Largest Lakes in Wisconsin: Top 25 Ranked by Surface Area (2026)
Chippewa Flowage -Winter Dam Lake in Sawyer County is the largest monitored Wisconsin lake at 15,800 acres. The Chippewa Flowage and Lake Petenwell are next. Below: the 25 largest monitored Wisconsin lakes by surface area.
Top 25 Largest Wisconsin Lakes
Ranked by surface area (acres).
- 1. Chippewa Flowage -Winter Dam Lake — 15,800 acres (Sawyer County, Grade C)
- 2. Turtle-Flambeau Flowage Lake — 13,798 acres (Iron County, Grade D)
- 3. Turtle Flambeau Flowage Lake — 13,798 acres (Iron County, Grade B)
Lake Winnebago and the Fox-Wolf System
Lake Winnebago is the centerpiece of the Fox-Wolf system in east-central Wisconsin — a shallow (max 21 ft), nutrient-rich lake known for its lake sturgeon population (one of the largest in the world) and the annual sturgeon spear harvest. Despite its size, it is grade C-D water due to its shallow bowl and agricultural watershed.
The Chippewa Flowage and Lake Petenwell are reservoirs created by hydroelectric dams. Both rank as top musky destinations.