Burnett County Lakes: The Complete Guide

Big Yellow Lake — walleye and musky

At 2,654 acres, Big Yellow Lake is Burnett County's flagship fishing lake — known for quality walleye and a developing musky fishery. The DNR manages walleye stocking here and the population surveys show a healthy age structure. Multiple public boat landings provide access. Fish the gravel-to-sand transitions at 8–14 feet for walleye in May and September; the deep basin edges in midsummer.

Clam Lake — all-species producer

Clam Lake is a well-rounded fishery with walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, and panfish all present in good numbers. The lake has a mix of structure — weed edges, rock piles, sandy flats — that holds fish across all the major species. Lower angling pressure than comparable Washburn County lakes makes it consistently productive on weekends.

Lipsett Lake — ecologically intact with strong bass fishing

Lipsett Lake is a smaller, naturally pristine lake with minimal shoreline development and a strong largemouth bass and northern pike fishery. The lack of heavy recreational use keeps the bass population less pressured than most Wisconsin lakes. It fishes particularly well in late spring (bass pre-spawn) and early fall. Stay Northern has lakefront cabins on Lipsett Lake available for direct booking.

Yellow River — trout and smallmouth

The Yellow River runs through the county's interior with cold, clear water supporting brown and brook trout in its upper reaches and smallmouth bass in the warmer lower sections. The river is publicly accessible at multiple points and fishes best with dry flies in June–July and streamers in early spring and fall.

Big Sand Lake — sandy shores and clear water

The name is accurate — Big Sand Lake has extensive sandy shorelines and a gradual entry that makes it ideal for families with young children. Water clarity is good, the bottom is sand rather than muck, and the public beach areas are maintained. It's the most family-friendly lake in the immediate Webster area.

Lewis Lake — small and quiet for families

Lewis Lake is a small, relatively undeveloped lake with good water clarity and a sandy bottom in its shallow areas. It's a good option for families looking for a quiet swimming lake without heavy boat traffic.