Geneva Lakes Vacations Guest Guide
Local Lake Guides and Information
Fishing limits, public boat launches, beaches and local boating rules for 48 lakes in Walworth, Kenosha and Jefferson counties, Wisconsin, plus Lake Michigan at Kenosha. Everything a guest needs before casting a line, launching a boat or walking into the water.
Updated 10/12/26
Lakes at a glance
Our vacation rental homes sit on or near more than forty public lakes within an hour of Lake Geneva, from the 5,400 acre spring-fed Geneva Lake to quiet paddle-only ponds. Every lake below is listed by the Wisconsin DNR with a public landing or beach, and each card gives the fish you can expect, the daily limits that apply on that lake for the 2026 to 2027 season, where to launch, whether there is a public beach, and the local speed and no-wake rules we were able to verify. The short version of the rules that apply everywhere:
- Do I need a license?Yes, at age 16 and older, resident or not. Children under 16 fish without a license but follow the same seasons and size rules, and an adult actively fishing alongside a child needs a license too. Buy it through the DNR Go Wild system. An Illinois license does not cover Wisconsin inland lakes.
- The panfish ruleBluegill, pumpkinseed, crappie, yellow perch and sunfish count together as panfish: 25 a day combined on almost every lake here, 10 a day on Turtle, Eagle Spring, Lulu and Vern Wolf. The statewide possession limit is 50.
- The game fish seasonBass, pike and walleye harvest opens May 2, 2026 and runs to March 7, 2027 on most lakes. Musky is May 2 to December 31. Catch and release bass fishing is open all year. Lake Koshkonong keeps several species open all year.
- Slow-no-wakeThe slowest speed that still steers the boat, not 5 mph. State law requires it within 100 feet of shore, docks, rafts, piers and swimmers; local codes on Geneva, Delavan, Powers, the Twin Lakes and the Salem lakes set 200 foot zones and morning hours on top of that.
- Public beachesDNR lists public beaches on Geneva, Delavan, Whitewater, Booth, Paddock, Koshkonong, Ripley, Rock (Jefferson) and Spring lakes, plus Silver Lake Park and Lake Andrea beach. A boat launch is never a swim area.
- When this was checkedRules, launches and fees were researched October 8, 2026 from the Wisconsin DNR and each municipality. Fishing rules reset on April 1, 2027, and beach conditions change daily, so confirm the day you go.
Jump to a Lake Group
The lakes are grouped the way guests use them, starting with the three lakes most of our homes are on. Every card links to the DNR lake page for maps, depth charts and the full regulations, and to a map for directions to the landing.
- Geneva, Delavan and Como
- Lauderdale Lakes
- Whitewater Lakes
- Twin Lakes and Powers
- Walworth County Lakes
- Kenosha County
- Jefferson County
- Lake Michigan
- Fishing Rules
- Boating Rules
- Swimming
Where to Start
If you are choosing a lake for the day rather than the one outside your door, these are the five our team points guests to first.
For a day on the water
Geneva Lake
Six public launches, three village beaches, a 26 mile shore path and the only lake trout fishery in the county. Weekday speed limit is 45 mph; weekends drop to 35.
For trophy fishing
Delavan Lake
One-fish limits on 18 inch bass and 32 inch pike keep the big ones in the lake, and musky are open in open water through December. Boat and pontoon rentals at Lake Lawn Resort.
For a quiet paddle
Lake Como or Rock Lake (Kenosha)
Como is 955 acres and nine feet deep, so it stays calm and weedy. Rock Lake in Kenosha County allows paddles, oars, sails and electric motors only.
For a swimming beach
Whitewater Lake or Silver Lake Park
Whitewater’s state forest beach sits inside the Kettle Moraine with hiking next door (admission sticker required). Silver Lake Park in Kenosha County has lifeguard hours in season.
For kids and accessible fishing
Paddock Lake or Vern Wolf Lake
Both have DNR listed accessible fishing piers, and Paddock has a public beach. Vern Wolf is inside Richard Bong State Recreation Area, so bring a state park sticker.
Geneva Lake, Delavan Lake and Lake Como
3 lakes
The three lakes most of our homes sit on. Geneva Lake is the big, deep, spring-fed one with a trout fishery and a 26 mile shore path; Delavan Lake is the musky and walleye water with the loosest launch access; Lake Como is the shallow, quiet bay for paddling and bluegills.
