Lakes & Rivers
If you have checked out or Big Map, you’ll notice the yellow markers which offer tips for paddlers on local water ways and lakes. Of course with all this water around there are popular fishing spots & places to take your power boats and really open it up. Here are some of the lakes and rivers you can take advantage of when you are here.
Lake Wisconsin - Lake Wisconsin was created by the dam in Sauk-Prairie. The easiest access to the lake is in Merrimac. The popular boat landing is called “Moon Valley” and is marked on our Big Map. The lake is popular among fisherman and power boaters. Paddlers will enjoy the lake as well but need to be aware of boater traffic. The shores of this lake are very built up, more residential than natural. Be sure to take a trip across the lake on Wisconsin’s only free auto ferry.
Devil’s Lake – This one mile long, 1/2 mile wide lake is one of the most popular destinations in Wisconsin as part of Devil’s Lake State Park. The Lake is popular for fishing, swimming & paddling. Electric Motors only.
Lower Wisconsin State Riverway – This part of the Wisconsin river from Sauk-Prairie all the way west to the Mississippi river is a paddlers paradise and popular among kayakers and canoeists all over the mid-west. With a little preparation you can plan almost a weeks paddle & camping trip which is about as “wild” as one can get in this part of the state. More Info: lwr.state.wi.us
Upper Wisconsin Dells – The “Upper Dells” is the section of the Wisconsin River above the Wisconsin Dells Dam. This section is lined with amazing rock formations and little inlets and fingers perfect for fishing and paddle. However, most of the summer the water is a cauldron of power boats & tour boats. Paddlers must seek out quiet times early in the morning, week days and off-season.
Dell Creek, Mirror Lake, Lake Delton Chain – 2 dams on Dell Creek have created both Mirror Lake within Mirror Lake State Park and Lake Delton Further Down stream in Wisconsin Dells. The two lakes could not be more different. Mirror Lake is a great spot for fishing, paddling, swimming & enjoying wildlife and the beauity of the shoreline. Lake Delton is a haven for power boaters filled with jet skis, Duck Tours, and home to the Tommy Bartlett Water show. For paddlers it is worth noting that the connecting section of Dell Creek between Mirror Lake & Lake Delton is quite nice although condos have been encroaching on the high shores.
Baraboo River – The Baraboo River is 115 miles long and is the the longest, restored free-flowing river in the nation. Paddling can be a challenge depending on the sections but is certainly worth it. Check our big map for paddling notes. The Baraboo is also notable for Bald Eagle watching in the winter months.
Lake Columbia – This mile long “cooling pond” of the Columbia power plant near Portage is worth a mention as the only open water in Winter. Desperate paddlers & anglers take advantage of the 50f-80f degree water during the winter months. The lake itself & the shoreline are just plain ugly.
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