Musky Shop Northwoods Lake of the Month: Upper Gresham Lake
Are you heading to the Northwoods for a chilly fall retreat? Well, there are plenty of lakes to find the trophy musky of your dreams, but Upper Gresham Lake might take the cake for location, relaxation, and, of course, great fishing. Upper Gresham Lake is straight up 51, just 25 minutes from the Musky Shop. It features a very comfortable launch, recreation area, camping, restrooms, parking, and a pier. You really can’t say enough good things about this lake.
On the North side of Upper Gresham, you’ll find the boat launch with ample parking right off the highway. This lake is an excellent destination for those who like relaxation but don’t care for dirt roads. It has all of the nature you dream of with the desired conveniences of modern civilization. Upon arrival, you’ll find a nice-sized parking area and a great DNR-maintained fishing pier, perfect for those who want to relax without launching.
Upper Gresham Lake is loaded with bass, walleye, panfish, pike and musky. Over the years, the crappie bite has dwindled, but the pike and musky are actively caught. Rumors exist that a monster, musky or two, is actively patrolling Upper Gresham waiting for the patient angler, but locals also report plenty of 30s and 40s to keep your hooks dulled.
Upper Gresham Lake is a very sandy and lightly gravelly lake. Throughout its 362 acres, the best spots are definitely going to be its nice rounded points and humps this fall. During the spring and summer, shallow casting might take the cake, but for fall fishing, trolling and jigging around the structural humps and 10’ edges are likely going to land you a healthy-sized musky. This lake features beautiful clear water with great visibility at the shoreline.
Because Upper Gresham Lake is super clear, stick to natural or muted colors before branching out to land a monster musky. For your trolling lures, muted colors with noticeable patterns will always help deliver. Local regulations only allow up to 3 lines per boat or one per angler, so look at your trolling setup before making the trek to Upper Gresham.
Outside of the fishing, Upper Gresham Lake is in a great location with a nice campground nearby, but if you’re looking for an upgrade, check out Whispering Pines nearby. It’s a pleasant rustic stay that can accommodate the weary traveler with their lakeside cottages. And for a nice bite to eat and a cool drink, nearby Brushwood Tavern delivers amazing, heart-stopping cheese curds, burgers, and other hearty tavern food. It fills up fast, so you have to get there early.
So, if you’re looking for a new adventure or just a lake to check off the list in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, spend a little time on Upper Gresham. Bolder Junction is just a minute away, and the Musky Shop down in Minocqua can set you up with all the great gear you might need on your way up. And while you’re there, keep your eye out for eagles.