Waterbody
Size
35ac
Boat Launch
No
Carry-in Launch
Yes
Toilet
No
Boat Dock
No
Species in
Muskellunge
Muskellunge
Walleye
Walleye
Largemouth bass
Largemouth bass
Crappie
Crappie
Smallmouth bass
Smallmouth bass
Northern pike
Northern pike

Overview

In northwestern Wisconsin, just east of Chippewa Falls and north of Highway 29.

Map

Features

Nestled in the northwestern portion of Wisconsin, Lake Wissota is located just east of Chippewa Falls, WI and north of Highway 29. The reservoir was created in 1915 to provide flood control and provide a source of hydroelectric power along the Chippewa River. The lake offers a number of shore fishing sites along Highway X and provides anglers many opportunities throughout the year. Lake Wissota State Park on the northeast end of the lake provides great camping facilities along with day-use areas. Boaters unfamiliar with the Chippewa River between Lake Wissota and Jim Falls Dam should exercise caution when navigating this area. Stumps, flooded timber and shallow rock bars pose serious navigational hazards.

Forage

Yellow perch, emerald shiners and a variety of other minnow species provide excellent forage for most species, especially walleye. Redhorse and suckers are heavily utilized by larger gamefish species, like the muskie and northern pike.

Seasonal Movements

Starting in late fall, walleye move up the Chippewa River and congregate below the Jim Falls Dam. Yellow River, Paint Creek and Stillson Creek experience a similar migration. During early spring, muskie and northern pike move into the major tributaries to spawn. A smaller, less-noted migration of walleye and muskies occurs in spring when muskie and walleye move downstream into the Chippewa Falls Flowage.

Weather

Current Weather Icon
71°Feels like 71°
High Temperature--
Low Temperature47°
Sunrise
--
Sunset
--
Wind Direction
2 mph
North
Precipitation
0 in
Rain
Pressure
29.95 inHg
Stable
Mostly Clear
SundaySu
-- / 47°
Mostly Sunny
MondayMo
81° / 58°
Partly Cloudy with Isolated Storms
TuesdayTu
84° / 62°
Partly Cloudy with Isolated Storms
WednesdayWe
80° / 58°
Mostly Sunny
ThursdayTh
81° / 53°
Mostly Sunny
FridayFr
81° / 57°

Moon Phase

waxing gibbous
August 24, 2026
87% Illumination
waxing gibbous, getting brighter
Moon Rise and Set
Moon Rise 6:30 PM
Moon Set 2:13 AM
Moon Overhead Underfoot
Overhead 10:52 PM
Underfoot 10:27 AM
waxing gibbous
MondayMo08/24
waxing gibbous
TuesdayTu08/25
waxing gibbous
WednesdayWe08/26
waxing gibbous
ThursdayTh08/27
full moon
FridayFr08/28
waning gibbous
SaturdaySa08/29
waning gibbous
SundaySu08/30
Waterbody poster background

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Top Fish Species

Muskellunge
Muskellunge
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
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