Lake Winnebago Complete guide for beginners

Lake Winnebago Guide for beginners.

Lake Winnebago is known as Wisconsin's largest island lake and sits on more than 138,000 acres of land. This lake is a part of a system of other lakes that comprises of Lake Winneconne, Lake Butte, and Lake Poygan. This system also comprises of the two rivers known as the Wolf and Fox Rivers. One thing you have to remember is that Lake Winnebago is large but very shallow. You have to make sure whichever boat you decide to bring on this lake can clear 15 feet. I would us 15 feet as a safe depth even though the lake's deepest depth is 21 feet.

Below you will find information on everything that has to do with Lake Winnebago. This guide will help beginners and also some season vacationers.

Lake Winnebago

Where is Lake Winnebago?

One way to get here would be to take a flight from wherever you're located into Green Bay WI (GRB Austin Straubel International). This airport is however 21.1 miles away. The best way to get here would be to take a flight from your location to Appleton, WI (ATW Appleton International). This is the closest airport and is only 5.1 miles away from the city center.

Fly into Appleton, WI (ATW-Appleton Intl.), the closest airport, located 5.1 mi (8.3 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could also fly into Green Bay, WI (GRB-Austin Straubel Intl.), which is 21.1 mi (33.9 km) away.

Activities in Appleton Lake Winnebago

Before you head to Lake Winnebago, you might want to enjoy the many activities that Appleton has to offer. There are activities available for both kids and adults. Some of these activities include:

  • Chaska Golf Course (6.1 miles away)
  • Reid Municipal Golf Course (1.2 miles away)
  • Barlow Planetarium (2.3 miles away)
  • Building for Kids Children's Museum (0.1 miles away)
  • Hickory Hills Country Club (17.6 miles away)
  • Pollock Community Water Park (18.3 miles)

These are only some of the activities in Appleton Lake. If you go a little bit further away, there are some others that are just as fun to visit.

Most popular destinations to visit in Lake Winnebago

Below are the top most rated destinations in Lake Winnebago.

  • Appleton: 123 vacation rentals
  • Oshkosh: 275 vacation rentals
  • Green Bay: 141 vacation rentals
  • Fond du Lac: 67 vacation rentals
  • Elkhart Lake: 143 vacation rentals

Main cities in Lake Winnebago.

  • Fond du Lac: 67 rentals
  • Green Bay: 141 rentals
  • Elkhart Lake: 143 rentals
  • Oshkosh: 275 rentals
  • Appleton: 123 rentals

Appleton lake winnebago attractions

Whenever you decide to visit Lake Winnebago, you will have many options when it comes to different attractions. These attractions will keep you and your family busy and having fun for days. Here are a few of the attractions you can visit:

  • Cave Point Kayak Tour

  • Lake in Cave Point Kayak Tour

    Departure point: 6300 WI-57, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, USA

    End Point: Same

    This is where you will be taken on a tour of Cave Point and the Whitefish Dunes. Be prepared to see some of the most beautiful landscapes. When you arrive at the boat launch, you will be provided with a paddle, kayak, life jacket, and safety information. You will receive this then spend the next 2-3 hours paddling on the water.

    The starting price for this tour is $60 and has a cancellation policy where you can cancel 24 hours before the tour.

  • Door County Sunset Tour

  • Cave Point Kayak Tour

    Departure point: South Shore Pier Boat Rentals

    End Point: Same

    This tour is the only tour company that launches out of Ephraim which ultimately gives unique access to the location. Much like the Cave Point Kayak Tour, you will see very beautiful landscapes you will not see anywhere and you will surely remember for years to come. The starting price for going on this tour is $60 and will be money well spent.

  • Death's Door Bluff Kayak Tour

  • Death's Door Bluff Kayak Tour

    Departure point: 1310 Garrett Bay Rd, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, USA

    End Point: Same

    Death's Door Bluff Kayak Tour location is dependent on the current weather and the ability of the group. The guide is responsible for deciding on where to take the tour as wind speed and weather conditions can make the tour dangerous in certain areas. There is however the option of choosing a specific location for your tour by signing up for a private tour online or by contacting the company by phone at (920)-868-1400.

