Hancock Lake

Aerial view of Hancock Lake, a 259 acre lake in Rhinelander, Wisconsin
   Hancock Lake is a shallow 259 acre public lake that is a 27 minute drive from Rhinelander. The water has low clarity. This shallow, roughly 260-acre lake northwest of Rhinelander has low-clarity water and a mix of wooded and cabin-lined shoreline. Its stained appearance and marshy edges give it a more rugged, fish-centric feel than a polished resort lake. It's a roughly 260-acre, shallow lake with stained water and marshy edges about 25-30 minutes from Rhinelander. The 25-plus-minute drive from town helps keep casual boat traffic lower than on in-town waters. It feels more like a quiet fishing lake than a polished resort spot with modest development and lighter day-to-day traffic.
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Hancock Lake Specs:

Clarity: 5.0 Feet
Avg. Depth: 11 Feet
Size: 259 Acres
Max Depth: 22 Feet
Shoreline: 5.20 Miles
Water Source: Drainage
Lake Access: Public
Water Color: Tanned
Trophic State: Eutrophic
Time to Town: 27 Minutes

Homes for Sale:

No Current Listings

-- Lake Notification --

Lots for Sale:

No Current Listings
Bottom: Mostly Muck
Boat Traffic: Average
Noise Level: Average
High Speed: None
Natural Gas: Yes
Lake Roads: Average
Cell Coverage: Okay
Boat Launch: Yes
Rentals on Lake: Yes
Township: Woodboro
School District: Rhinelander
Tax Rate: $11.68 / $1000
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Hancock Lake contour map

This is a summary based on available information.

Low‑clarity, shallow lakes like Hancock tend to offer strong panfish, bass, and pike action, with walleyes also present in some systems. Anglers often work weedbeds, shoreline breaks, and any slightly deeper pockets with spinnerbaits, jigs, and lively soft plastics that create vibration and profile. The stained water keeps fish comfortable in shallow zones through much of the day, which can make for steady action even under bright skies. For many cottage owners, Hancock serves as a reliable, close‑to‑home fishing lake rather than a high‑traffic recreation hub.

How big is Hancock Lake?

Hancock Lake is 259 acres with 5.20 miles of shoreline.

How deep is Hancock Lake?

Hancock Lake has an average depth of 11 feet and a maximum depth of 22 feet.

Does Hancock Lake have a boat launch?

Yes, Hancock Lake has a public boat launch.

How far is Hancock Lake from Rhinelander?

Hancock Lake is 27 minutes from Rhinelander, Wisconsin.

What is the water clarity of Hancock Lake?

Hancock Lake has a water clarity of 5.0 feet.

How long is the shoreline on Hancock Lake?

The shoreline of Hancock Lake is about 5.20 miles.

What type of lake is Hancock Lake?

Hancock Lake is a Drainage lake.

What is the trophic status of Hancock Lake?

Hancock Lake is a Eutrophic lake.

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