Cathaline Lake
Vilas County, Wisconsin
About Cathaline Lake
Cathaline Lake is a prized trout lake in the Vilas County Northwoods — cold, clear, and ideal for fly fishing, a intimate 36-acre lake reaching 44 feet at its deepest. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. Anglers target Largemouth Bass and Panfish.
Bottom composition: 70% sand, 30% gravel, 0% rock, 0% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
46.25000° N, 89.79080° W
WBIC 2758200 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·Trout hold in the deepest, coolest water during summer. Early morning stillwater fishing or bottom rigs near spring seeps is productive.
- ·Largemouth bass relate to shallow structure. Work topwater lures at dawn in summer, then switch to soft plastics rigged weedless around lily pads and fallen wood.
- ·Bluegill and crappie stack up in 8–15 ft of water near weedlines. Small jigs tipped with a waxworm are hard to beat.
- ·Panfish are often excellent for kids and beginners — look for them around any dock or submerged brush piles.
Local's Guide
Fishing
Species-specific tips above. Wisconsin fishing license required for ages 16+. See current season regulations below.
View fishing regulations ↓Swimming
Sandy bottom sections make for good swimming. No lifeguard on duty — swim at your own risk.
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Nearby Dining
Looking for supper clubs and bait shops near Cathaline Lake? Local dining recommendations coming soon.
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Insider Tips
Local knowledge about Cathaline Lake — best times to visit, quiet spots, and what the regulars know. Contributed tips coming soon.
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Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Not documented
Clean lake
Seasonal Notes
Coming soon
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Cathaline Lake?
Cathaline Lake is home to Largemouth Bass (Common), Panfish (Common), and Trout. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Can you boat on Cathaline Lake?
Cathaline Lake does not currently have a public boat landing listed in the Wisconsin DNR database. Shore fishing or kayak/canoe access may still be available — check local access points.
How big is Cathaline Lake?
Cathaline Lake has 36 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 44 feet.
What is the bottom of Cathaline Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 70% sand, 30% gravel, 0% rock, 0% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Cathaline Lake?
No invasive species are currently documented in Cathaline Lake by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is Cathaline Lake located?
Cathaline Lake is located in Vilas County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 46.2500° N, 89.7908° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Cathaline Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Vilas County lakes. Check our Cathaline Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Vilas County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Cathaline Lake
| Species | Season | Min. Length | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullheads | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Catfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Cisco And Whitefish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Lake Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Largemouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | June 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Muskellunge And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | The minimum length limit is 40" and the daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| Northern Pike | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Paddlefish | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Panfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25. | — |
| Rock, Yellow, And White Bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rough Fish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Round Goby | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Ruffe | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Smallmouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | Fish may not be harvested (catch and release only). | — |
| Trout | See specific regulations | https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ . | — |
| Walleye, Sauger, And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length is 15", but walleye, sauger, and hybrids from 20" to 24" may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 24" is allowed. The daily bag limit is 3. | — |
| White Perch | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
Regulations sourced from Wisconsin DNR fisheries data. Always verify current regulations before fishing.
Lake Details
- WBIC
- 2758200
- County
- Vilas County
- Surface Area
- 36 acres
- Max Depth
- 44 ft
- Bottom
- 70% sand, 30% gravel, 0% rock, 0% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 46.2500, -89.7908
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Cathaline Lake? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 3/24/2026.