LAKE WINNEBAGO Information
Lake Winnebago
Present day statistics show that the "big lake" does indeed, merit its reputation. She covers 137,708 acres of land, is 28 miles from head to toe, and 10.5 miles across. Although she ranks number one as regards to size, Lake Winnebago is far down the list as regards to depth. Her deepest point is 21 feet and perhaps it is this shallowness which makes her so dangerous. When the wind whips her into foaming whitecaps, when those low rumbling clouds marshal in the west, get off the "big lake" or you, too, might join the legion who has been swept to a watery grave in her depths.
The coming of the white man changed things, both for the Indian and for Lake Winnebago. First it was the furs. Where as the Indian would only kill to provide for his essential needs of food, clothing and shelter, he was soon persuaded to kill the animals and then to sell the hides to the white traders who would in turn provide them with trinkets, guns and other gifts. The white man, with an eye on the usefulness of the ever rushing waters built first grinding mills, then sawmills; he harnessed the waters to power them. He built dams, dug canals, and he made Lake Winnebago into a huge flowage and a storage place for the vast amounts of water which was needed in his manufacturing processes. When the dams were built in Menasha and Neenah in 1850 it is estimated that over 50,000 acres of low lying land were flooded. The land contour surrounding the lake is such that most of this flooding took place along the south and southwest shores. If you'll take your canoe along the shoreline some bright summer day, you can still see the trunks of huge trees that once grew where the water is now. Other changes, too, were wrought by the coming of the white man. The wild rice, which once grew so prodigiously along the shores of Lake Winnebago, was flooded out and gradually disappeared. Then in 1879, carp were imported into our country, and within two years Lake Winnebago was stocked with this fish. The repercussions of this decision remain with us to the present day.
But if much of the primitive beauty of Lake Winnebago has been lost, much still remains to be seen and experienced. The waters still abound with great numbers of fish, and large flocks of bluebills and whistling swans can still be seen at migration times. Deer, raccoon and many other wild animals still slip down to the quiet waters of the "big lake" to drink. High Cliff State Park, Calumet County Park, and the entire shoreline afford countless opportunities to study the many species of birds that glide and spiral across the fertile lake. The lake fly, that nuisance insect which is so valuable for bird and fish life alike, still makes life miserable for residents each summer. The swallows and martins still chirp and sweep across the evening sky. And if you'd like to see the great blue heron, put your canoe in the water some morning before sunrise. Paddle into the misty morning haze, and when you hear that raucous squak, look up along the tree tops, and you'll see the beautiful, graceful flight of that fragile bird which still lives here.
The Winnebago System is comprised of lakes Winnebago, Butte des Morts, Winneconne, Poygan and the Fox and Wolf Rivers. Walleye are by far the most sought after game fish on the system and with record Walleye hatches in the 90s this Walleye factory will only get better. Other fish species that roam the Winnebago System are Sauger, Northern Pike, Muskie, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Perch, Crappie, Bluegill, Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Freshwater Drum (Sheepshead), Burbot and Lake Sturgeon. The Lake Winnebago System also has one of the largest populations of Lake Sturgeon in the world.
Lake Butte des Morts
Lake Butte des Morts is located west of the city of Oshkosh and southeast of the village of Winneconne. Butte des Morts is 8,857 acres with a maximum depth of 19 feet.
Lake Winneconne
Lake Winneconne is the smallest of the upriver lakes and covers 4,507 acres. The main base has a maximum depth of 9 feet. Lake Winneconne is located immediately north of the village of Winneconne and east of and connected to Lake Poygan.
Lake Poygan
Lake Poygan is the largest of the upriver lakes and covers 14,102 acres. Poygan has a maximum depth of 12 feet and average depths range from 5 to 7 feet. Lake Poygan is located northeast of the village of Winneconne and south of Fremont.
The Fox River
The Fox River runs from the Eureka Dam, downstream to Lake Butte des Morts to Lake Winnebago through the city of Oshkosh.
The Wolf River
The Wolf River flows from the town of New London downstream to Lake Poygan and again from Lake Winneconne to Lake Butte des Morts.