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Nelson Lake

Sawyer County, Wisconsin
2,716 acres Max depth 33 ft 16 angler reviews
Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Panfish Smallmouth Bass Walleye
73 Lake-Link ScoreTM

About Nelson Lake

Spending time on Nelson Lake in Sawyer County, Wisconsin, feels like stepping into a vast playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake's expansive surface area offers plenty of room to explore, with a water depth that reaches a moderate maximum of 33 feet. This depth provides a versatile habitat for a variety of fish and aquatic life. The lake's location near towns like Hayward and Little Round Lake adds to its accessibility and charm. The lake's size and moderate depth make it a welcoming spot for anglers and families alike, offering a mix of open water and sheltered bays. Whether you're paddling along the shoreline or casting from a pier, the natural setting invites a peaceful and engaging experience throughout the seasons.

Surface area
2,716 acres
Maximum depth
33 feet
Lake-Link Score
73.4
Member rating
4.2 (16)

Fish species

Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Panfish, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye

Fishing Nelson Lake

Fishing on Nelson Lake brings a rewarding challenge with a diverse mix of species to target. Anglers can expect to find largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and a healthy population of panfish. This variety creates opportunities for different fishing styles and preferences. The lake's moderate depth supports these species well, providing habitats that sustain both predator and panfish populations. Whether you're after aggressive pike or the more subtle bites of panfish, Nelson Lake offers a rich fishing experience that can satisfy anglers of all skill levels.

Ice fishing

During the winter months, Nelson Lake transforms into a prime spot for ice fishing enthusiasts. The presence of species like walleye, northern pike, and panfish under the ice makes for exciting seasonal fishing. The frozen surface invites anglers to enjoy the unique quiet and focus that ice fishing brings, surrounded by the tranquil Wisconsin winter landscape.

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Lake information is provided for planning and recreational use. Conditions, depths, access information, and regulations may change. Always follow posted notices and local regulations.

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