About McCarthy Lake
McCarthy Lake is a classic musky lake in Iron County — the kind of place serious anglers plan their summer around, a intimate 43-acre lake reaching 13 feet at its deepest. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. The fishery includes Largemouth Bass, Musky, and Panfish.
Bottom composition: 20% sand, 30% gravel, 30% rock, 20% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: DRAINED
Lake Location
46.29290° N, 90.54180° W
WBIC 2931100 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·Musky fishing is best in early morning and evening. Work weedlines and structural transitions with large bucktails or soft swimbaits.
- ·Wisconsin musky season typically opens the first Saturday in May. The fall bite (September–October) is peak for trophy fish.
- ·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
Sandy bottom sections make for good swimming. No lifeguard on duty — swim at your own risk.
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Nearby Dining
Looking for supper clubs and bait shops near McCarthy Lake? Local dining recommendations coming soon.
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Insider Tips
Local knowledge about McCarthy Lake — best times to visit, quiet spots, and what the regulars know. Contributed tips coming soon.
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Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Not documented
Clean lake
Seasonal Notes
Coming soon
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in McCarthy Lake?
McCarthy Lake is home to Largemouth Bass, Musky, and Panfish. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Can you boat on McCarthy Lake?
McCarthy 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 McCarthy Lake?
McCarthy Lake has 43 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 13 feet.
What is the bottom of McCarthy Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 20% sand, 30% gravel, 30% rock, 20% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in McCarthy Lake?
No invasive species are currently documented in McCarthy Lake by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is McCarthy Lake located?
McCarthy Lake is located in Iron County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 46.2929° N, 90.5418° W.
Are there vacation rentals on McCarthy Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Iron County lakes. Check our McCarthy Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Iron County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for McCarthy 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
- 2931100
- County
- Iron County
- Surface Area
- 43 acres
- Max Depth
- 13 ft
- Bottom
- 20% sand, 30% gravel, 30% rock, 20% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 46.2929, -90.5418
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near McCarthy Lake? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 3/24/2026.