The final special category the DNR lists under Quality Fishing Waters is Catch-And-Release-Only Lakes, and all are located in Vilas County. They are Big, Bittersweet, Oberlin, Prong and Smith.

FISHING TIPS
Largemouth and smallmouth bass are popular targets for Wisconsin anglers, but they're not always easy to catch. We'll never really know why one day the bass bite and the next they don't, even when we can't detect anything different between the days. Fishing guides who spend all their time chasing bass haven't figured that out yet either, but they have learned to pattern the fish and adapt to the conditions.

It's always a good idea to hire a guide for your first trip on a lake or river. If you don't want to do that, check with the local bait dealers and see what information they will share with you about where the bass are biting now and what they're hitting.

Cold-front conditions are the worst times to fish for either type of bass, but we can't always schedule our trips for the best fishing weather. Under cold-front conditions, fish deeper and slower than you normally would, and use live bait or at least some fish-attractant scent. If you have a choice, fish a river rather than a lake after a storm. River fish seem less affected by the passage of fronts.

If you choose to fish a clearwater lake, try fishing early and late in the day. Bass are sensitive to sunlight and will seek cover near shore or under weedbeds when the sun is high in the sky. If the lowlight periods don't produce fish, try fishing after dark. Largemouth bass often become nocturnal in clear water where there is excessive daytime boat traffic.

Lakes and rivers with dark or stained water usually have the best midday bass fishing, and the fish are often shallower than in clearwater lakes or rivers. Precision casting will be necessary to drop your bait right next to the riprap in dark waters.

No matter where you plan to fish, take a good selection of lures in a variety of colors. Bass often show a definite color preference in specific lakes and rivers. Check with the locals and see if they will share any advice on good colors to start with.

CONCLUSION
There are countless options for catching bass in northern Wisconsin. If you're lucky and can find a hidden lake, quarry or farm pond that hasn't been fished in awhile, you may catch some big largemouth bass. Many "hidden" lakes are located in national, state or county forests and can only be accessed by foot travel. Most fishermen won't bother, so get yourself a map and take a hike. Of course, pack in a light rod and small tackle box. You could find yourself a largemouth bonanza.

You will need permission to fish small lakes and ponds on private land, but these too can produce big largemouth bass simply because the fish have had time to grow, and they haven't seen many lures or baits.

If you like river fishing for smallmouths, consider wading some of the smaller tributaries and working far upstream. Surprisingly, a large bronzeback doesn't need much water over her back to survive.

Northern Wisconsin offers a wide range of lakes and rivers for bass anglers. Why not take advantage of it this summer?