Lake Winnebago Wisconsin

Lake Winnebago is the third largest natural freshwater lake in a U.S. state. With 88 miles of shoreline, it is the largest lake in Wisconsin. It is about 30 by 10 miles and has a surface area of 137,708 acres. Its average depth is 15.5 feet and has a maximum depth of 21 feet.

One of the most notable features is the many shallow reefs along the west shore, and a drop-off type shoreline on the east. There are numerous islands along the west shore.

The two primary tributaries of Lake Winnebago are the Wolf River and the Fox River. The lake is drained by the Fox River which flows north towards the Bay of Green Bay. Lake Winnebago is part of a larger system of lakes in Wisconsin known as the Winnebago Pool.

Many cities lie on the shores of Lake Winnebago, including Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, Neenah and Menasha. These cities also draw their drinking water from Lake Winnebago.

The locks and dams
Lake Winnebago’s level was raised by two dams built in 1850. Today, the lake level is regulated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

A system of seventeen locks, located along the lower Fox River, connect Lake Winnebago to Lake Michigan. This lock system starts at the northwest corner of Lake Winnebago, in the city of Menasha, and ends at the mouth of the Bay of Green Bay. The Rapid Croche Lock in Wrightstown, is permanently sealed as a barrier to prevent the movement of sea lamprey upstream. Only three of the remaining locks are operational.

Recreation
Lake Winnebago is the site of many annual events including concerts, power boat events and pleasure boating rallies.

Boating
The upper lakes of Butte des Mortes, Winneconne and Poygan, along with the Wolf River and the upper and lower Fox River, are popular places just to name a few. The SandPit, The weedbeds, Streich's and High Cliff are all great places to just hang out wih other boaters enjoying the sun and shallow sand bottoms.
There are a number of nice marinas on the system as well. Like Bayshore, Sweet Water Performance Center, Lakeside Marina in Oshkosh. Menasha marina
is a great spot to stop and get a bite to eat at The Vault, Mensha Grill or Nautis Landing. You can also swing over to Club Liqour to refill your adult beverages.
On the East Side of the lake you can go to Stockbridge harbor. On the southern or lower end of the lake in Fon Du Lac the Fond du Lac Yacht Club will welcome
you in. Heading into Winneconne make sure to stop at Waterfront Park and the famous Langs Landing. See some boating photos here.

Parks
Lake Winnebago offers a variety of state, county and city parks. High Cliff State Park, northeast corner of Lake Winnebago, is the only state park on the lake. The park offers camping, hiking trails, beautiful views of Lake Winnebago, a marina, beach, observation tower and picnic areas. Camping is available at Calumet County Park and Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac County.

Lets go Fishing
Lake Winnebago is one of the more heavily fished lakes in the state. Many fishermen consider it one of the nation's top walleye fisheries. Other abundant fish include Sturgeon, bluegill, largemouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike, perch, white bass, catfish, and small mouth bass.

Links:
www.Wiparty.com - Hotspots, Photos, Forum, and more.
Lake Winnebago Blog - A blog that covers issues, things to do and more.
Friends of the fox - a not-for-profit advocacy group established to preserve and develop the Fox River.
www.Wiparty.com - Hotspots, Photos, Forum, and more.
Appleton Yacht Club - The yacht club in Appleton
Winnebago Rally - A boating rally
Wisconsin DNR
Lake Winnebago Army corps of Engineers