Musky Shop Northwoods Lake of the Month: Gilmore Lake

If you’re looking for a new lake to check out here in the Northwoods, look no further than Gilmore Lake.  It may seem like Wisconsin has a million lakes and rivers to traverse for the avid musky angler, so we like to narrow them down each month and spotlight those that help you set your target on a Northwoods Trophy. 

Gilmore Lake, located a quiet car ride about 20 minutes East of the Musky Shop, offers great fishing and close amenities if you are making your first or annual trek to the Northwoods.  Just a stone's throw from the Rainbow Flowage which would be considered bigger water, Gilmore Lake is a much more manageable 314 acres with a max depth of approximately 24 feet.  It has two equally divided portions that are uniquely divided with a navigable waterway.

This lake offers a variety of fishing opportunities, not solely focused on musky fishing.  The most recent netting survey found that crappie, blue gill, yellow perch, and pike had healthy populations in the lake as well.  Though we wouldn’t call Gilmore a numbers lake if you are staging to catch musky, it might be the place where you land a trophy.  There are plenty of 9–10-foot structural edges located at the North end of the lake and more shallow opportunities ranging from 2-5 feet at the more Southern end.  Located mixed in are some open basin areas with deep edges that should be targeted as summer gets hotter.

As of late Gilmore has been heavily grown in with some non-native aquatic weeds, but don’t let that stop you from exploring the cover.  For the avid musky angler, it might clog up your blades, but a weedless spinner or topwater will trudge through when desired.  Gilmore is a naturally fed drainage lake with a rich mostly sandy bottom.  It has good clarity with as mentioned heavy weed.

If you are looking to add to your adventure at Gilmore, look no further than the neighboring Kayak launch at Sureshot Lake.  This tiny lake is perfect for a day Kayak adventure if you want to take in the beauty of the natural area.  There are also camping and outdoor park areas nearby in almost all directions as Oneida County really shines when it comes to promoting outdoor activity. 

If you are settled on your visit to Gilmore Lake, rest assured that there is plenty of lodging in the nearby towns of Lake Tomahawk, Minocqua, or St. Germain.  All area towns host wonderful things to do from mini golf to flea markets with a bevy of local shops and dining options.  You’ll never be more than 20 minutes from town, but you’ll still feel secluded enough to enjoy all nature has to offer.  And for those with boats in tow, Gilmore Lake offers a public ramp at the South end of the lake off of County Hwy E.  This ramp is well maintained with parking available.

So, remember, if you are in the area and want to try out another of our local favorite lakes, give Gilmore Lake a look and explore more of beautiful Oneida County, Wisconsin.

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