10 Lesser Known Lakes In Wisconsin For Kayaking And Fishing

Wisconsin is a paddler’s paradise with over 15,000 lakes scattered across its beautiful landscape. While popular spots like Lake Geneva and Lake Winnebago get all the attention, I’ve discovered some incredible hidden gems perfect for peaceful kayaking and productive fishing trips. If you’re tired of crowded shorelines and want to experience the true serenity of Wisconsin’s waterways, these lesser-known lakes offer the perfect escape for your next outdoor adventure.

1. Neptune Lake – The Celestial Waters

Located in the northern reaches of Wisconsin’s Vilas County, Neptune Lake feels like it was named after the distant planet for good reason – it’s truly out of this world! The crystal-clear waters span just 119 acres, making it perfect for a day of exploration by kayak.

What makes Neptune special is its remarkable fishing opportunities without the crowds. Anglers regularly pull smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye from these waters. The lake’s irregular shoreline creates countless secluded coves to investigate.

During my last visit, I spotted three bald eagles soaring overhead while paddling through the early morning mist. The lake’s modest size means you can thoroughly explore it in a single day while still having time to cast your line in those promising spots where fish tend to congregate.

2. Friess Lake – The Quiet Sanctuary

Located in Washington County near Hubertus, Friess Lake is a peaceful 121-acre lake offering easy paddling and consistent fishing opportunities, all within an hour’s drive of Milwaukee. While it has been renamed Holy Hill Reservoir, locals still refer to it as Friess Lake.

A designated no-wake lake, it offers a calm setting ideal for beginner kayakers or those seeking solitude. Public access is available via a launch on the west side of the lake. Largemouth bass and northern pike are commonly found here, with the best action typically in spring and early summer.

The lake is part of a larger network of glacially formed basins and supports a healthy ecosystem, including waterfowl and aquatic plants. While small, its proximity to urban areas and quiet waters make it a rewarding escape for those not looking to drive far but still wanting to experience Wisconsin’s natural beauty.

3. Presque Isle Lake – The Northern Wilderness

If you’re willing to venture to Wisconsin’s far north, Presque Isle Lake rewards adventurous paddlers with an authentic wilderness experience. Nestled in Vilas County near the Michigan border, this 1,280-acre lake offers remarkable solitude despite its substantial size.

The name “Presque Isle” means “almost an island” in French, and you’ll understand why when navigating its unique geography. The lake features exceptionally clear water with visibility often exceeding 15 feet, allowing you to watch muskie and walleye swimming beneath your kayak.

During my expedition last September, I discovered the western bay holds surprising numbers of jumbo perch. The numerous islands scattered throughout create fascinating paddling routes and provide natural windbreaks on breezy days. For overnight adventurers, several primitive campsites along the shoreline allow for multi-day exploration of this magnificent northern treasure.

4. Lost Land Lake – The Hidden Gem

Appropriately named, Lost Land Lake hides in Sawyer County within the Chequamegon National Forest, seemingly forgotten by time and tourists alike. This 1,264-acre body of water connects to Teal Lake through a navigable channel, essentially giving kayakers two lakes to explore in one trip.

The shoreline remains largely undeveloped, creating a genuine northwoods experience that’s increasingly rare in Wisconsin. When I paddled here last summer, I was astonished by the quality of fishing – particularly for crappie and bluegill, which seem to grow to trophy sizes in these nutrient-rich waters.

Though reasonably sized, Lost Land feels intimate thanks to its numerous bays and inlets that beg to be explored. The lake’s western portion features fascinating bog areas where carnivorous plants grow. Wildlife abounds here – I’ve seen otters, beavers, and once even spotted a timber wolf drinking at the shoreline during an early morning paddle.

5. Teal Lake – The Bird Watcher’s Paradise

Teal Lake, located in Sawyer County, covers around 1,024 acres and is connected to Lost Land Lake via a navigable channel. Together, these two lakes form part of the “Quiet Lakes” area, where a strict 10 mph speed limit helps preserve their peaceful character.

Teal Lake is known for excellent birdwatching, particularly during spring and fall migrations, when ducks, loons, and herons are frequently spotted. Kayakers enjoy exploring the lake’s gentle bays, quiet coves, and wetland edges rich with wildlife. Anglers will find a healthy population of northern pike, walleye, and panfish, particularly near submerged vegetation and drop-offs.

