French Lake
La Crosse County, Wisconsin
About French Lake
French Lake offers the classic northern Wisconsin combo: northern pike and bass in a La Crosse County setting that draws anglers and families alike, covering 157 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.
Type: lake
Lake Location
43.86040° N, 91.27610° W
WBIC 727600 · 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
French Lake has limited visibility and a mixed bottom, making it generally good for swimming with gradual entry in most areas. The 157-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for French Lake are coming soon. Know a great spot near French Lake? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near La Crosse County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
French Lake is one of La Crosse 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 French 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 French Lake?
French 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.
Is there a public boat launch on French Lake?
Yes — French Lake has a public boat landing providing watercraft access. Check for posted local ordinances at the landing before launching.
How big is French Lake?
French Lake has 157 acres in surface area.
Are there invasive species in French Lake?
No invasive species are currently documented in French Lake by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is French Lake located?
French Lake is located in La Crosse County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 43.8604° N, 91.2761° W.
Are there vacation rentals on French Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for La Crosse County lakes. Check our French Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby La Crosse County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for French 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
- 727600
- County
- La Crosse County
- Surface Area
- 157 acres
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 43.8604, -91.2761
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near French Lake? Let us know.
Boat Landings (1)
Town of Campbell · 608-783-0050
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.