Hill Slough
Sauk County, Wisconsin
About Hill Slough
Hill Slough offers the classic northern Wisconsin combo: northern pike and bass in a Sauk County setting that draws anglers and families alike, a intimate 19-acre lake reaching 7 feet at its deepest. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. The fishery includes Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Panfish. Note that invasive species (Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Eurasian Water-Milfoil, Yellow Iris) have been documented here — clean your boat before leaving.
Bottom composition: 60% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 40% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SPRING
Lake Location
43.16670° N, 90.09370° W
WBIC 1241200 · 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
Hill Slough has limited visibility and a gravel and sand bottom, making it better suited for boating and fishing than swimming. The 19-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for Hill Slough are coming soon. Know a great spot near Hill Slough? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Sauk County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
Hill Slough is one of Sauk 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 Hill Slough 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
Present
Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Eurasian Water-Milfoil, Yellow Iris
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.
Invasive Species Present
Curly-Leaf Pondweed and Eurasian Water-Milfoil and Yellow Iris have been documented in Hill Slough. Clean, drain, and dry all watercraft and equipment before leaving.
Report sightings to the Wisconsin DNR invasive species hotline.Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Hill Slough?
Hill Slough is home to Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Panfish. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Can you boat on Hill Slough?
Hill Slough 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 Hill Slough?
Hill Slough has 19 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 7 feet.
What is the bottom of Hill Slough like?
The lake bottom is composed of 60% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 40% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Hill Slough?
Yes — Curly-Leaf Pondweed and Eurasian Water-Milfoil and Yellow Iris have been documented in Hill Slough. Please clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and all equipment before leaving any Wisconsin water body to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Where is Hill Slough located?
Hill Slough is located in Sauk County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 43.1667° N, 90.0937° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Hill Slough?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Sauk County lakes. Check our Hill Slough vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Sauk County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Hill Slough
| 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 | Open All Year | 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 | Open All Year | The minimum length limit is 26" and the daily bag limit is 2. | — |
| 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 | Open All Year | Three walleye and sauger may be kept. Sauger must be at least 15" and walleye must be at least 18". | — |
| 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
- 1241200
- County
- Sauk County
- Surface Area
- 19 acres
- Max Depth
- 7 ft
- Bottom
- 60% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 40% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 43.1667, -90.0937
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Hill Slough? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/29/2026.