Then there is North Twin, which is probably the most consistent walleye lake in the Eagle River area in the spring. You’ll often catch all the fish you want around the rockpile toward the south end of the lake without needing to venture farther north. But North Twin’s north end offers the best spring action, especially around the creek entry near the “old factory and hospital bar.”

Holiday Bar -- which is within walking distance of a tavern with the same name, or vice versa depending on how you look at it -- is a good place to find fishing legend George Langley. Langley will probably be the only guy wearing waders at both Holiday Bars. He’ll either be eating lunch inside or trying to catch a few walleyes about 100 yards away with a black/silver No. 7 Rapala. The jig-and-minnow combo is still the “go-to” weapon on North Twin, with white being the most productive jig color.

Big St. Germain is another option for the opener. This round, clear lake has a perpetual walleye chop in the spring. Catching fish is just a matter of pitching a jig and minnow along the windblown shoreline -- especially near the Plum Creek entry point on the north side, several northside rockbars and on the sandy gravel structure on the south end when wind is out of the north. There are several other smaller area lakes, some only a couple hundred acres, that have limited access and fishing pressure is limited to lake-dwelling cabin owners and a few locals. Such fragile fisheries couldn’t stand mention in this magazine, but they are certainly worth a look if you can find them with a little research.

George Langley is the most knowledgeable fishing contact for the Eagle River area. You can reach him at his Eagle River Sports Shop at (715) 479-8804, or by e-mail at fishing@eaglesports.com. George typically holds his best fishing spots close to the vest. You could try a little small talk before asking specifics. A great icebreaker is “are you open for business yet?” Good luck!

Find more about Wisconsin fishing and hunting at: WisconsinSportsmanMag.com