Manuel Lake
Vilas County, Wisconsin
About Manuel Lake
Manuel Lake is a scenic Vilas County lake worth knowing about, a intimate 77-acre lake reaching 9 feet at its deepest. The lake has public boat landing access, making it easy to launch for a day on the water. Anglers target Northern Pike and Panfish.
Bottom composition: 75% sand, 10% gravel, 10% rock, 5% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
46.02710° N, 89.10540° W
WBIC 1003000 · 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.
- ·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
Manuel Lake has limited visibility and a gravel and sand bottom, making it better suited for boating and fishing than swimming. The 77-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for Manuel Lake are coming soon. Know a great spot near Manuel 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
Manuel 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 Manuel 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 Manuel Lake?
Manuel Lake is home to Northern Pike, and Panfish. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Is there a public boat launch on Manuel Lake?
Yes — Manuel Lake has a public boat landing providing watercraft access. Check for posted local ordinances at the landing before launching.
How big is Manuel Lake?
Manuel Lake has 77 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 9 feet.
What is the bottom of Manuel Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 75% sand, 10% gravel, 10% rock, 5% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Manuel Lake?
No invasive species are currently documented in Manuel Lake by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is Manuel Lake located?
Manuel Lake is located in Vilas County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 46.0271° N, 89.1054° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Manuel Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Vilas County lakes. Check our Manuel 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 Manuel 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 | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | June 20, 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. | — |
| Smallmouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | Fish may not be harvested (catch and release only). | — |
| 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
- 1003000
- County
- Vilas County
- Surface Area
- 77 acres
- Max Depth
- 9 ft
- Bottom
- 75% sand, 10% gravel, 10% rock, 5% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 46.0271, -89.1054
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 Manuel Lake? Let us know.
Boat Landings (1)
Town of Phelps · 715-545-2270
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/29/2026.