    This tour is safe for kids of ages 5+ and even beginner paddlers. Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun morning or evening on the water with your kayak and paddles.

    The cancellation policy here states that you can reschedule your tour within 3- 5 days of your tour date, join another tour on that date once conditions are safe or you can cancel and lose your deposit of $10 per person.

    How deep is Lake Winnebago?

    The Lake Winnebago has a maximum depth of around 21 feet.

    How many acres is Lake Winnebago?

    This getaway sits on a very large area of land and water. Lake Winnebago sits on 138,000 acres.

    Lake Winnebago Fishing

    Lake Winnebago has walleye fishing which is widely known to have some of the best fishing experiences in the county. You will find anglers coming from all over the world here to try and catch the popular fish in the area which is the jumbo perch. A perch is a fish that many people get to catch and their favorite are the ones that get over 10 inches. Some of these Jumbo Perch get up to 15 inches and will make any angler happy. Other types of fish that Lake Winnebago is getting noticed for by anglers are bass. More specifically largemouth and smallmouth. Known as one of the best bass fishing lakes in the county, Lake Winnebago adds another dimension to the angling experience. The thrill of chasing after the elusive largemouth and smallmouth bass complements the already exciting pursuit of jumbo perch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, the diverse range of fishing opportunities at Lake Winnebago, from trophy-sized perch to bass, ensures a memorable and fulfilling fishing expedition.

    Here is a table of the fish available in the lake and their abundance:
    Type of fish Abundance
    Musky Mild
    Walley Abundant
    Smallmouth Bass Common
    Catfish Abundant
    Panfish Abundant
    Sturgeon Abundant
    Largemouth Bass Common
    Northern Pike Common

    Fishing Regulations

    This is when you can legally fish for these types of fish in lake winnebago.

    Species When can you fish for them
    Channel catfish Open All Year
    Catfish Open All Year
    Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie and yellow perch) Open All Year
    Northern pike May 1, 2021 to March 6, 2022
    Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass Open All Year
    Trout See specific regulations
    Muskellunge and hybrids May 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021
    Flathead catfish May 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021
    Bullheads Open All Year
    Rock, yellow, and white bass Open All Year
    Walleye, sauger, and hybrids Open All Year
    Cisco and whitefish Open All Year
    Sauger and hybrids Open All Year
    White perch Open All Year
    Rough fish Open All Year
    Paddlefish Closed
    Lake sturgeon Closed
    Round goby Open All Year
    Shovelnose sturgeon Closed
    Ruffe Open All Year

    Lake Winnebago Rentals

    There are three different types of rentals to stay at in Lake Winnebago. The first one we will go over are hotels. The other two are homes and unique stays.

    Hotels near Lake Winnebago WI

    There are many hotels located around Lake Winnebago. Below will be a list of the best and closest.

    1. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Oshkosh

    2. Fairfield Inn & Suites interior and exterior

      The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Oshkosh is only 1.57 miles east of Lake Winnebago. Complimentary breakfast is offered along with a Gym and fitness center. Check in is at 3 pm and whenever you check in, there is an outdoor pool to enjoy. This hotel is rated 4 stars on Google

      A total of 54 people can be here at a time spread across the 3 floors in the hotel.

