About Wood Slough
Wood Slough is a scenic Sauk County lake worth knowing about, a intimate 6-acre lake reaching 3 feet at its deepest. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. Anglers primarily target Northern Pike.
Bottom composition: 0% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 99% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
43.18970° N, 90.02230° W
WBIC 1247200 · 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.
Local's Guide
Fishing
Species-specific tips above. Wisconsin fishing license required for ages 16+. See current season regulations below.
View fishing regulations ↓Swimming
Wood Slough has limited visibility and a gravel and sand bottom, making it better suited for boating and fishing than swimming. The 6-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for Wood Slough are coming soon. Know a great spot near Wood 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
Wood 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 Wood 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
Not documented
Clean lake
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Wood Slough?
Wood Slough is home to Northern Pike. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Can you boat on Wood Slough?
Wood 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 Wood Slough?
Wood Slough has 6 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 3 feet.
What is the bottom of Wood Slough 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 Wood Slough?
No invasive species are currently documented in Wood Slough by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is Wood Slough located?
Wood Slough is located in Sauk County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 43.1897° N, 90.0223° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Wood Slough?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Sauk County lakes. Check our Wood 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 Wood 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
- 1247200
- County
- Sauk County
- Surface Area
- 6 acres
- Max Depth
- 3 ft
- Bottom
- 0% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 99% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 43.1897, -90.0223
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Wood Slough? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/29/2026.