What Upper Bass Lake offers anglers

Upper Bass Lake sits in Langlade County's chain of lakes system, a smaller and shallower option than its neighbor Lower Bass Lake. The lake runs roughly 200 acres and holds a solid population of smallmouth bass and walleye, with occasional northern pike. The water clarity is moderate—you'll see bottom in 8 to 12 feet on a clear day—and the bottom is a mix of sand, gravel, and muck that creates good habitat for both species. Because it's less trafficked than some of the larger Langlade lakes, you'll find fewer boats and more consistent fishing, especially in summer.

The lake's depth ranges from 15 to 25 feet in the main basin, with shallow bays and a weed line that develops by mid-June. That weed growth is your best clue to where fish will be. Smallmouth relate hard to the weed edges in summer, and walleye use the deeper weed pockets and the transition zone between shallow and deep water. Spring and fall are the most predictable seasons here—the fish are more aggressive and less scattered than they are in the heat of July.

Key Takeaways

  • Upper Bass Lake holds smallmouth bass and walleye in moderate-clarity water with depths reaching 25 feet, making it a solid option for both species in one trip.
  • Weed lines that form by mid-June are the primary structure; smallmouth hunt the edges while walleye use deeper pockets within the weeds.
  • Spring and fall produce more consistent fishing than summer, when fish scatter into deeper water and weed cover.
  • The lake is part of Langlade County's chain system, so you can fish multiple lakes in one day if you have a boat or are willing to portage.

Best seasons and what to expect

Spring (April through May) is when Upper Bass Lake fishes best. Water temperatures climb from the low 40s to the mid-50s, and both smallmouth and walleye move shallow to feed before spawning. Walleye will be in 6 to 12 feet along the weed line and rocky points; smallmouth will be even shallower, often in 3 to 8 feet. Jigs tipped with minnows or crawfish work well for both species, and you can cover water efficiently by casting along the shoreline and weed edges.

Summer (June through August) requires patience and a willingness to fish deeper. By mid-June, the weed line is thick, and fish use it as cover and hunting ground. Smallmouth will be tight to the weed edges in 8 to 15 feet; walleye will be in the deeper pockets and along the transition to open water. Early morning and late evening are your best windows. Soft plastics, live minnows, and crankbaits that reach the weed line work better than topwater in the heat.

Fall (September through October) brings a second peak. Water cools, fish become more active, and they move back to shallower feeding zones. Walleye will be in 6 to 12 feet, and smallmouth will chase baitfish in the shallows. This is a great time for casting and covering water quickly. By late October, the lake begins to slow as water temperatures drop into the 40s.

Smallmouth bass fishing tactics

Smallmouth on Upper Bass Lake respond well to jigs and soft plastics, especially in spring and fall. A 1/4-ounce jig tipped with a 3-inch crawfish or minnow imitation will catch fish along the weed edges and rocky points. Cast parallel to the weed line rather than into it—you'll get fewer snags and still reach active fish. In summer, when weeds are thick, a weedless soft plastic or a jig that rides above the bottom works better than a traditional presentation.

Crankbaits that dive to 8 to 12 feet are effective in spring and fall when fish are less buried in cover. A shallow-diving crank (4 to 6 feet) works the bays and shoreline early in the season. Topwater lures produce strikes in low light—early morning and dusk—but expect most of your action on subsurface presentations. Smallmouth here average 14 to 18 inches; fish over 20 inches are possible but not common.

Walleye fishing methods and timing

Walleye on Upper Bass Lake are most predictable in spring and fall, when they're less scattered and more willing to chase. Live minnow presentations work best: a 1/8-ounce jig tipped with a 2 to 3-inch shiner or fathead, worked slowly along the weed line and deeper transitions. In spring, focus on 6 to 12 feet; in fall, the same depths hold fish as water cools. Casting is effective, but trolling a jig along the weed edge covers more water and often produces better results in summer.

Nightcrawlers on a simple slip-sinker rig are a reliable option if you prefer live bait over artificials. Fish them in 8 to 15 feet along the weed line, especially at dusk and after dark. Walleye here typically run 12 to 18 inches, with some fish pushing 20 inches. The lake doesn't produce trophy walleye regularly, but it's a solid option for a consistent day of catching.

Access and boat launch information

Upper Bass Lake has a public boat launch on the north shore, accessible via County Road M. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp with limited parking—expect to find space on weekdays and weekends outside peak summer. There is no fee to launch. The ramp is maintained by Langlade County and is typically open from ice-out (late March or early April) through freeze-up (late November or early December).

If you don't have a boat, you can fish from shore along the north and east sides of the lake, though access is limited. The best shore fishing is near the public launch area and along County Road M where the road runs close to the water. Canoe and kayak anglers can launch from the same ramp and fish the shallower bays and weed edges effectively, especially in spring and fall.

Regulations and what you need to know

Wisconsin fishing regulations apply to Upper Bass Lake. You'll need a current Wisconsin fishing license, available online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website or at any licensed bait and tackle shop. Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of five fish. Walleye have a 15-inch minimum and a daily bag limit of four fish. Northern pike have a 24-inch minimum and a daily bag limit of two fish.

The lake is open year-round for open-water fishing (spring through fall) and ice fishing (winter). Catch-and-release is always an option if you want to fish longer or practice conservation. Check the current Wisconsin fishing guide before you go—regulations can change, and it's your responsibility to know what's in effect when you fish.

Nearby lakes and the chain system

Upper Bass Lake is part of Langlade County's chain of lakes, which includes Lower Bass Lake, Pickerel Lake, and several smaller connected waters. If you have a boat, you can fish multiple lakes in one day by following the connecting channels and portages. Lower Bass Lake is larger and deeper, making it a good option if Upper Bass is crowded or if you want to target deeper walleye. Pickerel Lake is shallower and weedier, better for smallmouth and pike.

The chain system gives you flexibility: if one lake is slow, you can move to another without leaving the water. This is especially valuable in summer when fish scatter. Many anglers fish Upper Bass in the morning, move to Lower Bass or Pickerel for the afternoon, and return to Upper Bass for the evening bite. A map of the chain and portage routes is available from the Langlade County Parks Department or local bait shops.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Upper Bass and Lower Bass Lake?

Upper Bass is smaller (about 200 acres) and shallower, with a maximum depth around 25 feet. Lower Bass is larger and deeper, reaching 50+ feet. Upper Bass has more weed cover and is better for smallmouth; Lower Bass holds bigger walleye and is better for deep-water presentations. Both hold fish, but they fish differently.

Can I fish Upper Bass Lake in winter?

Yes, ice fishing is open on Upper Bass Lake once the ice is safe—typically mid-December through early March. Walleye and smallmouth can be caught through the ice, though walleye are more predictable. Use small jigs tipped with minnows or live bait, and fish the deeper holes and weed edges. Check ice thickness before going out.

What size fish should I expect to catch?

Smallmouth typically run 14 to 18 inches, with occasional fish over 20 inches. Walleye average 12 to 18 inches, with some reaching 20 inches. This is not a trophy lake, but it's a solid option for consistent catching and a good mix of both species in one trip.

Do I need a guide to fish Upper Bass Lake?

No, the lake is straightforward to fish on your own. The weed line is visible, depths are moderate, and fish relate to predictable structure. If you're new to the area or want to learn the lake faster, a local guide can help, but it's not necessary for success.

What's the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late evening (5 p.m. to dark) are most productive, especially in summer. Spring and fall fish throughout the day, but low-light periods still produce best. Midday in summer is slow; use that time to rest or move to a different lake in the chain.