Founder Lake
Menominee County, Wisconsin
About Founder Lake
Founder Lake offers the classic northern Wisconsin combo: northern pike and bass in a Menominee County setting that draws anglers and families alike, a intimate 13-acre lake reaching 30 feet at its deepest. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. Anglers target Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike.
Bottom composition: 0% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 99% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SPRING
Lake Location
45.08920° N, 88.51150° W
WBIC 459300 · 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
Founder Lake has limited visibility and a gravel and sand bottom, making it better suited for boating and fishing than swimming. The 13-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for Founder Lake are coming soon. Know a great spot near Founder Lake? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Menominee County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
Founder Lake is one of Menominee 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 Founder 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 typically arrives in mid-April on central Wisconsin lakes. Fishing season hits its stride in mid-May and runs strong through June and again in fall. Swimming conditions are best from late June through mid-August. Fall color peaks in early-to-mid October. Ice fishing season runs late December through February in most years.
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Founder Lake?
Founder Lake is home to Largemouth Bass (Abundant), Northern Pike (Abundant), and Panfish. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Can you boat on Founder Lake?
Founder 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 Founder Lake?
Founder Lake has 13 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 30 feet.
What is the bottom of Founder 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 Founder Lake?
No invasive species are currently documented in Founder Lake by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is Founder Lake located?
Founder Lake is located in Menominee County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 45.0892° N, 88.5115° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Founder Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Menominee County lakes. Check our Founder Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Menominee County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Founder 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
- 459300
- County
- Menominee County
- Surface Area
- 13 acres
- Max Depth
- 30 ft
- Bottom
- 0% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 99% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 45.0892, -88.5115
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Founder Lake? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.