Lake Winneshiek
Crawford County, Wisconsin
About Lake Winneshiek
Lake Winneshiek offers the classic northern Wisconsin combo: northern pike and bass in a Crawford County setting that draws anglers and families alike, covering 4,635 acres. 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 (Faucet Snail, Purple Loosestrife, Zebra Mussel) have been documented here — clean your boat before leaving.
Type: lake · Hydrology: DRAINAGE
Lake Location
43.26090° N, 91.05430° W
WBIC 724600 · 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
Lake Winneshiek has limited visibility and a mixed bottom, making it generally good for swimming with gradual entry in most areas. With 4,635 acres of water, there is plenty of room for boats and swimmers to share the lake comfortably.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for Lake Winneshiek are coming soon. Know a great spot near Lake Winneshiek? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Crawford County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
Lake Winneshiek is one of Crawford 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 Winneshiek 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
Present
Faucet Snail, Purple Loosestrife, Zebra Mussel
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.
Invasive Species Present
Faucet Snail and Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel have been documented in Lake Winneshiek. 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 Lake Winneshiek?
Lake Winneshiek 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 Lake Winneshiek?
Yes — Lake Winneshiek has a public boat landing providing watercraft access. Check for posted local ordinances at the landing before launching.
How big is Lake Winneshiek?
Lake Winneshiek has 4,635 acres in surface area.
Are there invasive species in Lake Winneshiek?
Yes — Faucet Snail and Purple Loosestrife and Zebra Mussel have been documented in Lake Winneshiek. 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 Lake Winneshiek located?
Lake Winneshiek is located in Crawford County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 43.2609° N, 91.0543° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Lake Winneshiek?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Crawford County lakes. Check our Lake Winneshiek vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Crawford County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Lake Winneshiek
Regulation data is not available for this lake. Check with the Wisconsin DNR for current season rules before fishing.
Regulations sourced from Wisconsin DNR fisheries data. Always verify current regulations before fishing.
Lake Details
- WBIC
- 724600
- County
- Crawford County
- Surface Area
- 4,635 acres
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 43.2609, -91.0543
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Lake Winneshiek? Let us know.
Boat Landings (1)
US Fish & Wildlife Service · 507-452-4232
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.