Sportsman Lake
Clark County, Wisconsin
About Sportsman Lake
Sportsman Lake offers the classic northern Wisconsin combo: northern pike and bass in a Clark County setting that draws anglers and families alike, a mid-sized lake at 253 acres and up to 12 feet deep. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. The fishery includes Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Panfish.
Type: flowage · Hydrology: DRAINAGE
Lake Location
44.98160° N, 90.56910° W
WBIC 1753500 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →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
Sportsman Lake has limited visibility and a mixed bottom, making it generally good for swimming with gradual entry in most areas. The 253-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for Sportsman Lake are coming soon. Know a great spot near Sportsman Lake? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Clark County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
Sportsman Lake is one of Clark 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 Sportsman 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 out typically arrives in mid-April on central Wisconsin lakes. Fishing season hits its stride in mid-May and runs strong through June and again in fall. Swimming conditions are best from late June through mid-August. Fall color peaks in early-to-mid October. Ice fishing season runs late December through February in most years.
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Sportsman Lake?
Sportsman Lake is home to Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Panfish. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Can you boat on Sportsman Lake?
Sportsman 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 Sportsman Lake?
Sportsman Lake has 253 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 12 feet.
Are there invasive species in Sportsman Lake?
No invasive species are currently documented in Sportsman Lake by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is Sportsman Lake located?
Sportsman Lake is located in Clark County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 44.9816° N, 90.5691° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Sportsman Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Clark County lakes. Check our Sportsman Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Clark County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Sportsman 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 And Smallmouth Bass | May 2, 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. | — |
| 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
- 1753500
- County
- Clark County
- Surface Area
- 253 acres
- Max Depth
- 12 ft
- Lake Type
- flowage
- Coordinates
- 44.9816, -90.5691
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Sportsman Lake? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/29/2026.