Geneva Lake
5,401 acres · 135 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
The largest and deepest lake in the region, with public beaches in Lake Geneva, Williams Bay and Fontana and the only inland lake trout fishery in the county. Pike have no minimum length here and the daily limit is 5, which is unusual. Trout anglers need the inland trout stamp.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, trout and walleye. Panfish listed as present.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike5 a day, no minimum length, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Lake trout2 a day over 17 inches, January 3 to September 30, 2026; closed after September 30 for the rest of 2026
- Other trout3 a day combined, 8 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027; inland trout stamp required
- Public launch: Hillside Road (Town of Linn); Linn Road (Town of Linn); Chapin Road, walk-in and carry-in only; Lake Street, Fontana municipal launch; Wrigley Drive, City of Lake Geneva; Williams Bay village launch. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: listed by the DNR; confirm hours, admission and the same-day water test
- Local boating rules: 45 mph daytime on weekdays; 35 mph daytime from Friday 12:01 p.m. through Sunday midnight and on Memorial Day, July 3 to 5 and Labor Day; 15 mph from sunset to sunrise. The traffic area begins 200 feet from shore and 100 feet from structures and restricted areas. Waterskiing requires a driver and a competent observer.
- DNR lake page · Map
Delavan Lake
1,906 acres · 52 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
The trophy water: bass and pike are one-fish limits with 18 and 32 inch minimums, and musky are open in open water through December. Panfish are listed as abundant. The Town of Delavan launch takes payment at the gate or drop box; display the receipt and prepare your boat before entering the ramp. Lake Lawn Resort rents powerboats, tritoons, personal watercraft, kayaks and paddleboards (motorized operators must be 18 or older).
DNR fish inventory: musky, panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Panfish listed as abundant.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass1 a day, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike1 a day, 32 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Musky1 a day, 40 inch minimum, open water May 2 to December 31, 2026
- Public launch: End of Blue Gill Court; Off State Highway 50; Shore Road; 400 Inlet Shore Drive (Town of Delavan launch). Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: listed by the DNR; confirm hours, admission and the same-day water test
- Local boating rules: Slow-no-wake within 200 feet of shore, in the inlet, outlet and west bay, and from sunset to sunrise. Skiing: no more than two towlines, one person per line. Overnight mooring or anchoring needs a permit. No swimming or fishing at the launch piers.
- DNR lake page · Map
Lake Como
955 acres · 9 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
Big in acres but only 9 feet at its deepest, which makes it warm, weedy and quiet: a paddling and bluegill lake rather than a waterskiing one. No DNR listed public beach. Local motor and wake rules were not verified for this guide, so check posted signs at the launch.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Off Lakeshore Drive; End of Schoefield Drive. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Staying on Geneva Lake? See our Geneva Lake vacation rentals.
Lauderdale Lakes and Pleasant Lake
4 lakes
The Lauderdale chain is three connected lakes in the Town of LaGrange: Green, Middle and Mill. They share one set of boating rules, one town launch and a special bass size rule. Pleasant Lake sits next door and uses the same town launch pass.
Green Lake (Lauderdale)
311 acres · 57 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
The deepest of the three Lauderdale lakes. Not to be confused with Green Lake in Green Lake County. The town launch is $5 a day or $30 a year, paid before launching, with parking limited to vehicles that launched.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined, keep only fish under 14 inches except one over 18 inches, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Lauderdale Lakes town launch. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: Lake district summary (May 2018): 10 mph from sunset to sunrise on weekdays and from sunset to 9 a.m. on weekend and holiday mornings. Seasonal weekend and holiday daytime limit of 50 mph. An actual observer is required for towing, and weekend and holiday towing starts at 9 a.m. The channels have extra towing and direction rules. Confirm later amendments with the Water Patrol, 262-742-4300.
- DNR lake page · Map
Middle Lake (Lauderdale)
259 acres · 40 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
The middle link of the chain. Same protected bass size rule as Green and Mill: keep bass under 14 inches, with at most one over 18.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined, keep only fish under 14 inches except one over 18 inches, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Lauderdale Lakes town launch. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: Lake district summary (May 2018): 10 mph from sunset to sunrise on weekdays and from sunset to 9 a.m. on weekend and holiday mornings. Seasonal weekend and holiday daytime limit of 50 mph. An actual observer is required for towing, and weekend and holiday towing starts at 9 a.m. The channels have extra towing and direction rules. Confirm later amendments with the Water Patrol, 262-742-4300.
- DNR lake page · Map
Mill Lake (Lauderdale)
271 acres · 40 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
The southern lake of the chain, nearest the Lauderdale landing. Kayaks and paddleboards need lights at night here; the Lauderdale traffic lanes have their own lighting rule.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined, keep only fish under 14 inches except one over 18 inches, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Boat landing by Lauderdale. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: Lake district summary (May 2018): 10 mph from sunset to sunrise on weekdays and from sunset to 9 a.m. on weekend and holiday mornings. Seasonal weekend and holiday daytime limit of 50 mph. An actual observer is required for towing, and weekend and holiday towing starts at 9 a.m. The channels have extra towing and direction rules. Confirm later amendments with the Water Patrol, 262-742-4300.
