Bruce Lake

Rusk County, Wisconsin

35 acres 6 ft max depth 1 ft avg depth 3 fish species

About Bruce Lake

Bruce Lake offers the classic northern Wisconsin combo: northern pike and bass in a Rusk County setting that draws anglers and families alike, a intimate 35-acre lake reaching 6 feet at its deepest. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. Anglers primarily target Largemouth Bass.

Bottom composition: 0% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 99% muck

Type: flowage · Hydrology: DRAINAGE

Lake Location

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45.44680° N, 91.28630° W

WBIC 2360700 · Wisconsin DNR

Fish Species

Full table →
Largemouth Bass· CommonNorthern PikePanfish

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.

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Nearby Dining

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

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Insider Tips

Local knowledge about Bruce 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 Bruce Lake?

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

Can you boat on Bruce Lake?

Bruce 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 Bruce Lake?

Bruce Lake has 35 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 6 feet, a mean depth of 1 feet.

What is the bottom of Bruce 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 Bruce Lake?

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

Where is Bruce Lake located?

Bruce Lake is located in Rusk County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 45.4468° N, 91.2863° W.

Are there vacation rentals on Bruce Lake?

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

Fishing Regulations

Current season regulations for Bruce Lake

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 Bass And Smallmouth BassMay 2, 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.
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
2360700
County
Rusk County
Surface Area
35 acres
Max Depth
6 ft
Mean Depth
1 ft
Bottom
0% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 99% muck
Lake Type
flowage
Coordinates
45.4468, -91.2863
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 Bruce Lake? Let us know.

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