Musky Shop Northwoods Lake of the Month: Diamond Lake
As we stalk our way into the coldest parts of the year, it’s time to switch gears for our Lake of the Month in hopes we can help our readers put some ice-cold catches in their lunch boxes. December’s Lake of the Month might be unfamiliar to some because of its small size, but it’s surrounded by larger and more popular destinations. Despite its tiny stature, Diamond Lake of Vilas County should be on your list to drop a line this winter.
If you take a long look at Diamond Lake, you’ve likely got the gist of all it has to offer in a matter of seconds. It’s, of course, a “diamond” shaped lake, hence the name, but it can be better described to those in the Northwoods as bowl-shaped. Small bowl-shaped lakes are common in and around the area and can be spectacular fishing when they freeze over. Some folks swear by fishing bowl-shaped lakes after the freeze, as pinpointing the local fare is not quite as complicated. Find the desired depth, and you’ll surely catch a boatload of tasty morsels.
Diamond Lake, however small, does have a super deep middle, tapping out at just around 40 ft. So, for a small 115-acre lake, this is a very large feat. Also, there’s not much in the way of a bottom structure to understand, as most of Diamond Lake is sandy or gravelly. Find some older vegetation, and you’ll likely find any panfish available. If you locate a rock or two, surely a walleye is lurking nearby.
Local anglers tend to have mixed feelings about Diamond Lake, but for those willing to give it a look, it has a manageable public landing, and you won’t need much more than a sled to cover the whole of it on foot. Despite its closeness to the highway, it’s typically underfished, so you may find a great day this ice fishing season where there’s not another angler per acre, and that’s a great problem to have.
The water of Diamond Lake is relatively clear, and you’ll be guaranteed to find a panfish, walleye, or even a good-sized bass. There are plenty of fish for the taking on Diamond, so it makes a perfectly good spot for a day or weekend trip. You might even glance down in your ice hole and see a lurking musky. With all the water the Northwoods has to offer, it never hurts to add one of the small but mighty lakes to your list if you’re just looking to stock up for a Friday night fish fry!
Outside of the fishing Diamond, the area surrounding it is blanketed with various lakes and waterways, so if you don’t catch what you’re after, you’ve got a five-minute drive to 15 other spots worth a try. If you do make it up to Diamond Lake, you’re just a tick from plenty of local Resorts to keep you rested and fed, Booth Lake Landing Resort is right down the road. For shopping and entertainment, you’ll have to travel to Woodruff or Lac Du Flambeau. Also nearby is Minocqua Winter Park, where you can find skiing trails, snowshoe trails, and tubing. It’s a great way to keep entertained outdoors with the entire family.
So, if you’re traveling up North this winter for some ice fishing or you’re just looking to venture away from your regular group of lakes, give Diamond Lake in Vilas County a look. It might end up being your new favorite place to peacefully enjoy the outdoors.