Dunn Lake
Washburn County, Wisconsin
About Dunn Lake
Dunn Lake earns its reputation as one of Washburn County's premier walleye fisheries, a mid-sized lake at 181 acres and up to 39 feet deep. The lake has public boat landing access, making it easy to launch for a day on the water. The fishery includes Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Panfish. Note that invasive species (Chinese Mystery Snail, Purple Loosestrife) have been documented here — clean your boat before leaving.
Bottom composition: 40% sand, 58% gravel, 2% rock, 0% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: DRAINAGE
Lake Location
45.93740° N, 91.93710° W
WBIC 2709800 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·Walleye feed most actively at dawn and dusk. Jig along deep structural breaks or troll crankbaits along weedlines at 6–8 ft depth.
- ·Night fishing under a full moon can produce excellent walleye results from late June through August.
- ·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
Dunn Lake offers swimming access with a maximum depth of 39 feet. A mixed 40% sand / 0% muck bottom means conditions vary near shore. Check current conditions locally before swimming.
Nearby Dining
Dining recommendations coming soon
Insider Tips
Local tips coming soon — share yours at staynorthern.com/contact
Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Present
Chinese Mystery Snail, Purple Loosestrife
Seasonal Notes
See below
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Ice typically goes out on Dunn Lake in early to mid-April. Water temperatures warm quickly through May, and the lake is usually in prime condition for fishing by the Wisconsin walleye opener (first Saturday in May). On Dunn Lake: walleye fishing peaks from the May opener through June and again in October; northern pike are active through summer with a strong second run in fall; bass fishing is at its best from late June through August; panfish (bluegill, crappie, perch) bite reliably through the full open-water season. Summer (July–August) brings peak cabin season. Expect the most boat traffic on weekends — early morning hours offer the best combination of calm water and active fish. Fall color typically peaks in Washburn County in the first two weeks of October. The lake is beautiful and far less crowded than summer — one of the best times to visit for shoulder-season guests. Ice fishing on Dunn Lake typically begins in late December and runs through early March. walleye, northern pike, panfish are the primary targets through the ice.
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Invasive Species Present
Chinese Mystery Snail and Purple Loosestrife have been documented in Dunn 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 Dunn Lake?
Dunn Lake is home to Largemouth Bass (Common), Northern Pike (Common), Panfish (Abundant), and Walleye. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Is there a public boat launch on Dunn Lake?
Yes — Dunn Lake has a public boat landing providing watercraft access. Check for posted local ordinances at the landing before launching.
How big is Dunn Lake?
Dunn Lake has 181 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 39 feet, a mean depth of 18 feet.
What is the bottom of Dunn Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 40% sand, 58% gravel, 2% rock, 0% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Dunn Lake?
Yes — Chinese Mystery Snail and Purple Loosestrife have been documented in Dunn 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 Dunn Lake located?
Dunn Lake is located in Washburn County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 45.9374° N, 91.9371° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Dunn Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Washburn County lakes. Check our Dunn 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 Dunn 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
- 2709800
- County
- Washburn County
- Surface Area
- 181 acres
- Max Depth
- 39 ft
- Mean Depth
- 18 ft
- Bottom
- 40% sand, 58% gravel, 2% rock, 0% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 45.9374, -91.9371
Nearby Rentals
Escape to Dunn Lake in Spooner, WI
Spooner, Wisconsin
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 Dunn Lake? Let us know.
Boat Landings (1)
Public Boat Landing
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 3/24/2026.