Welcome!

Visitors have access to Wheeler Lake from the public boat launch and picnic area on the southwest side of the lake. All boats entering the lake are subject to inspection by a trained CBCW inspector.  Please be sure that your boat and trailer are free of weeds and you are not carrying aquatic animals from other lakes.  Bait and fish should not be carried in from — or to — other lakes, due to the risk of contamination. 

Wheeler Lake has no-wake hours Thursday - Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 11:00 AM and Wednesday 8:00 PM to 11 AM.

Wildlife

Our lakes are home to numerous species of animals including bald eagles, loons, grey and green herons, geese, swans, sand hill cranes, and lots of turtles. We are located on the Mississippi Flyway, the migratory path of 40% of all North American migrating waterfowl and shorebirds.

There are many actions we can take to help maintain bird habitats, including shoreline restoration, use of phosphorus-free products, and watching and recreating at least 200 feet away from wildlife.

Fishing

Fishing regulations follow typical inland regulation for the northern, bass, muskellunge and pike zone.  We stock the lake with panfish and walleye, and work with the DNR to monitor stocks through regular lake surveys.  WLA hosts an ice fishing tournament every winter. Check the Events page for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • “The purpose of the Association is to preserve and protect Wheeler Lake and its surroundings, and to enhance the water quality, fishery, boating safety and aesthetic values of Wheeler Lake, as a public recreational facility for today and for future generations.” *Per the Constitution and By-Laws of Wheeler Lake Association

  • WLA is a 503c Non-Profit Organization overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors. It has no governing authority. WLA operates to accomplish our Lake Mission Statement while adhering to the constraints placed on lake associations by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as well as local, county, and state governments.

  • The boat landing Is owned and maintained by the Township of Lakewood If the WLA would like to do anything at the boat landing, we must first seek Town Board approval. Having a public boat landing qualifies WLA for greater access to DNR services and grant monies. It also provides access to the general public who may or may not abide by Clean Boars Clean Waters regulations and lake rules.

  • The beach is owned and managed by the United States Forest Service. WLA has even less influence on what goes on there than we do at the boat landing. We all have access to the beach and public restrooms. Public usage of the beach by visitors, who may lack knowledge or adherence to our lake rules, may increase the chance of more invasive species being brought along. Please note that it is not advised to ski off of the shore near the beach in consideration for the shoreline and everyone’s safety.

  • Boater safety Is under the purview of the Wisconsin DNR.

    For the most part boater safety rules are established for state wide application and enforced by the DNR. WLA can petition the Lakewood Town Board for a boater safety rule change,and they can choose to deny the request, or if they agree, forward the request on to the DNR to determine if they will allow an exception to the statewide regulations for our lake. The Lakewood Town Board cannot, of their own volition, change a boater safety rule. An individual can take a picture of a violation and forward it to the DNR and they will follow through with education, warnings or consequences.

  • Thursday-Tuesday: 6:00 PM -11:00 AM

    Wednesdays: 8:00 PM - 11:00 AM

  • Thursday-Tuesday: 11:00 AM -6:00 PM

    Wednesdays: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

  • Noise complaints are covered by township ordinance and enforced by the same authority.

  • Jurisdiction is with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

  • WLA has historically marked the rocks with buoys. WLA is not obligated to mark them. DNR requirement is that every buoy placed requires a permit.

  • Deer and Virgin islands are owned and maintained by the National Forest Service.

  • The WLA Board has agreed that at the present time the Wheeler Lake Association will not be formally represented on social media. We would encourage our membership to use our Website as their source of WLA information.

  • Require that your contracted commercial service providers (boat hauling, dock removal, boat lift removal) adhere to Clean Boat Clean Water regulations as part of your agreement with them. Data from Minnesota and Wisconsin DNR confirm the AIS transport threat these service providers Present Clean Boat Clean Water requirements and “lake rules” to everyone bringing a watercraft onto our lake (guests, renters, etc.). Complete a one hour on line Clean Boats Clean Waters training course. Volunteer your time at our boat landing to gather survey data from people launching watercraft at our landing. Completing 200 volunteer hours doing Clean Boats Clean Waters surveys moves us up the priority list for DNR grant money.