Lake of the Falls

Lake of the Falls

Size
297ac
Boat Launch
No
Carry-in Launch
No
Toilet
No
Boat Dock
No
Species in Lake of the Falls
Bluegill
Bluegill
Crappie
Crappie
Largemouth bass
Largemouth bass
Muskellunge
Muskellunge
Northern pike
Northern pike
Perch
Perch
Pumpkinseed
Pumpkinseed
Rock bass
Rock bass
Smallmouth bass
Smallmouth bass
Sturgeon
Sturgeon
Walleye
Walleye

Lake of the Falls Overview

Preserved by the state, this area is a Mecca to both land and water recreation. Walleye are the dominant species. Trophy muskie over 50 are taken. Smallmouth numbers are increasing. 14,326 acres

Fishing Regulations in Lake of the Falls

Special Fishing regulations: This lake has special fishing regulations that differ from statewide or border water regulations for those species identified below and take precedence. Regulations listed below are currently in place. Visit the fishing regulations page for links to upcoming regulations for specific lakes.

Special Waterbody Regulations

  • Motor Trolling is allowed with 1 hook, bait, or lure per angler, and 3 hooks, baits, or lures maximum per boat.
  • Catch and release fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open year round unless otherwise noted.

Special Species Regulations

  • Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass: June 15, 2024 to March 2, 2025: The minimum length limit is 14” and the daily bag limit is 5.
  • Muskellunge and hybrids: May 25, 2024 to December 31, 2024: The minimum length limit is 40” and the daily bag limit is 1.
  • Paddlefish: Closed: No fishing allowed.
  • Panfish: Open All Year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25.
  • Lake sturgeon: Closed: No fishing allowed.
  • Largemouth bass: May 4, 2024 to June 14, 2024: The minimum length limit is 14” and the daily bag limit is 5.
  • 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.
  • Bullheads: Open All Year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited.
  • Walleye, sauger, and hybrids: May 4, 2024 to March 2, 2025: 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.
  • Trout: See specific regulations: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/.
  • Northern pike: May 4, 2024 to March 2, 2025: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5.
  • Smallmouth bass: May 4, 2024 to June 14, 2024: Fish may not be harvested (catch and release only).
  • Ruffe: Open All Year: The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a wdnr office.
  • Round goby: Open All Year: The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a wdnr office.
  • Rough fish: Open All Year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited.
  • Shovelnose sturgeon: Closed: No fishing allowed.
  • Rock, yellow, and white bass: Open All Year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited.
  • White perch: Open All Year: The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a wdnr office.

Lake of the Falls Features

The “wild and wonderful” Turtle Flambeau remains one of Wisconsin’s outstanding fishing destinations. The flowage was created in 1926 when the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company constructed a dam on the Flambeau River. The dam flooded 11 natural lakes and formed an impoundment of 14,326 acres. In 1990 the State of Wisconsin purchased 12,000 acres of surrounding land, 114 miles of shoreline and 195 islands. The outstanding wilderness aesthetics are a major attraction. The Turtle Flambeau Flowage is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to protect the plant and wildlife communities and preserve its scenic qualities. The Wisconsin DNR allows primitive camping on a first-come first-serve basis at designated sites. The camping areas are only accessible by water and at the present time, a fee is not charged. The flowage has the highest number of bald eagle, osprey and common loon breeding pairs in any Wisconsin lake. Shore birds and migratory waterfowl use the flowage as a breeding and staging area. Anglers and boaters should be aware of the many unmarked shallow rock bars and submerged stumps that can cause navigation problems. Floating wood is always a consideration for navigation.
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Fish Species

Bluegill
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No survey data
55.56
0Statewide Range756.91

Lake of the Falls Bluegill abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Crappie
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No survey data
53.33
0Statewide Range80.13

Lake of the Falls Crappie abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Largemouth bass
fish
7-19 in
Length Range
12 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Low
2022
Surveyed
Electro
Catch Method
2.73
0Statewide Range133.44

Lake of the Falls Largemouth bass abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
Muskellunge
fish
29-36 in
Length Range
33 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Below Avg.
2022
Surveyed
Electro
Catch Method
1.09
0Statewide Range6.49

Lake of the Falls Muskellunge abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized muskellunge based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
201550
Northern pike
fish
17-20 in
Length Range
19 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Low
2022
Surveyed
Electro
Catch Method
1.09
0Statewide Range15.56

Lake of the Falls Northern pike abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
Perch
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No survey data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Pumpkinseed
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No survey data
82.22
0Statewide Range85.42

Lake of the Falls Pumpkinseed abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Rock bass
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No survey data
22.22
0Statewide Range64.26

Lake of the Falls Rock bass abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Smallmouth bass
fish
7-19 in
Length Range
13 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
High
2022
Surveyed
Electro
Catch Method
7.65
0Statewide Range28.41

Lake of the Falls Smallmouth bass abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
Sturgeon
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No survey data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Walleye
fish
8-23 in
Length Range
14 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Below Avg.
2022
Surveyed
Electro
Catch Method
12.57
0Statewide Range106.53

Lake of the Falls Walleye abundance

Average range for similar lakes

Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized muskellunge based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
201550