Sylvan Lake

Barron County, Wisconsin

77 acres 37 ft max depth 21 ft avg depth 3 fish species 1 boat landing Invasives present

About Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake offers the classic northern Wisconsin combo: northern pike and bass in a Barron County setting that draws anglers and families alike, a intimate 77-acre lake reaching 37 feet at its deepest. The lake has public boat landing access, making it easy to launch for a day on the water. The fishery includes Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Panfish. Note that invasive species (Chinese Mystery Snail, Purple Loosestrife) have been documented here — clean your boat before leaving.

Bottom composition: 30% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 70% muck

Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE

Lake Location

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45.60940° N, 91.95190° W

WBIC 1884800 · Wisconsin DNR

Fish Species

Full table →
Largemouth Bass· CommonNorthern Pike· CommonPanfish· Common

Fishing Tips

  • ·Northern pike are ambush predators — target weed edges, fallen timber, and points with large spoons or swimbaits.
  • ·Spring pike fishing (ice-out through June) can be outstanding as they move into shallow, warming bays to spawn.
  • ·Largemouth bass relate to shallow structure. Work topwater lures at dawn in summer, then switch to soft plastics rigged weedless around lily pads and fallen wood.
  • ·Bluegill and crappie stack up in 8–15 ft of water near weedlines. Small jigs tipped with a waxworm are hard to beat.
  • ·Panfish are often excellent for kids and beginners — look for them around any dock or submerged brush piles.

Local's Guide

Fishing

Species-specific tips above. Wisconsin fishing license required for ages 16+. See current season regulations below.

View fishing regulations ↓

Swimming

Sandy bottom sections make for good swimming. No lifeguard on duty — swim at your own risk.

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Nearby Dining

Looking for supper clubs and bait shops near Sylvan Lake? Local dining recommendations coming soon.

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Insider Tips

Local knowledge about Sylvan Lake — best times to visit, quiet spots, and what the regulars know. Contributed tips coming soon.

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Lake Conditions

Water Clarity

No data

Trophic Status

No data

Invasive Weeds

Present

Chinese Mystery Snail, Purple Loosestrife

Seasonal Notes

Coming soon

Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows

Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.

Invasive Species Present

Chinese Mystery Snail and Purple Loosestrife have been documented in Sylvan Lake. Clean, drain, and dry all watercraft and equipment before leaving.

Report sightings to the Wisconsin DNR invasive species hotline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Sylvan Lake?

Sylvan Lake is home to Largemouth Bass (Common), Northern Pike (Common), and Panfish (Common). Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.

Is there a public boat launch on Sylvan Lake?

Yes — Sylvan Lake has a public boat landing providing watercraft access. Check for posted local ordinances at the landing before launching.

How big is Sylvan Lake?

Sylvan Lake has 77 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 37 feet, a mean depth of 21 feet.

What is the bottom of Sylvan Lake like?

The lake bottom is composed of 30% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 70% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.

Are there invasive species in Sylvan Lake?

Yes — Chinese Mystery Snail and Purple Loosestrife have been documented in Sylvan Lake. Please clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and all equipment before leaving any Wisconsin water body to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Where is Sylvan Lake located?

Sylvan Lake is located in Barron County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 45.6094° N, 91.9519° W.

Are there vacation rentals on Sylvan Lake?

Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Barron County lakes. Check our Sylvan Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Barron County lake rentals.

Fishing Regulations

Current season regulations for Sylvan Lake

SpeciesSeasonMin. LengthDaily Bag
BullheadsOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited.
CatfishOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10.
Cisco And WhitefishOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10.
Lake SturgeonClosedNo fishing allowed.
Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth BassMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5.
Muskellunge And HybridsMay 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open waterThe minimum length limit is 40" and the daily bag limit is 1.
Northern PikeMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5.
PaddlefishClosedNo fishing allowed.
PanfishOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25.
Rock, Yellow, And White BassOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited.
Rough FishOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited.
Round GobyOpen All YearThe daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office.
RuffeOpen All YearThe daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office.
Shovelnose SturgeonClosedNo fishing allowed.
TroutSee specific regulationshttps://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ .
Walleye, Sauger, And HybridsMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027The minimum length is 15", but walleye, sauger, and hybrids from 20" to 24" may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 24" is allowed. The daily bag limit is 3.
White PerchOpen All YearThe daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office.

Regulations sourced from Wisconsin DNR fisheries data. Always verify current regulations before fishing.

Lake Details

WBIC
1884800
County
Barron County
Surface Area
77 acres
Max Depth
37 ft
Mean Depth
21 ft
Bottom
30% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 70% muck
Lake Type
lake
Coordinates
45.6094, -91.9519
Full Facts & Figures

Boat Rentals Nearby

Pontoon

Listing soon

Fishing Boat + Motor

Listing soon

Kayak / Canoe

Listing soon

Know a local boat rental operator near Sylvan Lake? Let us know.

Boat Landings (1)

Public Boat Landing

Public

Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 3/24/2026.