LakeList assistant
Fishing spots, food, lodging, marinas, and rentals around Lake Onalaska.
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Fishing forecast
Weather-based planning built from the National Weather Service hourly forecast near this lake.
Checking wind, precipitation, and near-term weather windows.
Water temperature
Modeled surface-temperature estimate built from seasonal climate, lake depth, and live National Weather Service air temperatures near this lake.
Seasonal estimate. Checking current National Weather Service air temperatures…
Warmest water of the year. Fish hold deeper or feed in low light; swimming and watersports are at their best.
Estimates are modeled, not measured. Actual temperatures vary with depth, wind mixing, and recent weather — verify conditions before swimming, boating, or heading onto ice.
DNR water check
Historical volunteer-monitoring record for this lake.
DNR volunteers monitored this lake for about 5 years, ending in 2010. In 2010 the water showed murky water (~1.8 ft Secchi), elevated algae (chlorophyll ~13 µg/L), and high nutrients (phosphorus ~598 µg/L). After 16 years without samples, these readings describe the lake as it was, not as it is.
| Year | Secchi | Chlorophyll-a | Total phosphorus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1.8 ft (1) | 13.0 µg/L (1) | 598.0 µg/L (1) |
| 2008 | — | 6.0 µg/L (1) | 88.0 µg/L (1) |
| 2007 | — | 23.0 µg/L (1) | 54.0 µg/L (1) |
| 2006 | — | 7.0 µg/L (1) | 43.0 µg/L (1) |
| 2005 | — | 12.0 µg/L (1) | 56.0 µg/L (1) |
Official Wisconsin information
LakeList links to the authoritative record so you can verify maps, rules, and current notices before leaving.
Historical depth maps are not for navigation. Verify regulations and access at the official source before your trip.
Historical Wisconsin DNR maps
1 converted map sheet. These historical surveys are not for navigation.
Navigable depth map
Pan, zoom, and inspect the converted Wisconsin DNR historical map image in the browser. Historical survey — not for navigation.

Source: Wisconsin DNR · WBIC 728100 · image navigation only; spatial alignment pending · Historical lake maps are not for navigation.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Converted for browser access with source URLs, checksums, and retrieval dates retained. Historical lake maps are not for navigation.
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Fishery
Depth FAQ
Lake Onalaska is 40 feet deep at its deepest point and averages about 6 feet, according to Wisconsin DNR records.
Yes. LakeList publishes a free interactive depth contour map of Lake Onalaska at a typical 5-foot interval, with an optional 3D underwater view, derived from C-MAP Genesis community sonar (derived) survey data.
The interactive depth contours are derived from C-MAP Genesis community sonar (derived). Each contour set passes a visual QA review against the source document before it is published. The depths are derived from community sonar recordings (C-MAP Genesis Social Map, used with permission), with gaps between recordings interpolated; not for navigation.
Trust and freshness
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