- DNR lake page · Map
Pleasant Lake
145 acres · 29 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
A small, clear lake with a bass rule of its own: 5 a day with no minimum length. Uses the Town of LaGrange launch pass, $5 daily or $30 annual. There is another Pleasant Lake in Kenosha County, so check the county when you look it up.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Panfish listed as present.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined, no minimum length, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Pleasant Lake access (Town of LaGrange). Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Staying on Lauderdale Lakes? See our Lauderdale Lakes vacation rentals.
Whitewater Area Lakes
4 lakes
Whitewater Lake and Rice Lake sit inside the Kettle Moraine State Forest southern unit, with a state forest beach, hiking and a state launch. Cravath and Tripp are the small in-town lakes in Whitewater itself.
Whitewater Lake
625 acres · 35 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
The state forest swimming beach is the draw: sand, picnic tables and a marked swim area with no lifeguards. A state park vehicle admission sticker is needed at the state forest launch and beach. Panfish are listed as abundant.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Panfish listed as abundant.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Kettle Moraine State Forest launch (vehicle admission sticker required); Cruise Lane access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: listed by the DNR; confirm hours, admission and the same-day water test
- Local boating rules: Slow-no-wake within 150 feet of shore and in the channels, and every day before 9 a.m. On Fridays, Saturdays, holidays and the day before a holiday it begins at 7 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier; other days at sunset. Towing needs a competent observer and counterclockwise travel, two people on two lines at most, 75 foot rope maximum.
- DNR lake page · Map
Rice Lake
144 acres · 10 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
Connected to Whitewater Lake and governed by the same no-wake hours and towing rules. Shallow and weedy, good for pike and bluegills from a small boat.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Rice Lake access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: Slow-no-wake within 150 feet of shore and in the channels, and every day before 9 a.m. On Fridays, Saturdays, holidays and the day before a holiday it begins at 7 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier; other days at sunset. Towing needs a competent observer and counterclockwise travel, two people on two lines at most, 75 foot rope maximum.
- DNR lake page · Map
Cravath Lake
70 acres · 10 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
The in-town lake at Cravath Lakefront Park in Whitewater, with a public access and bandshell. Local wake rules were not verified for this guide.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Cravath Lake access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Tripp Lake
121 acres · 8 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
Also written Trapp Lake. Shallow, with a DNR access off Coburn Lane. Local wake rules were not verified for this guide.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Off Coburn Lane near Whitewater Creek. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Staying on Whitewater? See our Whitewater vacation rentals.
Twin Lakes, Powers Lake and Pell Lake
4 lakes
Twin Lakes means two lakes, Lake Mary and Elizabeth Lake, inside the Village of Twin Lakes in Kenosha County. Powers Lake straddles the Walworth and Kenosha line just west of them, and Pell Lake is the small lake in Bloomfield to the north.
Lake Mary
327 acres · 33 feet at the deepest · Kenosha County
One of the two Twin Lakes. The village launch is $10 a day for motorized boats and free for paddle craft, open March 1 to October 31. Do not confuse Lake Mary with Elizabeth Lake when you check a property shoreline; Village Hall is 262-877-2858.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Near Lance Drive, Twin Lakes (village launch). Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: Village brochure: slow-no-wake from sunset or 8:30 p.m., whichever is earlier, until 9 a.m.; 55 mph maximum; 200 foot shoreline buffer. High water restrictions and red flags override the normal hours, so check current village notices.
- DNR lake page · Map
Elizabeth Lake
725 acres · 32 feet at the deepest · Kenosha County
The larger of the Twin Lakes, with smallmouth as well as largemouth bass. Same village boating hours as Lake Mary: no wake until 9 a.m. and after sunset or 8:30 p.m.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: East Lake Shore Drive ramp, Twin Lakes; End of Musial Road, Twin Lakes. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: Village brochure: slow-no-wake from sunset or 8:30 p.m., whichever is earlier, until 9 a.m.; 55 mph maximum; 200 foot shoreline buffer. High water restrictions and red flags override the normal hours, so check current village notices.
- DNR lake page · Map
Powers Lake
451 acres · 33 feet at the deepest · Walworth and Kenosha counties
A clear, spring-fed lake with a strict morning no-wake rule until 10 a.m. and counterclockwise towing after that. In high water the shore buffer grows to 400 feet and Jefferson Bay can close to wake.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Near County Highway F; End of 396th Avenue. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: Slow-no-wake from sunset to 10 a.m., within 200 feet of shore and 100 feet of boats, piers, rafts, buoys and swimmers. Towing 10 a.m. to sunset, counterclockwise, with an actual observer. High water can expand the shore buffer to 400 feet and restrict Jefferson Bay.
- DNR lake page · Map
Pell Lake
86 acres · 13 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
Shallow, with an average depth of about 4 feet, so expect weeds by midsummer and a small-boat, paddle and panfish lake. Check posted motor and access signs with the Village of Bloomfield.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as present.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Pell Lake access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Staying on Twin Lakes? See our Twin Lakes vacation rentals.
