be harvested due to special regulations. Boulder Lake, Allequash, Fishtrap, and High Lake are also solid bets for both eaters and trophy fish.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are abundant in lakes like Nebish and Pallette within the research area. Outside the research area, Trout Lake and White Sand Lake are some of the top smallmouth waters in northern Wisconsin.
Muskie Fishing
Muskie anglers have lots of options here. Boulder Lake, White Sand, and High Lake all support good muskie populations. Escanaba and Fishtrap also produce fish, especially during peak periods.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Largemouth bass are common in many lakes, including Spruce Lake, Lost Canoe Lake, Whitney Lake, and Wolf Lake. The area’s smaller, more secluded lakes often offer better action for largemouths with less pressure.
Northern Pike Fishing
Northern pike are present in many Boulder Junction area lakes. Allequash, High Lake, and Lost Canoe Lake all offer good pike fishing, especially in the spring and fall.
Panfish Fishing
Good panfish lakes include Escanaba, Fishtrap, Whitney, and Allequash. These lakes hold quality populations of bluegill, crappie, and perch, with family-friendly action throughout the open water season.
Featured Lakes Near Boulder Junction, WI
Escanaba Lake
303 acres – max depth 26 ft. Abundant walleye, common muskie, largemouth bass, and panfish. Smallmouth bass are present. Map
Lost Canoe Lake
279 acres – max depth 41 ft. Common walleye, pike, largemouth, and panfish. Muskie and smallmouth are present. Map
Nebish Lake
93 acres – max depth 52 ft. Abundant smallmouth bass and panfish. Map
Pallette Lake
180 acres – max depth 60 ft. Common smallmouth bass and panfish. Pike are present. Map
Trout Lake
3,864 acres – max depth 117 ft. Common muskie, walleye, smallmouth, pike, panfish, and trout. Map
White Sand Lake
746 acres – max depth 71 ft. Common muskie, walleye, and smallmouth bass. Other species present. Map
Boulder Lake
516 acres – max depth 23 ft. Abundant walleye. Common muskie and panfish. Other species present. Map
Fishtrap Lake
339 acres – max depth 34 ft. Common muskie, walleye, largemouth, and panfish. Other species present. Map
High Lake
741 acres – max depth 36 ft. Common muskie, walleye, and panfish. Other species present. Map
Whitney Lake
226 acres – max depth 8 ft. Common largemouth bass. Pike and panfish are present. Map
Wolf Lake
403 acres – max depth 28 ft. Common muskie, walleye, largemouth bass, and panfish. Smallmouth bass are present. Map
Spruce Lake
16 acres – max depth 16 ft. Common largemouth bass and abundant panfish. Carry-in access only. Map
