About Mystery Lake
Mystery Lake is a consistent bass fishery tucked into Vilas County — the kind of lake that rewards anglers who know it, a intimate 17-acre lake reaching 7 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: 1% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 99% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: DRAINAGE
Lake Location
46.05680° N, 89.56550° W
WBIC 2340000 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·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
Mystery Lake has limited visibility and a gravel and sand bottom, making it better suited for boating and fishing than swimming. The 17-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for Mystery Lake are coming soon. Know a great spot near Mystery Lake? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Vilas County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
Mystery Lake is one of Vilas County's lesser-known gems — the kind of place locals return to year after year. Early mornings before 9am offer the calmest water and best fishing before boat traffic picks up. If you're visiting for the first time, check the DNR boat landing locations before you arrive — some are well-marked, others take a local to find. Know something about Mystery Lake that visitors should? Share a tip at staynorthern.com/contact — we add the best ones to this page.
Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Not documented
Clean lake
Seasonal Notes
See below
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Ice typically goes out in late April to early May on northern Wisconsin lakes. Walleye and bass fishing peaks from late May through June and again in September and October. Summer brings warm water temps ideal for swimming from late June through August. Fall color peaks in late September — some of the most dramatic foliage in the state. Snowmobile and ice fishing season runs December through March, with hard ice typically forming by late December.
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Mystery Lake?
Mystery Lake is home to Largemouth Bass, and Panfish. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Can you boat on Mystery Lake?
Mystery 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 Mystery Lake?
Mystery Lake has 17 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 7 feet.
What is the bottom of Mystery Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 1% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 99% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Mystery Lake?
No invasive species are currently documented in Mystery Lake by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is Mystery Lake located?
Mystery Lake is located in Vilas County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 46.0568° N, 89.5655° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Mystery Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Vilas County lakes. Check our Mystery 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 Mystery Lake
| Species | Season | Min. Length | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullheads | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Catfish | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Cisco And Whitefish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Lake Sturgeon | Closed | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Largemouth Bass | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| 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 | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Paddlefish | Closed | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Panfish | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rock, Yellow, And White Bass | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rough Fish | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Round Goby | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Ruffe | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Closed | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Smallmouth Bass | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Trout | See specific regulations | https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ . | — |
| Walleye, Sauger, And Hybrids | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| White Perch | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited, 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
- 2340000
- County
- Vilas County
- Surface Area
- 17 acres
- Max Depth
- 7 ft
- Bottom
- 1% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 99% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 46.0568, -89.5655
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Mystery Lake? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.