More Walworth County Lakes with Public Access
12 lakes
Smaller lakes across the county with a DNR listed public landing or beach. Most are quiet panfish and bass water a short drive from Elkhorn, East Troy or Lake Geneva. Local wake and motor rules were not verified for most of these, so read the signs at the landing.
Lake Beulah
812 acres · 58 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
A deep, clear East Troy lake with a protected bass slot: keep fish under 12 inches or over 16 inches and release everything between.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined, keep only fish under 12 inches or over 16 inches, release the protected range, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: South end of the lake. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Turtle Lake
141 acres · 30 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
Near Delavan. Note the reduced panfish limit of 10 a day and the bass rule of 5 a day with no minimum length.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as present.
- Panfish10 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined, no minimum length, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Turtle Lake access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
North Lake
255 acres · 11 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
Shallow and listed as abundant for panfish, near Genoa City.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as abundant.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: North Lake access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Potter Lake
155 acres · 26 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
An East Troy lake listed as abundant for panfish, with a DNR access off County L.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as abundant.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Off County Highway L. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Lake Wandawega
120 acres · 8 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
A shallow lake near Elkhorn, abundant panfish per the DNR.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as abundant.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Lake Wandawega access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Lake Lorraine
155 acres · 8 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
Shallow bass and bluegill water near Richmond, with a DNR access.
DNR fish inventory: panfish and largemouth bass. Panfish listed as present.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Lorraine Lake access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Lake Ivanhoe
46 acres · 10 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
A small lake near Lake Geneva with a DNR access. Under 50 acres, so the state slow-no-wake rule for small public lakes may apply.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Lake Ivanhoe access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Booth Lake
118 acres · 24 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
The DNR lists a public beach but no public landing, so this is a swim-and-shore-fish lake near East Troy. Confirm beach hours and any admission before you go.
DNR fish inventory: panfish and largemouth bass. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: none listed by the DNR
- Public beach: listed by the DNR; confirm hours, admission and the same-day water test
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Eagle Spring Lake
279 acres · 8 feet at the deepest · Walworth and Waukesha counties
Special rules here: panfish 10 a day, the protected bass size rule, and pike 1 a day over 32 inches. The connecting Mukwonago River has its own rules.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish10 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined, keep only fish under 14 inches except one over 18 inches, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike1 a day, 32 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Eagle Spring Lake and Lulu Lake boat landing. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Pickerel Lake
32 acres · 31 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
Tiny but deep, near East Troy. Under 50 acres, so expect slow-no-wake throughout.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Pickerel Lake access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Army Lake
80 acres · 17 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
A small East Troy lake with its own boat launch and abundant panfish.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as abundant.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Army Lake boat launch. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Comus Lake
131 acres · 6 feet at the deepest · Walworth County
The shallow lake on the north edge of Delavan, with a DNR access. Very weedy by late summer.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as present.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Comus Lake access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Staying on Elkhorn? See our Elkhorn vacation rentals.
Kenosha County Lakes
12 lakes
The lakes east and south of Twin Lakes, most of them inside the Village of Salem Lakes, which has one boating code for the group: no wake from sunset to 10 a.m. Silver Lake Park has the best public beach in this part of the county, and Paddock Lake and Vern Wolf Lake have accessible fishing piers.
Silver Lake (Kenosha)
516 acres · 44 feet at the deepest · Kenosha County
A deep, clear lake with trophy rules like Delavan: bass 1 a day over 18 inches, pike 1 a day over 32, and musky in open water. Silver Lake Park has a public swimming beach with seasonal admission and lifeguard hours; check Kenosha County beach conditions on the day. There is also a Silver Lake in Walworth County; this is the Kenosha one.
DNR fish inventory: musky, panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye and catfish. Panfish listed as present.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass1 a day, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike1 a day, 32 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Musky1 a day, 40 inch minimum, open water May 2 to December 31, 2026
- Catfish10 a day, no minimum length, all year
- Public launch: Near County Highway F; Fishery area near 288th Avenue; Near Cogswell and East Lake Street. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: Village of Salem Lakes code: slow-no-wake from sunset to 10 a.m. Silver Lake uses a shore-to-five-foot-depth no-wake zone on the DNR map rather than a fixed distance. Buoy zones and high water benchmarks also apply. Towing is counterclockwise outside the shore zone.
- DNR lake page · Map
Camp Lake
439 acres · 19 feet at the deepest · Kenosha County
Three DNR accesses and a mixed fishery that includes walleye and catfish. Salem Lakes launch permits and receipt rules apply.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and catfish. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Catfish10 a day, no minimum length, all year
- Public launch: Off 113th Street; Near 99th Street; End of 106th Place. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: Village of Salem Lakes code: slow-no-wake from sunset to 10 a.m. and generally within 200 feet of shore. Buoy zones and high water benchmarks also apply. Towing is counterclockwise outside the shore zone.
