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 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Shell Lake
Washburn County, Wisconsin · 2,510 acres (3.9 sq mi)
46°F water, calm this morning.
About Shell Lake
In Washburn County, Wisconsin, Shell Lake covers 2,510 acres; it is a natural lake. Shell Lake in Washburn County is named for its shape, which resembles a freshwater bivalve shell.
It stretches about 2.6 miles end to end with roughly 10.5 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 1,220 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 36 ft. Shell Lake is right by the lake.
- Size
- 2,510 acres (3.9 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 36 ft
- Shoreline
- About 10.5 miles
- End to end
- About 2.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,220 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Washburn County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 3:00 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 3:15 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
Expect the usual Wisconsin mix for a lake this size: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 46°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.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
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
- 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 7:04 am · sunset 4:38 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Shell Lake
- Shell Lakeon the shore
- Spoonerabout 5 mi north
- Cumberlandabout 14 mi southwest
- Rice Lakeabout 16 mi southeast
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Questions about Shell Lake
What fish are in Shell Lake?
Lakes like Shell Lake usually hold walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Shell Lake?
About 36 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Shell Lake?
2,510 acres, with about 10.5 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Shell Lake?
Shell Lake is on the shore; Spooner is about 5 miles north.
What is the water temperature at Shell Lake today?
The surface was about 46°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Shell Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
