Lake Columbia
Columbia County, Wisconsin
About Lake Columbia
Lake Columbia is a consistent bass fishery tucked into Columbia County — the kind of lake that rewards anglers who know it, a mid-sized lake at 378 acres and up to 8 feet deep. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. The fishery includes Largemouth Bass, Panfish, and Smallmouth Bass.
Type: lake
Lake Location
43.47100° N, 89.42240° W
WBIC 977600 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·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
Lake Columbia has limited visibility and a mixed bottom, making it generally good for swimming with gradual entry in most areas. The 378-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for Lake Columbia are coming soon. Know a great spot near Lake Columbia? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Columbia County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
Lake Columbia is one of Columbia 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 Lake Columbia 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 arrives in late March to early April on southern Wisconsin lakes. Bass and panfish fishing is excellent from early May onward. Swimming season runs from early June through September. Fall color peaks in mid-October. Ice fishing is possible in most winters but season length varies — check conditions before heading out.
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Lake Columbia?
Lake Columbia is home to Largemouth Bass (Abundant), Panfish (Abundant), and Smallmouth Bass (Abundant). Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Can you boat on Lake Columbia?
Lake Columbia 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 Lake Columbia?
Lake Columbia has 378 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 8 feet.
Are there invasive species in Lake Columbia?
No invasive species are currently documented in Lake Columbia by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is Lake Columbia located?
Lake Columbia is located in Columbia County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 43.4710° N, 89.4224° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Lake Columbia?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Columbia County lakes. Check our Lake Columbia vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Columbia County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Lake Columbia
| 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. | — |
| Hybrid Striped Yellow And White Bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Lake Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | Open All Year | The minimum length limit is 18" and the daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| 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 | Open All Year | The minimum length limit is 26" and the daily bag limit is 2. | — |
| 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 | Open All Year | The minimum length limit is 15" and 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
- 977600
- County
- Columbia County
- Surface Area
- 378 acres
- Max Depth
- 8 ft
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 43.4710, -89.4224
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Lake Columbia? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.