- DNR lake page · Map
Center Lake
126 acres · 28 feet at the deepest · Kenosha County
Connected to the Camp Lake and Silver Lake group under the Salem Lakes boating code.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: 95th Street access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: Village of Salem Lakes code: slow-no-wake from sunset to 10 a.m. and generally within 200 feet of shore. Buoy zones and high water benchmarks also apply. Towing is counterclockwise outside the shore zone.
- DNR lake page · Map
Cross Lake
89 acres · 35 feet at the deepest · Kenosha County
A deep little lake that crosses the Wisconsin and Illinois line. The rules here are the Wisconsin summary; confirm licensing for the side you fish.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: CE Peks Subdivision parkway boat launch. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: Village of Salem Lakes code: slow-no-wake from sunset to 10 a.m. and generally within 200 feet of shore. Buoy zones and high water benchmarks also apply. Towing is counterclockwise outside the shore zone.
- DNR lake page · Map
Hooker Lake
103 acres · 24 feet at the deepest · Kenosha County
Three accesses around a mid-sized Salem Lakes lake.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: West side near State Highway 83; End of 80th Place; North side near 78th. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: Village of Salem Lakes code: slow-no-wake from sunset to 10 a.m. and generally within 200 feet of shore. Buoy zones and high water benchmarks also apply. Towing is counterclockwise outside the shore zone.
- DNR lake page · Map
Paddock Lake
128 acres · 32 feet at the deepest · Kenosha County
A DNR listed public beach and an accessible fishing pier, which makes it one of the easier lakes for a mixed group. Confirm beach hours and the pier route before you go.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: End of 68th Street. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: listed by the DNR; confirm hours, admission and the same-day water test
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Lilly Lake
85 acres · 22 feet at the deepest · Kenosha County
A small lake near Wheatland with a DNR access off Lilly Lake Road.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as present.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Off Lilly Lake Road. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Montgomery Lake
62 acres · 23 feet at the deepest · Kenosha County
Small and fairly deep, near Salem, with an 85th Street access.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: 85th Street access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
George Lake
69 acres · 16 feet at the deepest · Kenosha County
A Bristol lake with a DNR access on 106th Street.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: 106th Street access, Bristol. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Lake Andrea
121 acres · Kenosha County
The park lake at Prairie Springs Park in Pleasant Prairie, where the RecPlex runs a public beach with seasonal hours, admission and lifeguards that vary by day. DNR archives list a motorboat prohibition, so treat it as paddle water.
DNR fish inventory: not documented for this lake, which does not mean no fish.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Public launch: Pleasant Prairie access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Vern Wolf Lake
150 acres · 12 feet at the deepest · Kenosha County
Inside Richard Bong State Recreation Area, so a state park admission sticker is required. Panfish are abundant but limited to 10 a day, and there is an accessible fishing pier.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Panfish listed as abundant.
- Panfish10 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- BassDNR online rule incomplete; confirm with the DNR before keeping bass
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: East Lake Flowage west end. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Rock Lake (Kenosha)
44 acres · 33 feet at the deepest · Kenosha County
A deep, cold pocket lake stocked with trout where only paddles, oars, sails and electric motors are allowed. Not the Rock Lake in Jefferson County.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and trout. Panfish listed as present.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Trout5 a day combined, no minimum length, inland season; inland trout stamp required
- Public launch: 121st Street access; Off Rock Lake Road. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: Village code allows propulsion only by paddles, oars, sails or electric motors, and the whole lake is slow-no-wake. A quiet paddling lake.
- DNR lake page · Map
Staying on Twin Lakes? See our Twin Lakes vacation rentals.
Jefferson County Lakes
8 lakes
An hour north of Lake Geneva. Lake Koshkonong is the giant, shallow walleye and catfish water near Fort Atkinson, and Rock Lake at Lake Mills and Lake Ripley at Cambridge both have public beaches and boat launches.
Lake Koshkonong
10,595 acres · 7 feet at the deepest · Jefferson, Rock and Dane counties
More than 10,000 acres and rarely deeper than 7 feet, so it gets rough in wind. Several species are open all year here instead of the usual May opener. Four DNR accesses and a listed public beach.
