The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lake Wisconsin
Columbia County, Wisconsin · 7,200 acres (11.2 sq mi)
51°F water, windy Friday (15 mph N).
About Lake Wisconsin
In Columbia County, Wisconsin, Lake Wisconsin covers 7,200 acres; it is a reservoir. It was made by Prairie du Sac Dam on the Wisconsin River. Lake Wisconsin was formed in 1914 by the Prairie du Sac Dam, which also ended commercial navigation on the historic Fox-Wisconsin Waterway.
From end to end it runs about 11.7 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 55 miles. The water sits about 770 ft above sea level. It reaches about 24 ft at its deepest. Lake Wisconsin is right by the lake. The closest city is Madison, about 21 miles away.
- Size
- 7,200 acres (11.2 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 24 ft
- Shoreline
- About 55 miles
- End to end
- About 11.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 770 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Prairie du Sac Dam, Wisconsin River
- County
- Columbia County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Lakes like Lake Wisconsin in Wisconsin usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 51°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:49 am · sunset 4:35 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake Wisconsin
- Lake Wisconsinon the shore
- Prairie du Sacabout 1.6 mi southwest
- Sauk Cityabout 2.8 mi southwest
- Lodiabout 3.1 mi southeast
- Madisonnearest city, about 21 mi southeast
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Lake Wisconsin
What fish are in Lake Wisconsin?
Lakes like Lake Wisconsin usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Lake Wisconsin?
About 24 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Lake Wisconsin?
7,200 acres, with about 55 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake Wisconsin?
Lake Wisconsin is on the shore; Prairie du Sac is about 1.6 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Lake Wisconsin today?
The surface was about 51°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake Wisconsin on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
