Musky Shop Northwoods Lake of the Month: Big Carr Lake
Though time on the water is shortening for some, those willing to brave colder weather might have a few more days in the 40s to find a late-season musky bite. With that in mind, our Lake of the Month will carry you through winter with great ice fishing, too, when musky season runs out. Big Carr Lake will help you ride the wave, so you won’t miss out on any angling when the big freeze sets in.
This month's “Lake of the Month”, Big Carr Lake, is quite the representation of “big things come in small packages” as this lake packs wild formations into a small bit of acreage. First things first, Big Carr is only about 200 acres, but the maximum depth is monumental at 75 feet. From the perspective of an angler, that can be a wild amount of vertical space to cover in such a small surface area, but don’t worry, it can be done.
Big Carr Lake’s subsurface topography is interesting to say the least. It is uniformly bumpy on the bottom, so it’s not the usual bowl shape. The bottom carries humps, valleys, steep drops, and several long-reaching points. It’s a bit of a puzzle, to say the least, but worth figuring out. The water on Big Carr is very clear, so it’s no surprise that the muskies are not casually parading the shallows, waiting for your every cast. This lake takes some effort, but it will pay off if you create the right environment.
During this cold part of the year, with overcast skies, Big Carr is more likely to pay off in your favor as the fish are lower in the column and less likely to be skiddish. This is the perfect time to pull out your deep jigging and jerking lures. Angling across Big Carr's deep structure by utilizing slow jerking tubes, deep jigging Bondys, or even swimming heavy paddle tails along the ledges is a way to get an opportunity at one of the large muskies that call Big Carr home.
On another tip, after you wrap up musky season, don’t hesitate to return to Big Carr when it’s covered in ice. This is a great ice fishing destination for all species. Big Carr holds a great assortment of crappie, walleye, ciscos, and more. It has been a popular ice fishing destination for many families in the Northwoods, and it’s easy to keep your creel full.
On the lake itself, there are cabins for rent, a highly recommended American Legion Camp and a suitable public launch on the North side. Nearby to the Northeast is the town of Tomahawk that can keep you fed and provisions full, with local stores and taverns for the weary traveler. Lodgings and rentals are scattered throughout the area, so there is always some place to lay your head nearby.
Overall, Big Carr Lake has a lot to offer for a Northwoods Lake of the Month: good fishing for all seasons, low traffic, and nearby amenities for all. So, if you are overwintering in the Northwoods of Wisconsin or just a local looking for a new fishing hole, don’t let a day trip to Big Carr Lake slip by.