DNR fish inventory: musky, panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye and catfish. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined, 14 inch minimum, open all year
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, all year
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 18 inch minimum, open all year
- Musky1 a day, 40 inch minimum, open water May 2 to December 31, 2026
- Catfish10 a day, no minimum length, all year
- Public launch: Wildlife area at Vinnie Ha Ha Road; End of Bingham Road; Lake Koshkonong access; Near North Charley Bluff Road. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: listed by the DNR; confirm hours, admission and the same-day water test
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Lake Ripley
420 acres · 44 feet at the deepest · Jefferson County
Ripley Park in Cambridge has a swimming beach with weekly summer water testing by Jefferson County Public Health. The Town of Oakland launch is $7 a day in season (May 1 to September 30), decal on the vehicle, no fishing or swimming from the ramp.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 15 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Near Marina Lane; Near Island Lane. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: listed by the DNR; confirm hours, admission and the same-day water test
- Local boating rules: Lake district rules: slow-no-wake 7:30 p.m. to 11 a.m., within 200 feet of shore and in the buoyed bays. Tuesdays are voluntary no-wake days. The town adopted an artificial wake enhancement ordinance in March 2024, so check it before wakesurfing.
- DNR lake page · Map
Rock Lake (Jefferson)
1,365 acres · 60 feet at the deepest · Jefferson County
The deep, clear lake at Lake Mills with Ferry Park, Bartels and Sandy beaches and four launches. Walleye minimum is 15 inches here. Not the Rock Lake in Kenosha County.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 15 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: North end launch, Park Lane Road; Elm Point access; Sandy Beach launch; Ferry Park landing. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: listed by the DNR; confirm hours, admission and the same-day water test
- Local boating rules: City code: slow-no-wake from sunset to sunrise and in the designated bays and the area south of the trail. Towing is prohibited from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m. Town rules also apply.
- DNR lake page · Map
Blue Spring Lake
136 acres · 27 feet at the deepest · Jefferson County
A spring-fed lake near Palmyra listed as abundant for panfish.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as abundant.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Near Blue Spring Lake Road and South Shore. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Golden Lake
288 acres · 44 feet at the deepest · Jefferson and Waukesha counties
A deep lake on the Jefferson and Waukesha line with walleye and a DNR access.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Walleye and sauger3 a day combined, 18 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Golden Lake access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Red Cedar Lake
344 acres · 6 feet at the deepest · Jefferson County
A shallow marshy lake near Cambridge; DNR archives note a motorboat prohibition, so plan on paddling.
DNR fish inventory: panfish. Panfish listed as present.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Public launch: Red Cedar Lake access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Rome Mill Pond
448 acres · 7 feet at the deepest · Jefferson County
Usually called Rome Pond. A big, shallow impoundment on the Bark River with a DNR access and good pike water in spring.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as present.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Rome Millpond access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: none listed by the DNR; swim only from an authorized shoreline
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Spring Lake
105 acres · 11 feet at the deepest · Jefferson County
Near Palmyra, with a DNR listed public beach and launch. Confirm beach operation before you go.
DNR fish inventory: panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass and northern pike. Panfish listed as common.
- Panfish25 a day combined, no minimum length, all year
- Bass5 a day combined largemouth and smallmouth, 14 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027
- Public launch: Lower Spring Lake access. Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: listed by the DNR; confirm hours, admission and the same-day water test
- Local boating rules: not verified for this guide; state rules apply and posted signs at the landing control
- DNR lake page · Map
Lake Michigan at Kenosha
1 lake
About an hour east. Lake Michigan runs on Great Lakes rules, not the inland tables above, and needs a Great Lakes trout and salmon stamp for anyone targeting trout or salmon.
Lake Michigan (Kenosha shore)
Kenosha County
Kenosha County posts water tests for Alford, Eichelman, Pennoyer, Simmons Island, Southport and Prairie Shores beaches. Bacteria results do not measure waves or currents, so check the National Weather Service beach forecast and stay off piers, breakwalls and river outlets, where dangerous currents form even on calm-looking days. The Kemper Center has an accessible fishing pier. Carry a paper copy of your license and stamps on the big lake.
DNR fish inventory: salmon and trout, yellow perch, bass, northern pike, walleye and musky.
- Bluegill, sunfish and crappie25 combined panfish including yellow perch, no minimum, all year
- Yellow perch5 a day, counted in the 25 panfish total; closed May 1 to June 15
- Bass5 a day combined, 14 inch minimum, harvest May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027; catch and release otherwise
- Northern pike2 a day, 26 inch minimum, all year
- Walleye and sauger5 a day combined, 15 inch minimum, all year south of Waldo Boulevard, Manitowoc
- Trout and salmon5 a day combined, 10 inch minimum, all year outside restricted areas; Great Lakes trout and salmon stamp required
- Musky1 a day, 40 inch minimum, May 2 to December 31, 2026
- Public launch: Kenosha harbor launches and marinas (confirm directly). Verify ramp type, hours, fees and parking.
- Public beach: listed by the DNR; confirm hours, admission and the same-day water test
- Local boating rules: Use a boat suited to Great Lakes conditions and check the marine forecast and small craft advisories before leaving the harbor. Federal equipment rules apply; the inland quick list is not enough.
