Fishing

Kettle Moraine recreation area has more than a dozen lakes and ponds, mostly kettles, but also two impoundments of the Milwaukee River.

Anglers of any age may check out basic fishing equipment free of charge at the Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center and Mauthe Lake and Long Lake recreation area entrance stations, when open. This equipment was donated by the Tackle Loaner Program.

Several private vendors within the forest sell licenses, bait and other fishing supplies. The primary fish species in these lakes include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappies and northern pike. Mauthe Lake and Long Lake recreation areas have fishing piers that are accessible to people who are mobility-impaired.

Lakes within the forest

Kettle Moraine northern unit has more than a dozen lakes and ponds—mostly kettles, but also two impoundments of the Milwaukee River. The eight lakes listed below range in size from 477 acres(Long Lake) to less than seven acres, accounting for a total of 786 acres. A state park vehicle admission sticker is required at some boat landings.

• Fishing and Boating Opportunities in the Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit [PDF]
• Fishing regulations

Auburn Lake

A medium-sized kettle lake, Auburn Lake provides a diverse fishery. A paved boat launch and trailer parking area are across from the Forest Headquarters entrance road. Access to launch is a narrow gravel road not suitable for large boat trailers. A local wake ordinance, posted at landing, is in effect. A state park vehicle admission sticker is required.

Butler Lake

Butler Lake is the smallest of the easily-accessible Kettle Moraine Lakes. It is a kettle lake with an emergent wetland fringe around most of the lake. The Ice Age Trail meanders through the Butler Lake area and there is a loop hiking trail system near the lake. Butler Lake is spring-fed and the water remains fairly cold and oxygenated. There is a paved parking lot and gravel launch area for canoes or small rowboats. Gas motors are not allowed. A water pump is available near the parking lot. A state park vehicle admission sticker is required.

Crooked Lake

This medium-sized kettle lake has relatively clear water and a diverse aquatic plant community. A gravel access road, boat launch, and parking area are off of County Road SS. The launch, suitable for canoes and small boats, is shallow and weedy.

Forest Lake

Forest Lake is a small kettle lake with a mostly-developed shoreline. A marked and fairly steep walk-in public access is off County Highway GGG. The lake is only suitable for canoes, small rowboats or paddle boats. No motors are allowed. Northern pike, walleyes and bass, are catch and release only.

Kettle Moraine Lake (Round Lake)

The second-largest lake in the area, Kettle Moraine Lake has relatively clear water. Many parts of the lake are weedy and shallow. There is no State Forest access available on this lake, but the public can launch at NanSea's Tiki Bar on the east side. Obey the local wake ordinance, posted at the landing

Lake Seven

This small, mostly undeveloped kettle lake has clear water and a diverse aquatic plant community. It is historically known as a tremendous bluegill lake. No gas motors allowed. Fairly shallow gravel boat launch for canoes and small rowboats.

Long Lake

Long Lake is a 3-mile long impoundment of the East Branch of the Milwaukee River. The lake has relatively clear water and is stocked by the DNR and the Long Lake Fishing Club. Heavy recreational use in the summer may make fishing difficult. An accessible fishing pier and shoreline fishing opportunities are found in the Long Lake Recreation Area. The area has a developed boat launch and parking for over 20 vehicles and trailers. The boat launch fills on summer weekends. Obey the local wake ordinance, posted at the landing. A state park vehicle admission sticker is required.

Mauthe Lake

Mauthe Lake is a 78-acre impoundment of the East Branch of the Milwaukee River and is entirely within the state forest boundaries. Accessible fishing pier, trail to dam and shoreline fishing opportunities are within the recreation area. Paved launch for canoes and small boats. No gas motors allowed; electric trolling motors are allowed. A state park vehicle admission sticker is required. No off-road vehicles (snowmobiles, ATVs) allowed on the ice or at any time.