What You'll Find at North Twin Lake

North Twin Lake is a shallow, weedy 1,100-acre lake in Vilas County near Eagle River. The lake holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass, with walleye being the primary draw for most anglers. The water is stained to murky depending on season and recent rain, and the bottom is mostly soft — muck and silt with scattered rock. Weed growth is heavy from mid-June onward, which concentrates fish but also demands specific techniques and timing.

The lake's shallow profile — average depth around 20 feet, maximum around 40 — means water temperature swings fast with the seasons. Spring and fall are the most predictable times to fish here. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday heat pushes walleye deep into whatever structure exists. Winter ice fishing is popular for walleye and pike, though access depends on snow removal at public landings.

Key Takeaways

  • North Twin Lake is a weedy, shallow system best fished in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) when walleye are most active in predictable depths.
  • Public boat access is available at the North Twin Lake public landing on County Road M; a Wisconsin boat sticker is required for all motorized boats.
  • Walleye respond to live bait (shiners, crawfish) and jigs in depths of 8 to 18 feet, especially around weed edges and the few rock structures on the lake bottom.
  • Weed growth becomes thick by mid-June, making summer fishing difficult unless you fish early morning, late evening, or use weedless presentations like spinnerbaits and topwater.
  • A Wisconsin fishing license is required; walleye have a daily bag limit of five fish, and pike have a daily bag limit of two fish.

Seasons and When Fish Are Most Active

Spring (April and May) is the strongest season on North Twin Lake. Walleye move shallow as water temperature climbs from the low 40s to the mid-50s, and they feed aggressively before spawning. Fish the 6- to 12-foot zone along weed edges and any visible rock structure. Live shiners under a slip bobber or jigged slowly along the bottom both work well. Early morning and overcast days are most productive.

Summer (June through August) is inconsistent. Weed growth explodes by mid-June, and walleye retreat to deeper water and weed pockets during the day. Fish very early (before sunrise) or after sunset when walleye move into shallower feeding zones. Spinnerbaits and topwater lures can be effective in low light. Midday fishing is slow unless you target the deepest holes — around 35 to 40 feet — where walleye rest in the heat.

Fall (September and October) rivals spring in productivity. As water cools from the 60s back into the 50s and below, walleye return to shallower, more active feeding patterns. Weed senescence (die-off) opens up the lake and makes fish easier to locate. Fish the same depths and techniques as spring — jigs and live bait along weed lines and structure.

Winter ice fishing runs from December through March, depending on ice thickness and snow cover. Walleye and pike are caught through the ice, primarily in 12- to 20-foot depths. The public landing may not be plowed, so confirm access before the trip.

How to Access North Twin Lake

The primary public boat access is the North Twin Lake public landing, located on County Road M on the north shore. The landing has a paved ramp, parking for vehicles with trailers, and a courtesy dock. No fee is charged to launch. Arrive early on weekends during peak season, as parking fills quickly.

A Wisconsin boat sticker (registration) is required for all motorized boats. You can purchase a sticker at the Vilas County Clerk's office in Eagle River or online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website. The sticker costs vary by boat size and registration type; a non-resident annual sticker for a boat under 25 horsepower is typically in the $50 to $60 range, though prices change annually.

No public lodging or services are directly on the lake, but Eagle River — about 10 miles south — has hotels, restaurants, and bait shops. Several resorts and cabins are located on nearby lakes in the area. Gas and supplies are available in Eagle River.

Walleye Fishing: Techniques and Timing

Walleye on North Twin Lake respond best to live bait and jigs. Live shiners (4 to 6 inches) are the most reliable bait; crawfish and leeches also work. Fish them under a slip bobber in 8 to 15 feet of water, positioning the bait just above the weed tops or near any visible rock. Cast along weed edges and let the bobber drift with the wind or current.

Jigging is equally effective and often more efficient. Use 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jigs tipped with a live shiner or minnow. Drop to the bottom in 10 to 18 feet of water, then lift and drop the jig slowly, keeping contact with the bottom. Work weed edges, any rock piles, and the transition zones between shallow and deep water. Early morning and low-light conditions are most productive.

During summer, when weeds are thick and walleye are scattered, switch to weedless presentations. Spinnerbaits (1/2 to 3/4 ounce) in white, chartreuse, or perch patterns can be retrieved through weed cover. Topwater lures (poppers, walking baits) work well at dawn and dusk. Cast near weed edges and work the lure slowly to draw strikes.

Pike Fishing and Other Species

Northern pike are abundant on North Twin Lake and often grow to 24 to 30 inches. Pike respond to larger baits and lures than walleye. Live shiners (6 to 8 inches) or crawfish fished under a bobber in 8 to 15 feet of water attract pike. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics in bright colors (chartreuse, orange, white) are also effective. Pike are less selective than walleye and bite throughout the day, though early morning and late evening are still most productive.

Largemouth bass are present but less abundant than walleye and pike. They inhabit weed beds and shallow structure. Soft plastics (worms, crawfish imitations) and topwater lures work in the weeds during early morning and evening. Bass fishing is best in summer when weeds are thickest.

Regulations and Licensing

A Wisconsin fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. Non-resident licenses are available as daily, 3-day, or annual options through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at bait shops in Eagle River. A non-resident daily license typically costs around $10 to $12; annual licenses are higher but better value if you plan multiple trips.

Walleye have a daily bag limit of five fish with a 15-inch minimum size. Northern pike have a daily bag limit of two fish with a 24-inch minimum size. Largemouth bass have a daily bag limit of five fish with a 12-inch minimum size. Possession limits are typically double the daily bag limit. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before your trip, as rules can change.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring a boat suitable for shallow, weedy water — a 16- to 20-foot aluminum boat with a shallow-draft motor (9.9 to 25 horsepower) is ideal. A trolling motor is useful for precise positioning along weed edges. Bring a depth finder if you have one; it helps locate the 8- to 18-foot zone where walleye congregate.

Pack live bait (shiners, crawfish) from a local bait shop in Eagle River. Bring a variety of jigs (1/4 to 3/8 ounce), spinnerbaits, and topwater lures. Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat are essential — the shallow water and light-colored bottom reflect sun intensely. Bring a net for landing fish and a stringer or cooler to keep your catch fresh.

Check the weather forecast before launching. North Twin Lake is exposed and can develop rough water quickly in wind. If conditions deteriorate, head to shore — the shallow depth means waves can become choppy and unpredictable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish North Twin Lake?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are most productive. Water temperatures are in the 50s to 60s, walleye are active in shallow water, and weed growth is minimal or declining. Summer can work early and late in the day, but midday fishing is slow due to heat and thick weeds.

Do I need a boat to fish North Twin Lake?

A boat is the most effective way to access productive water, but shore fishing is possible at the public landing and along accessible shoreline. Shore fishing is limited compared to boat fishing because much of the lake's best structure is in deeper water away from shore.

Can I fish North Twin Lake in winter?

Yes, ice fishing is popular from December through March. Walleye and pike are caught through the ice in 12- to 20-foot depths. Confirm that the public landing is plowed and accessible before your trip, as snow cover can limit access.

What size walleye and pike are typical on North Twin Lake?

Walleye typically range from 14 to 20 inches, with occasional fish to 24 inches. Pike commonly reach 24 to 30 inches, and larger fish are possible. The shallow, weedy environment supports good numbers of both species but is not known for trophy-sized fish.

Is there a bait shop near North Twin Lake?

Eagle River, about 10 miles south, has several bait and tackle shops that stock live shiners, crawfish, and leeches. Shops also sell licenses and current regulation information. Call ahead to confirm hours and bait availability, especially during off-season.