- Map
Fishing Rules That Apply on Every Lake
Wisconsin fishing rules combine a statewide season and limit with lake-specific exceptions. The cards above give the exceptions. These are the rules that do not change from lake to lake.
Hooks and rods
No more than three hooks, baits or lures per angler in the water at once. Three rods are fine if the rigs stay within that total, and a single lure with several hooks counts as one. Motor trolling is allowed on all of these lakes.
Lake limits and statewide limits both count
Moving to a second lake does not reset your daily total. Where a lake has a lower limit, such as 10 panfish on Turtle Lake, the lower number wins.
Bait and invasive species
Inspect the boat, trailer and gear, remove plants and animals, drain livewells and bilges before leaving, and never move live fish or lake water to another lake. Buy lawful bait and do not dump leftovers in the lake.
Eating what you catch
Legal to keep does not mean fine to eat every night. Wisconsin publishes mercury guidance and lake-specific advice in the Choose Wisely booklet; it matters most for children and anyone who is or may become pregnant.
A simple panfish setup
A light rod, a small hook or jig, a piece of worm and a bobber, fished near weed edges or cover from the dock or an authorized shoreline, away from swimmers and boat lanes. Adjust depth and spot if nothing bites.
Trout and salmon stamps
Geneva Lake, Honey Lake and Rock Lake (Kenosha) trout need the inland trout stamp. Lake Michigan trout and salmon need the Great Lakes stamp. Both can be bundled into a license package.
Boating and Paddling Rules
State rules apply on every lake, and most of the lakes here add a municipal code with morning no-wake hours, shoreline buffers and towing rules. A fishing license does not authorize boating, and a launch pass does not authorize a private pier or association beach.
Who can drive
Under 10, nobody. Ages 10 and 11 only with a qualifying adult aboard. Ages 12 to 15 need a boating safety certificate or a qualifying adult. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1989 needs the certificate. Personal watercraft are stricter: a certificate is required from age 12 and renters must be at least 16. A driver’s license is not a boating certificate.
Life jackets
One correctly sized, Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket per person on every vessel, including kayaks and paddleboards. Boats 16 feet and longer also need a throwable. Everyone on a personal watercraft wears one. We recommend children wear theirs on every lake.
Towing and tubing
No towing from sunset to sunrise anywhere in Wisconsin. Geneva, Lauderdale, Whitewater and Powers all require a real observer in the boat, not just a mirror, and several require counterclockwise travel. Wakesurfing has separate enhanced-wake rules on some lakes; ask before you ballast up.
Bringing your own boat
A boat with current out-of-state registration can use Wisconsin waters for up to 60 consecutive days. Electric trolling motors count as motors for registration. Confirm with us that the property allows guest boats and that the pier, lift and water depth fit your boat before you trailer it up.
Launch fees
Lauderdale and Pleasant: $5 a day or $30 a year, paid before launching. Twin Lakes village launch: $10 a day motorized, paddle craft free, March 1 to October 31. Lake Ripley: $7 a day, May 1 to September 30. Delavan town launch: pay at the gate and display the receipt. Salem Lakes: check the village permit page. State forest and recreation area launches add a vehicle admission sticker.
Night, PWC and quiet hours
Personal watercraft may not operate from sunset to sunrise. Boats need navigation lights after sunset, and kayaks need a white light. Most lakes here go no-wake at sunset and stay that way until 9 or 10 a.m., so plan early skiing elsewhere.
Swimming Safely
The lakes are clean, cold and clear for most of the summer, and a little care makes them safe. The DNR beach list is a directory, not a same-day status, so check the beach you plan to use.
Check the beach, not the lake
Wisconsin Beach Health and the Walworth and Kenosha county health pages post bacteria results for monitored public beaches, weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day in Walworth County. Read the test date and the signs at the beach; an old result is not today’s result.
Algae
Stay out of water that looks like spilled paint, pea soup or has thick surface mats, and keep dogs out too. A bloom cannot be judged safe by looking at it. Avoid swallowing lake water and rinse off after swimming.
Swim areas and boat lanes
Swim inside marked swim areas, keep children in arm’s reach, stay away from launches and boat lanes, and do not assume a lifeguard is on duty unless you see one.
Your rental’s shoreline
A pier or a lakefront address does not make a swimming area. Ask us what we know about the entry, ladder, depth, drop-offs, bottom and boat traffic at your home, and whether an association beach is open to guests.
Winter
No lake in this guide is certified safe for walking, vehicles or ice fishing. Check local conditions yourself and treat early and late ice with respect.
Lakes Near Lake Geneva: Common Questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish from our rental’s pier in Wisconsin?
Yes, if you are 16 or older. Wisconsin requires a fishing license for residents and nonresidents from age 16, bought through the DNR Go Wild system. Children under 16 fish without a license but follow the same seasons, size and bag rules. An Illinois license does not cover Wisconsin inland lakes.
