Ellsworth Lake

Washburn County, Wisconsin

161 acres 6 ft max depth 4 ft avg depth 3 fish species 2 boat landings Invasives present

About Ellsworth Lake

Ellsworth Lake offers the classic northern Wisconsin combo: northern pike and bass in a Washburn County setting that draws anglers and families alike, a mid-sized lake at 161 acres and up to 6 feet deep. 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 (Purple Loosestrife) have been documented here — clean your boat before leaving.

Bottom composition: 29% sand, 39% gravel, 0% rock, 32% muck

Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE

Lake Location

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45.86770° N, 92.00750° W

WBIC 2463500 · Wisconsin DNR

Fish Species

Full table →

Largemouth Bass· CommonNorthern Pike· AbundantPanfish

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

Sandy bottom sections make for good swimming. No lifeguard on duty — swim at your own risk.

Content coming soon

Nearby Dining

Looking for supper clubs and bait shops near Ellsworth Lake? Local dining recommendations coming soon.

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Insider Tips

Local knowledge about Ellsworth Lake — best times to visit, quiet spots, and what the regulars know. Contributed tips coming soon.

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Lake Conditions

Water Clarity

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No data

Trophic Status

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No data

Invasive Weeds

Present

Purple Loosestrife

Seasonal Notes

Coming soon

Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows

Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.

Invasive Species Present

Purple Loosestrife has been documented in Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth Lake?

Ellsworth Lake is home to Largemouth Bass (Common), Northern Pike (Abundant), and Panfish. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.

Is there a public boat launch on Ellsworth Lake?

Yes — Ellsworth Lake has 2 boat landings providing watercraft access. Check for posted local ordinances at the landing before launching.

How big is Ellsworth Lake?

Ellsworth Lake has 161 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 6 feet, a mean depth of 4 feet.

What is the bottom of Ellsworth Lake like?

The lake bottom is composed of 29% sand, 39% gravel, 0% rock, 32% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.

Are there invasive species in Ellsworth Lake?

Yes — Purple Loosestrife has been documented in Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth Lake located?

Ellsworth Lake is located in Washburn County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 45.8677° N, 92.0075° W.

Are there vacation rentals on Ellsworth Lake?

Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Washburn County lakes. Check our Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth 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.	—