There are plenty of boat ramps that provide convenient access for anglers, but unfortunately the lake receives heavy recreational boating traffic on weekends. The best time to fish is on weekdays or very early in the morning on weekends before the pleasure boaters hit the water.

Bright colors are the rule in Wissota's dark water, and live bait such as nightcrawlers and leeches often entice the moody fish to bite. Local guides prefer to fish the Paint Creek and Yellow River mouths before trying the main lake.

You can access travel and lodging information at the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce's Web site at www.chippewachamber.org or call 1-866-723-0340.

MARSH-MILLER LAKE
Also known as Mill Pond, Marsh-Miller Lake is located five miles northeast of Bloomer and is known for big largemouth bass. Rumor has it that 5-pound fish are common, but bass anglers often avoid answering questions precisely. In any event, this drainage lake with a surface area of 436 acres and a maximum depth of 14 feet is a good bet for bucketmouths.

The lake has two boat landings, one on the north end near O'Neil Creek and the other at the south end near Birch Point. The lake has plenty of submerged stumps and vegetation to hold bass.

Chippewa County's Web site at www.chippewacounty.com has visitor information and maps of the Bloomer area to help you find lodging and other services.

NELSON LAKE
Just six miles north of Hayward you'll find Nelson Lake and good largemouth bass fishing. This 2,500-acre lake has a maximum depth of 33 feet and a mean depth of 11 feet. Three boat ramps provide good access on the east and west ends.

Local bassers recommend concentrating on shoreline areas in the early morning and evening hours for the most consistent action, especially in summer when the bucketmouths can be tough to find and catch. For the best results, hit this lake early in the season and once again in fall after the water begins to cool.

For lodging and travel information, visit the Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce's Web site at www.haywardareachamber.com or call (715) 634-8662.

MINONG FLOWAGE
Douglas and Washburn counties share the 1,564-acre Minong Flowage, which is located a half-dozen miles northwest of the town of Minong. There are four good boat launches spread around the flowage.

Recent reports claim bass approaching the 24-inch mark. That's a big bass in any lake, and not the size you catch everyday. As with many bass waters, Minong's bass fishing can be hit or miss depending on the time of year, weather and other factors, such as boat traffic.

To find accommodations near Minong, log on to Washburn County's Web site at www.washburncounty.com.

DNR QUALITY WATERS
Some of the DNR's Quality Bass Waters require special mention when we talk about fishing in northern Wisconsin. For example, Lake Superior -- including the Kakagon River and Kakagon Slough -- has a 22-inch minimum size limit. Fishing is good in Lake Superior right now and will only get better as the restrictive minimum size limit allows the fish to grow to trophy sizes.

Most of the Quality Bass Waters listed by the DNR have an 18-inch minimum length limit, and most of these lakes are in northern Wisconsin. You can read the full list at the DNR's Web site at www.dnr.wi.gov/org/water/fhp/fish/qwaters.htm, but the current fishing regulations will also specify any special regulations for each specific lake in the county sections.

Another category lists a 16-inch minimum size limit for smallmouth bass and contains only one lake -- Pallete in Vilas County. In addition, there is one lake -- Round in Waushara County -- in a category where 14- to 18-inch bass are protected.