Lake Buteau

Lincoln County, Wisconsin

51 acres 50 ft max depth 18 ft avg depth 3 fish species

About Lake Buteau

Lake Buteau offers the classic northern Wisconsin combo: northern pike and bass in a Lincoln County setting that draws anglers and families alike, a intimate 51-acre lake reaching 50 feet at its deepest. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. Anglers target Largemouth Bass and Panfish.

Bottom composition: 70% sand, 12% gravel, 3% rock, 15% muck

Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE

Lake Location

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45.43940° N, 89.47570° W

WBIC 994400 · Wisconsin DNR

Fish Species

Full table →
Largemouth Bass· CommonNorthern PikePanfish· Abundant

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

Sandy bottom sections make for good swimming. No lifeguard on duty — swim at your own risk.

Content coming soon

Nearby Dining

Looking for supper clubs and bait shops near Lake Buteau? Local dining recommendations coming soon.

Content coming soon

Insider Tips

Local knowledge about Lake Buteau — best times to visit, quiet spots, and what the regulars know. Contributed tips coming soon.

Content coming soon

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

Seasonal notes for Lake Buteau coming soon — ice-out timing, peak fishing windows, and fall color dates.

Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Lake Buteau?

Lake Buteau is home to Largemouth Bass (Common), Northern Pike, and Panfish (Abundant). Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.

Can you boat on Lake Buteau?

Lake Buteau 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 Lake Buteau?

Lake Buteau has 51 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 50 feet, a mean depth of 18 feet.

What is the bottom of Lake Buteau like?

The lake bottom is composed of 70% sand, 12% gravel, 3% rock, 15% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.

Are there invasive species in Lake Buteau?

No invasive species are currently documented in Lake Buteau by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.

Where is Lake Buteau located?

Lake Buteau is located in Lincoln County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 45.4394° N, 89.4757° W.

Are there vacation rentals on Lake Buteau?

Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Lincoln County lakes. Check our Lake Buteau vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Lincoln County lake rentals.

Fishing Regulations

Current season regulations for Lake Buteau

SpeciesSeasonMin. LengthDaily Bag
BullheadsOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited.
CatfishOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10.
Cisco And WhitefishOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10.
Lake SturgeonClosedNo fishing allowed.
Largemouth BassMay 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5.
Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth BassJune 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5.
Muskellunge And HybridsMay 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open waterThe minimum length limit is 40" and the daily bag limit is 1.
Northern PikeMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5.
PaddlefishClosedNo fishing allowed.
PanfishOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25.
Rock, Yellow, And White BassOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited.
Rough FishOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited.
Round GobyOpen All YearThe daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office.
RuffeOpen All YearThe daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office.
Shovelnose SturgeonClosedNo fishing allowed.
Smallmouth BassMay 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026Fish may not be harvested (catch and release only).
TroutSee specific regulationshttps://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ .
Walleye, Sauger, And HybridsMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027The 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 PerchOpen All YearThe 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
994400
County
Lincoln County
Surface Area
51 acres
Max Depth
50 ft
Mean Depth
18 ft
Bottom
70% sand, 12% gravel, 3% rock, 15% muck
Lake Type
lake
Coordinates
45.4394, -89.4757
Full Facts & Figures

Boat Rentals Nearby

Pontoon

Listing soon

Fishing Boat + Motor

Listing soon

Kayak / Canoe

Listing soon

Know a local boat rental operator near Lake Buteau? Let us know.

Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 3/24/2026.