    3. Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Oshkosh

    4. Location: 3105 South Washburn St., Oshkosh, WI 54904 United States

      Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Oshkosh interior and exterior

      The Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Oshkosh is located only 10 minutes away from Lake Winnebago and offers guests many different amenities. You will wake up to many different breakfast choices

      Amenities & Features

      • Alarm clock
      • Air conditioning
      • Complimentary breakfast
      • Baggage storage facilities
      • Clothes drying
      • Free WiFi Internet
      • Internet - ethernet
      • Complimentary newspaper
      • Conference facilities
      • Shower
      • Credit card accepted: Mastercard/Visa
      • Credit card accepted: American Express
      • Facilities for the disabled
      • Credit card accepted: Discover
      • Credit card accepted: Diners Club
      • Bus parking
      • Elevator
      • Express Check-Out
      • Electronic key card
      • Fitness and health center
      • Free local calls
      • Fax available
      • Swimming pool - indoor
      • Hairdryer available
      • Handicap accessible
      • Games room
      • Ice Maker
      • Jacuzzi
      • Kitchenette in room
      • Laundry facilities
      • Laundry valet service
      • Licensed bar
      • Microwave in room
      • Non-smoking rooms
      • 24 hours opened
      • Office or business center
      • Pets allowed
      • Ironing facilities
      • Private bathroom in room
      • Refrigerator
      • Radio in room
      • Quiet location
      • Safe in rooms
      • Self controlled heating/cooling system
      • Tea and coffee making facilities
      • Telephone
      • Voicemail
      • TV - Free Cable
      • Telephone - Free local calls
      • Telephone in all rooms
      • Television
      • TV Channel: HBO

      Popular vacation rentals on lake winnebago wi

      Some people will prefer to stay in a tradition style home rather than in a hotel. @ of the most popular home rentals are listed below.

      Lake Life

      Location: Neenah, Wisconsin, United States

      Lake life home rental

      The owner of this house is a super host and this house is rated 4.94 stars out of 5 on AirBnB. He has gotten that many stars from over 200 guests. The cost of staying here is 300/night and is great for up to 6 people.

      Jackson Street Farmhouse

      Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin, United States

      Lake life home rental

      This is a large farmhouse that can sleep up to 8 people.

      Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin Boating and Visitors Guide

      The biggest inland lake in Wisconsin, Lake Winnebago, have activities and rentals for visitors and residents alike. It's a fantastic location for pontoon rentals with tour buddies, fishing expeditions, kayaking, canoeing, or taking pleasure in enjoyable water-sports on some very high-speed powerboats. Ski across the beautiful lake any type of jet ski, or you can paddle yourself without a stand-up paddleboard, delighting in the stunning nature of Wisconsin on the beautiful water.

      The very best season to go to Lake Winnebago is absolutely in the summertime. You'll take pleasure in the warm sunshine and limitless ways to take pleasure in the outdoors. You can easily swim in the lake, so do not think twice to cool down with a dive from your boat on jet ski on Lake Winnebago. It's a budget friendly location for a summertime trips and is the best area for outdoorsy households or groups of buddies aiming to take pleasure in nature without being very far from civilization.

      Can you boat from Lake Winnebago to Lake Michigan?

      You can definitely boat from Lake Winnebago to the other Lake Michigan through the system known as the lock system on both lakes, these lock systems link them in Green Bay. It's possible to drive your rental boat from Lake Winnebago to Lake Michigan on the lower river known as the Fox River.

      Where can you catch walleye on Lake winnebago

      The very best walleye fishing you will ever have on Lake Winnebago in the summer and spring season is normally discovered along the rockiest shoreline. You will find them in the shallow corners of the lake. During the summertime, from July onward, you will want to access a fish boat or rent a boat to get much deeper into the lake basin to capture walleye.

      Things to do in summer On Lake Winnebago

      1. Jet Skiing or boating
      2. If you love jet skis or boats, then this is the best thing for you to do on Lake Winnebago.

      3. Go Fishing with your buddies & Family members
      4. There are various tackle and bait shops around Lake Winnebago to just stop at &and get anything you might need. Clearly, for fishing, it is always best to have a fishing pole, bait, tackle, and a net. Stop at a shop to stock up on supplies if you do not have any or just simply needs some more.

      5. Kayaking
      6. Kayaking is getting very popular among visitors here. Get your kayak ready for a fun time on the water.

