The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Petenwell Lake
Adams County, Wisconsin · 23,200 acres (36.2 sq mi)
52°F water, calm this afternoon.
About Petenwell Lake
In Adams County, Wisconsin, Petenwell Lake covers 23,200 acres; it is a reservoir. It was made by Petenwell Dam on the Wisconsin River. Petenwell Lake is the second-largest lake located entirely within Wisconsin.
It stretches about 13.6 miles end to end with roughly 54 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 920 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 42 ft. The nearest town, Rome, is about 3.2 miles northeast.
- Size
- 23,200 acres (36.2 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 42 ft
- Shoreline
- About 54 miles
- End to end
- About 13.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 920 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Petenwell Dam, Wisconsin River
- County
- Adams County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 6 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 in Petenwell Lake
The fish here: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish and muskie. At 52°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodWalleye
Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
- 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.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
3 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 6:52 am · sunset 4:34 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Petenwell Lake
- Romeabout 3.2 mi northeast
- Nekoosaabout 4 mi north
- Port Edwardsabout 6.8 mi north
- Wisconsin Rapidsabout 9.5 mi northeast
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Questions about Petenwell Lake
What fish are in Petenwell Lake?
Petenwell Lake holds walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish and muskie. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Petenwell Lake?
About 42 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Petenwell Lake?
23,200 acres, with about 54 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Petenwell Lake?
Rome is about 3.2 miles northeast; Nekoosa is about 4 miles north.
What is the water temperature at Petenwell Lake today?
The surface was about 52°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Petenwell Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
