About Big Bateau Lake
Big Bateau Lake is a consistent bass fishery tucked into Vilas County — the kind of lake that rewards anglers who know it, covering 236 acres. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. Anglers target Panfish and Smallmouth Bass.
Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
46.18050° N, 89.28370° W
WBIC 2755900 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·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
Big Bateau Lake has limited visibility and a mixed bottom, making it generally good for swimming with gradual entry in most areas. The 236-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for Big Bateau Lake are coming soon. Know a great spot near Big Bateau Lake? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Vilas County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
Big Bateau Lake is one of Vilas 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 Big Bateau 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 Big Bateau Lake?
Big Bateau Lake is home to Largemouth Bass, Panfish (Common), and Smallmouth Bass (Common). Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Can you boat on Big Bateau Lake?
Big Bateau 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 Big Bateau Lake?
Big Bateau Lake has 236 acres in surface area.
Are there invasive species in Big Bateau Lake?
No invasive species are currently documented in Big Bateau Lake by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is Big Bateau Lake located?
Big Bateau Lake is located in Vilas County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 46.1805° N, 89.2837° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Big Bateau Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Vilas County lakes. Check our Big Bateau Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Vilas County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Big Bateau 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
- 2755900
- County
- Vilas County
- Surface Area
- 236 acres
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 46.1805, -89.2837
Nearby Trails
Explore all Wisconsin trails →Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Big Bateau Lake? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.