Happles Lake
Bayfield County, Wisconsin
About Happles Lake
Happles Lake is a scenic Bayfield County lake worth knowing about, a intimate 23-acre lake reaching 36 feet at its deepest. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers.
Bottom composition: 80% sand, 20% gravel, 0% rock, 0% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
46.47990° N, 91.36870° W
WBIC 2762800 · Wisconsin DNRLocal's Guide
Fishing
Species-specific tips above. Wisconsin fishing license required for ages 16+. See current season regulations below.
View fishing regulations ↓Swimming
Happles Lake has limited visibility and a gravel and sand bottom, making it better suited for boating and fishing than swimming. The 23-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for Happles Lake are coming soon. Know a great spot near Happles Lake? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Bayfield County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
Happles Lake is one of Bayfield County's lesser-known gems — the kind of place locals return to year after year. Early mornings before 9am offer the calmest water and best fishing before boat traffic picks up. If you're visiting for the first time, check the DNR boat landing locations before you arrive — some are well-marked, others take a local to find. Know something about Happles Lake that visitors should? Share a tip at staynorthern.com/contact — we add the best ones to this page.
Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Not documented
Clean lake
Seasonal Notes
See below
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Ice typically goes out in late April to early May on northern Wisconsin lakes. Walleye and bass fishing peaks from late May through June and again in September and October. Summer brings warm water temps ideal for swimming from late June through August. Fall color peaks in late September — some of the most dramatic foliage in the state. Snowmobile and ice fishing season runs December through March, with hard ice typically forming by late December.
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you boat on Happles Lake?
Happles Lake does not currently have a public boat landing listed in the Wisconsin DNR database. Shore fishing or kayak/canoe access may still be available — check local access points.
How big is Happles Lake?
Happles Lake has 23 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 36 feet, a mean depth of 21 feet.
What is the bottom of Happles Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 80% sand, 20% gravel, 0% rock, 0% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Happles Lake?
No invasive species are currently documented in Happles Lake by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is Happles Lake located?
Happles Lake is located in Bayfield County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 46.4799° N, 91.3687° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Happles Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Bayfield County lakes. Check our Happles Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Bayfield County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Happles Lake
| Species | Season | Min. Length | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullheads | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Catfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Cisco And Whitefish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Lake Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Largemouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | June 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Muskellunge And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | The minimum length limit is 40" and the daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| Northern Pike | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Paddlefish | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Panfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25. | — |
| Rock, Yellow, And White Bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rough Fish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Round Goby | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Ruffe | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Smallmouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | Fish may not be harvested (catch and release only). | — |
| Trout | See specific regulations | https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ . | — |
| Walleye, Sauger, And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The 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 Perch | Open All Year | The 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
- 2762800
- County
- Bayfield County
- Surface Area
- 23 acres
- Max Depth
- 36 ft
- Mean Depth
- 21 ft
- Bottom
- 80% sand, 20% gravel, 0% rock, 0% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 46.4799, -91.3687
Nearby Trails
Bois Brule River
44 mi · Douglas County
North Country National Scenic Trail — Wisconsin
220 mi · Douglas/Bayfield/Ashland/Iron County
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Happles Lake? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.