Best Lakes Near La Crosse, WI
11 lakes within 50 miles of La Crosse ranked by water quality grade.
A moderate cluster of 11 graded lakes lies within reach of La Crosse, averaging a grade of D. Lake Tomah (D) is the cleanest of the set.
The lakes below are sorted by overall letter grade. If you have a specific activity in mind — swimming, kayaking, ice-fishing, family-fishing — the activity-specific sub-pages will filter further.
| Lake | Distance | County | Grade | Depth | Fish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Tomah | 37.8 mi | Monroe | D | 19 ft | 3 |
| Winona Lake | 26 mi | Winona | F | 38 ft | 24 |
| Target Lake | 1.8 mi | Houston | NR | - | 0 |
| Lawrence Lake | 5.9 mi | Houston | NR | - | 0 |
| Neshonoc Lake | 11.3 mi | La Crosse | NR | - | 0 |
| Sidie Hollow Lake | 23 mi | Vernon | NR | 22 ft | 3 |
| Unnamed Lake | 36.3 mi | Crawford | NR | - | 0 |
| Robinson Pond | 40.6 mi | Jackson | NR | - | 0 |
| Wazee Lake | 42.4 mi | Jackson | NR | 350 ft | 0 |
| Halfmoon Lake | 44.2 mi | Wabasha | NR | - | 0 |
| Upper Backwater Lake | 48.7 mi | Jackson | NR | 19 ft | 6 |
Top-Rated Lakes Near La Crosse
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Plan a lake trip in Wisconsin
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Fish species and top-graded lakes across Wisconsin
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at Wisconsin's top lakes, each with its grade
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes are near La Crosse?
There are 11 graded lakes within 50 miles of La Crosse, Wisconsin. 0 of these have an A water quality grade (excellent).
What are the best lakes near La Crosse for fishing?
4 lakes near La Crosse have documented fish species data. The best fishing lakes combine good water quality grades with diverse fish populations. 2 lakes within 50 miles have 5 or more documented fish species.
Where to stay near La Crosse
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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.