Dilley Lake
Washburn County, Wisconsin
About Dilley Lake
Dilley Lake offers the classic northern Wisconsin combo: northern pike and bass in a Washburn County setting that draws anglers and families alike, a intimate 71-acre lake reaching 10 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 Northern Pike. Note that invasive species (Chinese Mystery Snail, Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Yellow Iris) have been documented here — clean your boat before leaving.
Bottom composition: 0% sand, 15% gravel, 0% rock, 85% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: DRAINAGE
Lake Location
45.86690° N, 91.77350° W
WBIC 2712800 · 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
Dilley Lake has limited visibility and a gravel and sand bottom, making it better suited for boating and fishing than swimming. The 71-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for Dilley Lake are coming soon. Know a great spot near Dilley Lake? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Washburn County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
Dilley Lake is one of Washburn 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 Dilley 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
Present
Chinese Mystery Snail, Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Yellow Iris
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.
Invasive Species Present
Chinese Mystery Snail and Curly-Leaf Pondweed and Yellow Iris have been documented in Dilley Lake. 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 Dilley Lake?
Dilley Lake is home to Largemouth Bass (Common), Northern Pike (Common), and Panfish. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Is there a public boat launch on Dilley Lake?
Yes — Dilley Lake has a public boat landing providing watercraft access. Check for posted local ordinances at the landing before launching.
How big is Dilley Lake?
Dilley Lake has 71 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 10 feet, a mean depth of 5 feet.
What is the bottom of Dilley Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 0% sand, 15% gravel, 0% rock, 85% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Dilley Lake?
Yes — Chinese Mystery Snail and Curly-Leaf Pondweed and Yellow Iris have been documented in Dilley Lake. 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 Dilley Lake located?
Dilley Lake is located in Washburn County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 45.8669° N, 91.7735° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Dilley Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Washburn County lakes. Check our Dilley Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Washburn County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Dilley 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 | No minimum length limit 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
- 2712800
- County
- Washburn County
- Surface Area
- 71 acres
- Max Depth
- 10 ft
- Mean Depth
- 5 ft
- Bottom
- 0% sand, 15% gravel, 0% rock, 85% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 45.8669, -91.7735
Nearby Trails
Washburn County ATV/UTV Trails
116 mi · Washburn County
Washburn County Snowmobile Trails
250 mi · Washburn County
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Dilley Lake? Let us know.
Boat Landings (1)
Town of Crystal · 715-520-2667
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.