How many bluegills can we keep on Geneva Lake?
25 panfish a day per angler, combined across bluegill, pumpkinseed, crappie, yellow perch and sunfish, with no minimum length, open all year. The statewide possession limit is 50. A few lakes are lower: Turtle Lake, Eagle Spring Lake, Lulu Lake and Vern Wolf Lake allow 10 a day.
When is bass and walleye season in Walworth County?
The general inland game fish harvest season runs May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027. Catch and release bass fishing is open all year. Musky harvest is May 2 to December 31. Lake Koshkonong in Jefferson County keeps bass, pike and walleye open all year.
What does slow-no-wake mean on Geneva Lake?
The slowest speed at which the boat still steers, with no wake behind it. On Geneva Lake it applies within 200 feet of shore and 100 feet of piers, rafts and restricted areas; beyond that the limit is 45 mph on weekdays, 35 mph on weekends and holidays, and 15 mph from sunset to sunrise.
Can we bring our own boat to a Lake Geneva vacation rental?
Often, but confirm with us first. We check that the property allows guest boats, that the pier, lift and water depth fit your boat, and where the nearest launch and trailer parking are. A currently registered out-of-state boat may use Wisconsin waters for up to 60 consecutive days.
Can my 12 year old drive the boat or jet ski?
A 12 to 15 year old can operate a motorboat with a boating safety certificate or with a qualifying adult aboard. For a personal watercraft the certificate is required and an adult does not substitute. Rental companies often set higher ages, and renters of personal watercraft must be at least 16.
Which lakes near Lake Geneva have a public swimming beach?
The DNR lists public beaches on Geneva Lake (Lake Geneva, Williams Bay and Fontana), Delavan Lake, Whitewater Lake, Booth Lake, Paddock Lake, Lake Koshkonong, Lake Ripley, Rock Lake at Lake Mills and Spring Lake, and Silver Lake Park and Lake Andrea beach are confirmed park beaches. Check the beach’s own hours, admission and water test before you go.
Where is the best fishing near Lake Geneva?
It depends on what you want. Geneva Lake has lake trout, smallmouth and walleye in deep water. Delavan Lake and Silver Lake (Kenosha) are managed for trophy bass, pike and musky with one-fish limits. The Lauderdale chain, Lake Beulah and Whitewater Lake are strong all-around panfish and bass lakes, and Lake Koshkonong is the walleye and catfish water.
Is there a boat launch fee?
On most lakes, yes. Lauderdale and Pleasant are $5 a day or $30 a year, the Twin Lakes village launch is $10 a day for motorized boats, Lake Ripley is $7 a day in season, and the Delavan town launch takes payment at the gate. State forest and recreation area launches require a vehicle admission sticker. Fees were checked October 8, 2026.
Can we fish or swim from the boat launch?
No. A public boat launch is not a swim area or a fishing pier, and several, including Delavan and Lake Ripley, prohibit both at the ramp. Use a marked beach, an accessible fishing pier such as Paddock Lake or Vern Wolf Lake, or the pier at your rental with the owner’s permission.
Is the lake water safe to swim in?
Usually, but check the specific beach. Walworth County tests public beaches weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day and Kenosha County posts results for its beaches; Wisconsin Beach Health collects them. Avoid water with visible algae scum, swim only in marked areas, and rinse off afterward.
Are the fish safe to eat?
Most are fine in moderation. Wisconsin publishes statewide mercury guidance and lake-specific advice in the DNR Choose Wisely booklet, which matters most for children and anyone who is or may become pregnant. No lake in this guide is listed as unrestricted.
Stay on the Water
Book a Home on the Lake You Just Picked
Geneva Lakes Vacations manages vacation rental homes on Geneva Lake, Delavan Lake, Lake Como, the Lauderdale Lakes, Whitewater Lake, Powers Lake and the Twin Lakes, with piers, boat lifts, fire pits and room for the whole group. Tell us what you want to do on the water and we will tell you which home and which lake fit, and what we know about the shoreline, the pier and the nearest launch.
We are ranked #44 out of 582 vacation rental management companies in the United States by AirDNA, and we are the only Wisconsin company in the national Top 100. Our team lives on these lakes.
Fish lists, limits, launches and beach listings come from the Wisconsin DNR Find A Lake county directories, DNR lake pages and the 2026 to 2027 hook and line guide, researched October 8, 2026. Local boating rules are summaries of each municipality’s posted code on that date; the signs at the landing and the current code control. Fishing rules change on April 1, 2027 when the new license year begins. Beach conditions change daily. None of this certifies a private shoreline for swimming or grants access to an association beach or pier. If you spot something out of date, tell us and we will fix it. Planning an October visit? See our Fall in Lake Geneva guide.
Geneva Lakes Vacations · 326 Center Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 · (262) 248-1735