Rusk Lake
Rusk County, Wisconsin
About Rusk Lake
Rusk Lake earns its reputation as one of Rusk County's premier walleye fisheries, a intimate 13-acre lake reaching 71 feet at its deepest. The lake has public boat landing access, making it easy to launch for a day on the water. Anglers target Largemouth Bass and Panfish.
Bottom composition: 70% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 30% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
45.34170° N, 91.47360° W
WBIC 1878800 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·Walleye feed most actively at dawn and dusk. Jig along deep structural breaks or troll crankbaits along weedlines at 6–8 ft depth.
- ·Night fishing under a full moon can produce excellent walleye results from late June through August.
- ·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
Rusk 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 Rusk Lake are coming soon. Know a great spot near Rusk Lake? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Rusk County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
Rusk Lake is one of Rusk 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 Rusk 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 typically goes out in late April to early May on northern Wisconsin lakes. Walleye and bass fishing peaks from late May through June and again in September and October. Summer brings warm water temps ideal for swimming from late June through August. Fall color peaks in late September — some of the most dramatic foliage in the state. Snowmobile and ice fishing season runs December through March, with hard ice typically forming by late December.
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Rusk Lake?
Rusk Lake is home to Largemouth Bass (Common), Northern Pike, Panfish (Abundant), and Walleye. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Is there a public boat launch on Rusk Lake?
Yes — Rusk Lake has a public boat landing providing watercraft access. Check for posted local ordinances at the landing before launching.
How big is Rusk Lake?
Rusk Lake has 13 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 71 feet, a mean depth of 21 feet.
What is the bottom of Rusk Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 70% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 30% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Rusk Lake?
No invasive species are currently documented in Rusk Lake by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is Rusk Lake located?
Rusk Lake is located in Rusk County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 45.3417° N, 91.4736° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Rusk Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Rusk County lakes. Check our Rusk 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 Rusk 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 | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | 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 | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| 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 | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The 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 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
- 1878800
- County
- Rusk County
- Surface Area
- 13 acres
- Max Depth
- 71 ft
- Mean Depth
- 21 ft
- Bottom
- 70% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 30% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 45.3417, -91.4736
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
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Boat Landings (1)
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.