Papoose Lake

View of Papoose Lake, the 422 acre lake in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin
   Papoose lake is a 422 acre lake with a water clarity of 15 feet, an average depth of 28 feet and a quiet Northwoods setting. The lake has a nice shape and a pretty 6.6 mile shoreline. While not extremely close to town, Papoose is just a twelve minute drive into Manitowish Waters where you can grab gas and groceries. Many nice places to eat are located within 20 minutes of the lake. Papoose Lake is known to be a good walleye and musky lake for those looking for a lake with good fishing. There are about 20 owners per mile of shoreline and about 3 acres of water per owner. Papoose Lake is a larger, deep lake north of Manitowish Waters, known for its extremely clear water, quiet setting, and attractive shoreline. The lake's shape and surrounding forest create a scenic, slightly sheltered feel, and development has remained moderate, preserving long stretches of natural-looking shore. Despite not being right in town, it is still only about a 12-minute drive into Manitowish Waters for gas, groceries, and dining, which keeps it practical for day-to-day living. It's a larger, deep, very clear lake north of Manitowish Waters, known for its attractive shoreline and quiet setting. It sits only about 12 minutes from town, so owners can enjoy a secluded, clear-water feel without a long run for groceries or dinner. The combination of scenery, water quality, and good fishing makes it a standout option for cabin and second-home buyers. Papoose is widely regarded as a good pick for buyers who want a beautiful, clear-water lake with strong fishing and a more laid-back environment.
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Papoose Lake Specs:

Clarity: 15.0 Feet
Avg. Depth: 28 Feet
Size: 422 Acres
Max Depth: 65 Feet
Shoreline: 6.60 Miles
Water Source: Spring
Lake Access: Public
Water Color: Light Blue
Trophic State: Oligotrophic
Time to Town: 12 Minutes
Acres Per Owner: 3.08
Owners Per Mile: 20.76

Homes for Sale:

No Current Listings

-- Lake Notification --

Lots for Sale:

No Current Listings
Fishing: Good
Fish Species: Variety
Bottom: Mixed
Boat Traffic: Average
Noise Level: Quiet
High Speed: Yes
Natural Gas: Yes
Lake Roads: Okay
Cell Coverage: Weak
Home Density: Average
Boat Launch:
Lake Grade: Excellent
Rentals on Lake: Yes
Township: Presque Isle
School District: North Lakeland
Tax Rate: $8.33 / $1000
** Link opens in new window:
Papoose Lake contour map
Biking/Walking/Ski Trails:
WinMin Trails Just to the west of Papoose Lake is the popular WinMin Trails network. Trail lengths that vary from 4 to 10 miles in length. Biking, hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing are popular activities on this trail.

North Lakeland School Cross Country Ski System - This trail system is just south of the lake and has eight to ten mile looping trails starting on the north side of the school's football field. The trails are located on the North Lakeland School grounds and wind through a variety of evergreens and hardwoods. Trails are groomed in the winter.

Heart of Vilas County (Manitowish Waters) - This biking and hiking trail is 14.5 miles long and meanders from the Manitowish Waters Community Center past The North Lakeland Discovery Center and towards Boulder Junction. It runs south of Papoose on County Rd. K.

Van Vliet Hemlocks - This trail system is a few miles east of Papoose Lake and loops along 1.5 miles of undeveloped shoreline and through old growth hardwood and hemlock forests.
Paddling Routes:
No nearby routes, but the clear deep waters of Papoose coupled with the scenic shorelines make for great paddling.
Snowmobile Trails:
The Presque Isle / Winchester Sno Bunnies trail system runs on the south and west sides of the lake on Papoose Landing Rd making access very easy from the lake.
ATV Trails:
No nearby routes, but the clear deep waters of Papoose coupled with the scenic shorelines make for great paddling.
Nearby State Areas:
Van Vliet Hemlocks State Natural Area
Manitowish Waters:
12 mins
Grocery Store
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Boulder Junction:
18 mins
Grocery Store
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This is a summary based on available information.

DNR information and angler reports describe Papoose Lake as a solid walleye and musky fishery with bass and panfish rounding out the mix, helped by the lake’s deep, clear water and varied structure. Many anglers work classic walleye structure—points, reefs, and drop‑offs—with jigs, rigs, and live bait, especially at dawn, dusk, and after dark when fish move shallower. Muskies roam breaks, weed edges, and basin areas, making casting or trolling larger baits a common approach for targeting them. The ultra‑clear water rewards careful boat control, longer casts, and more natural presentations, but it also means fish can grow wary and challenging in bright, calm conditions.

How big is Papoose Lake?

Papoose Lake is 422 acres with 6.60 miles of shoreline.

How deep is Papoose Lake?

Papoose Lake has an average depth of 28 feet and a maximum depth of 65 feet.

Does Papoose Lake have a boat launch?

Yes, Papoose Lake has a public boat launch.

How far is Papoose Lake from Manitowish Waters?

Papoose Lake is 12 minutes from Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin.

What fish are in Papoose Lake?

Papoose Lake contains a Variety of fish species including Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye.

What is the water clarity of Papoose Lake?

Papoose Lake has a water clarity of 15.0 feet.

How long is the shoreline on Papoose Lake?

The shoreline of Papoose Lake is about 6.60 miles.

What type of lake is Papoose Lake?

Papoose Lake is a Spring lake.

What is the trophic status of Papoose Lake?

Papoose Lake is a Oligotrophic lake.

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