Short answer: Lake Wissota is a 6,148-acre flowage on the Chippewa River just east of Chippewa Falls, with a maximum depth of 64.4 feet, seven public boat landings, and Lake Wissota State Park on its north end, according to the Wisconsin DNR. It's one of the busiest lakes in the Chippewa Valley, with a strong walleye fishery and a heavily developed residential shoreline. If you're buying here, the big checks are Chippewa County's 75-foot shoreland setback, the 15% impervious-surface limit near the water, the septic system, and what the pier and shoreline can legally support.
Where Lake Wissota is and how it was formed
Lake Wissota sits in south-central Chippewa County near Chippewa Falls. It isn't a natural lake. The DNR's 2024 fisheries report explains that it was created in 1917 when a hydroelectric dam was built on the Chippewa River, and that dam is now owned and operated by Xcel Energy. Wissota is the fourth of six impoundments along a heavily dammed 50-mile stretch of the river.
The lake has several distinct parts, per that same DNR report:
- A main basin of about 4,100 acres
- Little Lake Wissota, a southern section of about 450 acres
- The Yellow River and Moon Bay area, a northeastern lobe of about 350 acres
- About 8 miles of river upstream of the County Highway S bridge to the Jim Falls dam
A home on the open main basin, a quieter bay, and a lot on the river stretch can feel like three different properties.
Size, depth, and water clarity
The DNR lists Lake Wissota at 6,148 acres with a maximum depth of 64.4 feet. Its fisheries report adds that more than 70% of the lake is deeper than 20 feet.
On clarity, set your expectations correctly. The DNR describes Wissota as a eutrophic lake, meaning it's nutrient-rich, with an average Secchi depth of 4.5 feet in 2024. The report says the lower clarity comes from naturally stained Chippewa River water and summer algal blooms. Volunteer readings at the DNR's monitoring station near the Chippewa River inflow have mostly fallen between about 2 and 4.5 feet in July and August. If crystal-clear water is a must for you, look closely at the specific bay and ask neighbors about late-summer conditions.
The DNR also lists five aquatic invasive species on the lake: banded mystery snail, Chinese mystery snail, curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian water-milfoil, and rusty crayfish.
Fishing on Lake Wissota
Walleye are the main draw. In its 2024 survey, the DNR estimated 2.1 adult walleye per acre, the highest since 2006, and said natural reproduction remains strong. The DNR also rated the musky size structure as quite good for its fishery class, and found smallmouth bass catch rates high, with fish up to 19.5 inches sampled. Other species the DNR lists include northern pike, largemouth bass, panfish, catfish, and sturgeon.
Hundreds of fish cribs and dozens of rock reefs have been added to the lakebed over the years. Check current regulations before you fish, since Wissota's walleye rules include a harvest slot.
Boat launches, the state park, and recreation
The DNR counts seven public boat landings, one public beach, and two public lands or parks on the lake. Lake Wissota State Park, northeast of Chippewa Falls, offers campsites, hiking, biking and horseback trails, picnic areas, and a swimming beach. Boating, kayaking, and water skiing are popular in summer. The DNR lists slow-no-wake areas on the lake, and local rules are posted at the landings, so read the sign at your nearest launch.
What shoreline homes are like
The DNR describes Wissota's shoreline as heavily developed with residential housing, from older cabins to year-round homes. Because the water level is set by a dam, ask how the shoreline at a specific property behaves across the season, and look at the condition of riprap or seawalls.
Shoreland zoning in Chippewa County
In unincorporated Chippewa County, shoreland zoning applies within 1,000 feet of a lake or flowage and within 300 feet of a river or stream. Under the county's shoreland ordinance:
- Most structures must be set back 75 feet from the ordinary high-water mark, with some exemptions and possible reductions.
- The first 35 feet inland is a vegetative buffer zone. Removing vegetation there is limited, though a viewing and access corridor is allowed.
- Impervious surfaces (roofs, driveways, patios) on the part of a lot within 300 feet of the water generally can't exceed 15% without meeting other standards.
Older homes may sit closer to the water than today's rules allow. That isn't a deal-breaker, but it can limit additions and rebuilding. Ask the seller for permit history and call Chippewa County Planning & Zoning at 715-726-7940 before you plan changes. Properties inside a city or village follow that municipality's rules instead.
Septic and piers
Chippewa County administers its private sewage system (POWTS) ordinance county-wide and has required mandatory maintenance pumping of septic tanks since 1985. Ask for pumping records, know whether the system is a conventional, mound, or holding-tank design, and get an inspection by a licensed professional before closing.
For piers, the DNR says a pier is generally exempt from a permit if it's no more than 6 feet wide, extends only to 3 feet of water at summer low levels (or enough depth to moor a boat or use a lift), has a loading platform of 200 square feet or less, and stays within the slip limits for your frontage. Larger or unusual piers may need a permit, so confirm an existing one is compliant.
What to check before buying on Lake Wissota
- Which part of the lake the property is on, and how that affects boat traffic, wind, and water clarity
- Shoreline frontage, the slope to the water, and the condition of any riprap
- Permit history for the home, decks, sheds, and boathouse
- Septic type, age, pumping records, and inspection results
- Pier size and slip count against the DNR exemption rules
- Floodplain status and insurance quotes
- Comparable sales on Wissota itself, not on a different lake
Comparing Wissota to other lakes? Our Chippewa Valley waterfront guide covers what to ask a lake agent, and our Menomonie buyer's guide looks at Lake Menomin and Tainter Lake. If you're also looking in town, see our guide to buying in Eau Claire, Altoona, and Chippewa Falls.
Working with Copper Key
Copper Key Realty & Waterfront is a licensed brokerage based in Eau Claire with a local waterfront focus. Nate Moquin, Broker/Owner, has a 4.9-star rating across 72 Google reviews (as of October 2026), and CommunityVotes Eau Claire ranked Copper Key Platinum for Real Estate Agents and Brokers in 2024 and Gold for Real Estate Brokers in 2025.
What matters most on a lake purchase or sale is negotiation. Copper Key negotiates for its clients, sellers and buyers alike, strategically and systematically, to get them the best terms and price possible. Nate walks through exactly how that works in person, so if you're thinking about Lake Wissota, call 715-456-8597 to sit down with him.
FAQ
How big is Lake Wissota?
The Wisconsin DNR lists Lake Wissota at 6,148 acres, with a maximum depth of 64.4 feet.
How many boat landings are on Lake Wissota?
The DNR counts seven public boat landings, plus a public beach and Lake Wissota State Park on the north end.
Is Lake Wissota clear?
Not especially. The DNR calls it eutrophic, with an average Secchi depth of 4.5 feet in 2024, due to naturally stained river water and summer algae.
What fish are in Lake Wissota?
Walleye are the main target, and the DNR's 2024 survey found the highest adult walleye density since 2006. Musky, smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, panfish, catfish, and sturgeon are also present.
How far back do I have to build from the water on Lake Wissota?
In unincorporated Chippewa County, most structures need a 75-foot setback from the ordinary high-water mark. Check with Chippewa County Planning & Zoning (715-726-7940) for your parcel.
COPPER KEY REALTY & WATERFRONT LLC d/b/a Copper Key Realty & Waterfront · 3310 Miller St, Suite C, Eau Claire, WI 54701 · 715-456-8597 · Equal Housing Opportunity
Nate Moquin, Broker/Owner (Lic. #59689-90) · Brokerage Lic. #939197-91 · Bio: copperkeysolutions.com/nate-moquin