McCartney Lake
Grant County, Wisconsin
About McCartney Lake
McCartney Lake offers the classic northern Wisconsin combo: northern pike and bass in a Grant County setting that draws anglers and families alike, covering 952 acres with a maximum depth of 10 feet. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. The fishery includes Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Panfish.
Bottom composition: 20% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 80% muck
Type: flowage · Hydrology: DRAINAGE
Lake Location
42.68240° N, 90.87840° W
WBIC 721400 · 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
McCartney Lake has limited visibility and a gravel and sand bottom, making it better suited for boating and fishing than swimming. With 952 acres of water, there is plenty of room for boats and swimmers to share the lake comfortably.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for McCartney Lake are coming soon. Know a great spot near McCartney Lake? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Grant County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
McCartney Lake is one of Grant 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 McCartney 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 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 McCartney Lake?
McCartney 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.
Can you boat on McCartney Lake?
McCartney 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 McCartney Lake?
McCartney Lake has 952 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 10 feet.
What is the bottom of McCartney Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 20% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 80% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in McCartney Lake?
No invasive species are currently documented in McCartney Lake by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is McCartney Lake located?
McCartney Lake is located in Grant County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 42.6824° N, 90.8784° W.
Are there vacation rentals on McCartney Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Grant County lakes. Check our McCartney Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Grant County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for McCartney Lake
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
- 721400
- County
- Grant County
- Surface Area
- 952 acres
- Max Depth
- 10 ft
- Bottom
- 20% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 80% muck
- Lake Type
- flowage
- Coordinates
- 42.6824, -90.8784
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near McCartney Lake? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.