Lake Winter, Wisconsin, USA

Lake Winter is a 257-acre lake hidden in the shadow of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Sawyer County, Wisconsin. Created by an impoundment on the Brunet River in the early 1900s, Lake Winter stretches three miles long and one mile wide. With a reputation of being a Class A1 muskie lake, the sparkling water attracts anglers and boaters from around the state. With a maximum depth of…
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All About Lake Winter, WI

Lake Winter is a 257-acre lake hidden in the shadow of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Sawyer County, Wisconsin. Created by an impoundment on the Brunet River in the early 1900s, Lake Winter stretches three miles long and one mile wide. With a reputation of being a Class A1 muskie lake, the sparkling water attracts anglers and boaters from around the state.

With a maximum depth of 22 feet, and over 10 miles of shoreline, Lake Winter is an excellent fishing lake and recreational lake for sailing, boating, swimming, and water skiing. The lake’s irregular shape and several islands create numerous tree covered peninsulas, tranquil bays and areas for exploring. Best known for its monstrous muskies, the lake also produces many other trophy class fish to include northern pike, walleye, small mouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, and plentiful bluegill. Approximately half the shoreline is developed with mostly private residences and a few resorts. Vacation rentals of all kinds can be found near the lake. Real estate for purchase is also an option for those wishing to own a piece of paradise. Visitors can gain access to the lake from public boat ramps on the western shore and northeast shore of the lake. Price Dam, on the southern end of the lake, maintains the water level of the lake and is also a popular fishing spot. For those who prefer fly fishing, the Brunet River is a well known for its trout population.

Just a few miles west of Lake Winter, the village of Winter offers dining, accommodations and shops to stock up on supplies. West of Winter, the town of Radisson is a slightly larger town on the beautiful Couderay River. Approximately 40 miles northwest of Lake Winter, the town of Hayward is a premiere vacation destination. Golf courses, horseback riding, hiking and biking trails, a city beach, and numerous lakes in the area offer unlimited outdoor entertainment. Hayward hosts several world-class festivals including the World Lumberjack Championships and the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival, a mountain biking race. Held annually since 1960, the Lumberjack festival draws over 12,000 visitors a year. Lumberjacks compete at chopping, sawing, logrolling, and a 90 foot tree climb. Hayward is also home to the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum building was built in the shape of a 143 foot long and 41 foot tall muskie.

Outdoor enthusiasts visiting Lake Winter will enjoy the serenity of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, just north of the lake. The forest offers a variety of fishing, canoeing, fall color tours, skiing and sightseeing trips. The Chequamegon side of the forest covers over 800,000 acres and has miles of trails for hiking, biking, cross country skiing, and snowmobiles. There is also good hunting for white tailed deer, black bear, ruffled grouse and water fowl.

Southeast of Lake Winter, the Flambeau State Forest covers over 87,000 acres and offers something for every recreational interest. The North and South Forks of the Flambeau River feature calm waters to roaring rapids and white water to entice canoeists of all experience levels. Campsites are located at Connors Lake and Lake of the Pines along with opportunity for swimming, fishing and family picnics. For your hiking, skiing and walking pleasure, there are miles and miles of trails.

On a smaller scale, 366-acre Ojibwa State Park is a fantastic spot for family camping and picnics. West of Lake Winter, the park is bordered by the scenic Chippewa River on the north and the Tuscobia State Trail on the South. The Tuscobia State Trail is a refurbished 74-mile railroad grade once owned by the Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Paul and Omaha Railway (The Omaha Road). Depending on the time of year and section of trail, activities on the trail include ATV riding, snowmobiling, hiking, canoeing, fishing and bird watching. Fishing and canoeing opportunities also abound on the Chippewa River.

Whether it is exploring the towering pine and hardwood forests of Wisconsin’s Northwoods region, pulling trophy size fish from crystal clear lakes and streams, or simply listening to the call of loons across the still water, Lake Winter has something to please everyone. This beautiful lake is sure to become a repeat destination for anglers of all ages and anyone drawn to the great outdoors.

Things to Do at Lake Winter

These are some activities in the Lake Winter, WI area visitors can enjoy:

  • Vacation Rentals
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Sailing
  • Swimming
  • Beach
  • Canoeing
  • Water Skiing
  • Golf
  • Camping
  • Picnicking
  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snowmobiling
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hunting
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Birding
  • State Park
  • State Forest
  • National Forest
  • Museum

What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Winter?

Lake Winter has been known to have the following fish species:

  • Bass
  • Black Bass
  • Bluegill
  • Crappie
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Muskellunge
  • Northern Pike
  • Perch
  • Pike
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Sunfish
  • Trout
  • Walleye
  • Yellow Perch
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Find Places to Stay at Lake Winter

If you’re considering a Lake Winter lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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More Sites to Book a Lake Winter Vacation

Our interactive Lake Winter lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

Check TripAdvisor
Check Expedia
Find a Campspot
All Travel Resources

Lake Winter Statistics & Helpful Links

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Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

Water Level Control: Sawyer County

Surface Area: 257 acres

Shoreline Length: 10 miles

Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,309 feet

Maximum Depth: 22 feet

Water Volume: 7,000 acre-feet

Completion Year: 1901

Drainage Area: 72 sq. miles

Trophic State: Eutrophic

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