Boat Launches In Wisconsin: Open Or Closed?

Wisconsin is a haven for water-based activities, with over 15,000 inland lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 650 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. Boating and fishing are two of the state's most popular pastimes, and there are numerous public boat launches across Wisconsin. So, if you're looking to get out on the water, you're in luck!

Boating and fishing are popular in Wisconsin

Boating and fishing are popular pastimes in Wisconsin, with its abundance of lakes, rivers, and shoreline. Wisconsin boasts over 15,000 inland lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 650 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. It's no surprise that many people in the state enjoy spending time on and around the water.

To accommodate this, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has created a comprehensive inventory of public boat access sites and fishing piers. This inventory includes over 2,000 public boat access sites and more than 100 developed shore fishing sites, with accessible fishing piers and flat fishing spots along the shoreline. The DNR also provides upkeep and maintenance for these sites through user launch fees.

Lake Wisconsin, a 7,197-acre freshwater lake in south-central Wisconsin, is a popular destination for boating and fishing enthusiasts. The lake has a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, musky, bass, bluegill, and crappie. It also offers several public fishing piers and hosts fishing tournaments throughout the year. With a maximum depth of 24 feet, it's a great spot for water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, kayaking, and other water sports.

In addition to Lake Wisconsin, southeastern Wisconsin also offers numerous options for boating and fishing enthusiasts. The Ozaukee Coast, spanning the shoreline of Lake Michigan, provides diverse terrain ranging from flat and sandy in the north to rocky bluffs in the south, making it ideal for kayakers. Waukesha County's inland lakes are perfect for a relaxing sunset cruise or speeding across the water in a motorboat. Washington County also offers boat access to Little Cedar Lake and Silver Lake, with launches at Ackerman's Grove and Henschke Hillside.

There are over 2,000 public boat access sites

Wisconsin is a haven for water-based activities, with over 15,000 inland lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 650 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. Boating and fishing are two of the state's most popular pastimes, and there are over 2,000 public boat access sites to cater to this.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) upholds the Public Trust Doctrine, which states that all navigable waters are "common highways and forever free". This means that all Wisconsin citizens have the right to boat, fish, hunt, ice skate, and swim in these waters, as well as enjoy the natural beauty and water quality.

The DNR has created a statewide inventory of public boat access sites and fishing piers, with over 2,000 sites identified. These sites are maintained through user launch fees, and the mapping application indicates which sites require these fees. The DNR also provides information on shore fishing sites, although currently, these are limited to those funded and developed by the DNR.

With such a vast number of public boat access sites, Wisconsin offers plenty of opportunities for boating enthusiasts to get out on the water. One popular destination is Lake Wisconsin, a 7,197-acre freshwater lake in south-central Wisconsin. Lake Wisconsin features several public boat launches and marinas, and visitors can enjoy a range of water sports and activities, including water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, kayaking, and canoeing.

In addition to Lake Wisconsin, there are numerous other lakes in the state with public boat launches. For example, in southeastern Wisconsin, Ozaukee County offers public boat launches along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, while Waukesha County provides access to five inland lakes, including Pewaukee, Nagawicka, and Nemahbin.

You can buy daily and seasonal launch passes

If you're looking to get out on the water in Wisconsin, you can buy daily and seasonal launch passes for a variety of locations. These passes are a great way to make the most of the summer boating season, which officially runs from May through October.

Milwaukee County Parks offer both single-day passes, available at every boat launch location, and seasonal launch passes, which can be purchased online. So, whether you're a resident or just visiting, you can easily access the water and enjoy a day of boating.

In addition to Milwaukee, there are several other counties in southeastern Wisconsin that provide boat launch passes. Waukesha County, for example, offers daily launch permits and annual lake access stickers for Pewaukee, Nagawicka, Nemahbin, and School Section Lake. There is no fee for lake access at Ashippun Lake. Washington County also provides boat access to Little Cedar Lake and Silver Lake, with launches at Ackerman's Grove and Henschke Hillside.

With these launch passes, you can explore the beautiful waterways of Wisconsin, including its inland lakes, rivers, and the Great Lakes shoreline. So grab your swimsuits, life jackets, and sunscreen, and enjoy a day out on the water!

Ozaukee Coast is a destination for kayakers

Wisconsin is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, with over 15,000 inland lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 650 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. The state's navigable waters are open to all, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) maintains a comprehensive inventory of public boat access sites. The Ozaukee Coast, in particular, is a kayaker's paradise.

The Ozaukee Coast spans the shoreline of Lake Michigan, offering a diverse terrain that caters to kayakers of all skill levels. From flat, sandy beaches in the north to rocky bluffs in the south, Ozaukee's landscape is as captivating as it is challenging. The Milwaukee River, which flows into Lake Michigan, provides a unique paddling experience with its calm waters and picturesque scenery. Tendick Nature Park, located in Ozaukee County, offers a dedicated canoe/kayak launch, allowing adventurers to explore the river at their own pace.

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, Ozaukee's many creeks and rivers provide the perfect setting. The calm waters and lush surroundings make for a peaceful escape, allowing kayakers to connect with nature and discover hidden gems along the way. The Ozaukee Coast truly comes alive in the summer, with warm waters and vibrant wildlife. It's the perfect time to embark on a kayaking adventure, whether it's a leisurely float or a more adventurous exploration.

The Ozaukee Coast also offers a range of amenities to cater to kayakers' needs. From well-maintained boat launches to convenient rental services, visitors will find everything they need to make their kayaking experience memorable. The county's commitment to water sports is evident, with Tendick Nature Park, a recent addition to the Ozaukee County Park System, offering an array of facilities, including a pavilion, grills, parking, and restrooms, in addition to its dedicated canoe/kayak launch.

With its diverse terrain, stunning scenery, and excellent amenities, the Ozaukee Coast is undoubtedly a premier destination for kayakers in Wisconsin. Whether you're a novice or an experienced paddler, the region's waterways provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable adventure. So grab your paddle, life jacket, and sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the beauty of the Ozaukee Coast!

Lake Wisconsin has 15 public boat launches

Wisconsin is a haven for water-based activities, with over 15,000 inland lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 650 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. Boating and fishing are extremely popular pastimes in the state, and Lake Wisconsin is a prime destination for both activities.

Lake Wisconsin is a vast body of water that stretches across the state, offering a multitude of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. With 15 public boat launches, the lake is easily accessible to all. These boat launches are strategically positioned along the shoreline, providing convenient access points for boaters and anglers alike. Each launch offers a seamless entry point onto the lake, making it simple to glide from the shore to the open waters.

The public boat launches on Lake Wisconsin cater to a diverse range of watercraft. Whether you're a kayaker seeking tranquil waters, an angler in pursuit of the perfect fishing spot, or a speedboat enthusiast looking for a thrilling ride, these launches accommodate all. The lake's expansive nature and varied terrain attract outdoor adventurers from across the state and beyond.

Each of the 15 public boat launches on Lake Wisconsin offers unique advantages and experiences. Some launches grant access to flat, sandy shores, ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Others provide entry to rockier terrains or deeper waters, perfect for swimming, fishing, or cruising at high speeds. The variety of boat launches ensures that visitors can select the most suitable entry point for their desired activities.

Lake Wisconsin's public boat launches are well-maintained and user-friendly. Upkeep and maintenance are funded through user launch fees, ensuring the sites are consistently in good condition. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plays a pivotal role in managing these sites, upholding the Public Trust Doctrine, which declares that all navigable waters are "common highways and forever free."

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