While some cabins dot the shoreline, large sections remain undeveloped, offering scenic views and quiet paddling. The lake’s shallow, weedy areas provide great fishing habitat, while its tranquil waters appeal to those seeking a break from the noise and boat traffic often found on larger Wisconsin lakes.

6. Ghost Lake – The Misty Morning Haunt

Ghost Lake is a quiet, 88-acre lake located in Sawyer County, nestled within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Despite its smaller size and haunting name, the lake offers a peaceful, scenic setting ideal for kayaking and nature viewing. With no public boat launch and limited access, paddlers typically launch from nearby resorts or designated shoreline spots.

This seclusion helps keep traffic low, making it ideal for early morning or weekday paddling. While the lake may experience light mist on some mornings, its reputation for “ghostly” fog is largely poetic. Anglers can expect to catch northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish, especially in the weedy shallows and quiet bays. Ghost Lake is also a great spot to spot loons, beavers, and herons.

While motorized boats are allowed, the lake’s small size and limited launch points help keep the atmosphere quiet and suitable for peaceful exploration.

7. Lake Namekagon – The Flowing Waters

Lake Namekagon, located in Bayfield County, is a large, 2,897-acre lake that’s part of the Namekagon River headwaters and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Despite its size, the lake maintains a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere due to its many bays, islands, and forested inlets.

Kayakers can explore for hours without seeing the same stretch twice, and the varied habitats create excellent opportunities for birdwatching and fishing. The lake is known for its healthy populations of muskie, walleye, and smallmouth bass. While parts of the main basin are open to motorized boats, paddlers can easily escape to quieter sections, especially around the southern and eastern marshy areas.

A slow current may be noticeable in river-connected zones but is generally minimal. Wildlife sightings, including loons, otters, and sandhill cranes, are common. With its blend of lake and river features, Namekagon offers a dynamic paddling experience for all skill levels.

8. Big Arbor Vitae Lake – The Cedar Waters

Big Arbor Vitae Lake, covering approximately 1,090 acres in Vilas County, is located just northwest of Minocqua and offers excellent fishing and paddling in a classic Northwoods setting. The lake features a mix of habitats, including shallow bays, deeper open water, and multiple islands that break up boat traffic and provide a sense of seclusion for kayakers.

Public access is available via a boat landing off Arbor Vitae Road. The lake supports strong populations of walleye, crappie, and northern pike, and its varied underwater structure makes it a favorite for local anglers. While motorboats are allowed, its irregular shoreline and sheltered areas make it easy for paddlers to find quiet water.

Several stretches remain undeveloped or lightly built up, especially on the western side, providing a peaceful backdrop. Whether you’re casting from a kayak or simply exploring its many nooks, Big Arbor Vitae delivers both action and calm in equal measure.

9. Madeline Lake – The Quiet Neighbor

Madeline Lake, located in Oneida County just northeast of Minocqua, is a 280-acre quiet waterbody offering a calm alternative to the busier lakes nearby. While smaller than neighboring Minocqua and Tomahawk Lakes, it’s known for its peaceful atmosphere and relatively undeveloped shoreline, especially on the western and southern edges.

The lake’s shape provides both open water and more sheltered areas perfect for kayaking or canoeing. Public access is available from a small launch near the northeast corner. Fishing here is good for largemouth bass, panfish, and occasional northern pike, with weed beds along the shallows offering productive spots.

Early morning paddles often bring sightings of loons, herons, and deer moving through the trees. With limited boat traffic and no large resorts, Madeline Lake is ideal for paddlers looking for a slower pace and anglers hoping for a quiet day on the water.

10. Big Roche a Cri – The Ancient Sandstone Wonder

Big Roche a Cri Lake is a 205-acre impoundment located in Adams County, just north of the town of Adams-Friendship. It was created by damming Roche a Cri Creek and is known for its clear, shallow waters and unique sandstone outcroppings nearby, especially at the adjacent Roche-a-Cri State Park, although the rock formations aren’t directly on the lake’s shoreline.

The lake itself offers calm paddling conditions and a 10 mph speed limit that ensures a quiet experience, even in summer. Anglers come for the abundant panfish, largemouth bass, and occasional walleye. The lake has a public boat landing and is easy to access, making it a great spot for families or beginner paddlers.

While small, its irregular shoreline features several coves and inlets ideal for a slow, scenic paddle. Its geological surroundings and low boating pressure make Big Roche a Cri a truly relaxing destination for both fishing and nature appreciation.