Red Cedar Lake
Jefferson County, Wisconsin
About Red Cedar Lake
Red Cedar Lake is a scenic Jefferson County lake worth knowing about, a mid-sized lake at 344 acres and up to 6 feet deep. The lake has public boat landing access, making it easy to launch for a day on the water. Anglers primarily target Panfish. Note that invasive species (Purple Loosestrife) have been documented here — clean your boat before leaving.
Bottom composition: 0% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 99% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
42.98150° N, 88.98370° W
WBIC 813100 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·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
Red Cedar Lake has limited visibility and a gravel and sand bottom, making it better suited for boating and fishing than swimming. The 344-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for Red Cedar Lake are coming soon. Know a great spot near Red Cedar Lake? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Jefferson County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
Red Cedar Lake is one of Jefferson 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 Red Cedar 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
Present
Purple Loosestrife
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
Purple Loosestrife has been documented in Red Cedar Lake. 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 Red Cedar Lake?
Red Cedar Lake is home to Panfish. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Is there a public boat launch on Red Cedar Lake?
Yes — Red Cedar Lake has a public boat landing providing watercraft access. Check for posted local ordinances at the landing before launching.
How big is Red Cedar Lake?
Red Cedar Lake has 344 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 6 feet.
What is the bottom of Red Cedar Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 0% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 99% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Red Cedar Lake?
Yes — Purple Loosestrife has been documented in Red Cedar Lake. 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 Red Cedar Lake located?
Red Cedar Lake is located in Jefferson County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 42.9815° N, 88.9837° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Red Cedar Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Jefferson County lakes. Check our Red Cedar Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Jefferson County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Red Cedar 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 | Open All Year | 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 | 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
- 813100
- County
- Jefferson County
- Surface Area
- 344 acres
- Max Depth
- 6 ft
- Bottom
- 0% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 99% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 42.9815, -88.9837
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Red Cedar Lake? Let us know.
Boat Landings (1)
Town of Oakland · 608-423-9635
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.