      Things to do in winter On Lake Winnebago

      1. Ice Skating
      2. Ice Fishing
      3. Drive your vehicle across the lake
      4. Please check ice thickness before you do this. During the cold winter months, the ice gets thick enough and strong enough where people drive their vehicles straight across the lake.

      5. Ice-Boating
      6. This might be a new concept to most people reading this, but, during the cold winter months, the ice gets so smooth and thick that ice-boating becomes possible.

      Nearby Attractions and buildings (Less than 20 miles away)

      Attraction/Building Miles away
      Wittman Regional Airport (OSH) 1.3
      Whittman Regional Airport 1.8
      Oshkosh Convention and Visitors 1.9
      University of Wisconsin Oshkosh 3.4
      Oshkosh Public Museum 3.8
      Paine Art Center and Gardens 3.9
      Wisconsin Aviation Museum 14.8
      Fond Du Lac County (FLD) 15.3
      Moraine Park Technical College 15.8
      St Agnes Hospital 16.0
      Appleton International Airport (ATW) 19.4

    Protected Species In The Area

    Species Habitat Conservation Efforts
    Northern Pike Inshore and offshore areas of the lake Fishing regulations are in place to help manage the population of Northern Pike and ensure the sustainability of the species
    Yellow Perch Inshore areas of the lake Fishing regulations are in place to help manage the population of Yellow Perch and ensure the sustainability of the species
    Common Loon Open water areas of the lake Protected under the Wisconsin Endangered Species Act and the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act
    Great Blue Heron Shallow waters and wetlands around the lake Protected under the Wisconsin Endangered Species Act
    American Bald Eagle Wooded areas and wetlands around the lake Protected under the Wisconsin Endangered Species Act and the Federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

    Weather data for Lake Winnebago

    Month Average High Temperature (°F) Average Low Temperature (°F) Average Precipitation (inches) Average Wind Speed (mph)
    January 30 14 1.6 9
    February 34 17 1.3 9
    March 43 26 2.2 10
    April 54 35 2.9 11
    May 65 45 3.6 11
    June 74 54 4.1 11
    July 80 60 3.8 11
    August 78 59 3.5 10
    September 69 50 3.1 10
    October 58 39 2.6 9
    November 45 29 2.4 9
    December 34 19 1.5 8

    Available Parks and access points

    Park/Access Point Location Amenities Fees/Restrictions
    Lake Winnebago County Park Neenah, WI Picnic areas, fishing pier, beach, playground, nature trails No fees. Dogs must be leashed.
    High Cliff State Park Sherwood, WI Picnic areas, camping, fishing, hiking, boat launch, beach Vehicle admission fee. Boat launch fee. Camping fees apply.
    Menominee Park Oshkosh, WI Picnic areas, beach, playground, hiking trails, boat launch No fees. Dogs must be leashed.
    Lakeside Park Fond du Lac, WI Picnic areas, beach, playground, boat launch, fishing pier No fees. Dogs must be leashed.
    Millers Bay Boat Launch Fond du Lac, WI Boat launch Boat launch fee. No other amenities.
    Conclusion

    Lake Winnebago is one of the best places I have ever visited and it is well suited for the whole family. There are many activities around for every member of the family and the staff at each of these places are very welcoming. My next visit to Lake Winnebago will be in the summer as the last time I visited it was at the end of winter when the weather was not the best. With the weather not being the best, I was still able to enjoy the area to the fullest.

About Author:

image of Kevin Pommells

Hi, I'm Kevin Pommells, a lover of camping and the great outdoors as everyone says nowadays. I'm also a passionate soccer fan and the proud owner of CamperRules.com, a website dedicated to helping campers and outdoor enthusiasts make the most of their adventures. With years of experience exploring the wilderness and a deep love for the sport of soccer, I'm always looking for new ways to combine my two passions and share my knowledge with others. Follow me for tips, tricks, and insights on all things camping and outdoor recreation.

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