Lake Eau Claire - Augusta, Wisconsin

Lake Eau Claire is an 870-acre flowage on the Eau Claire River in eastern Eau Claire County, about five miles north of Augusta and roughly a half-hour east of Eau Claire. Created by a WPA dam dedicated in 1937, it offers walleye and panfish fishing, public boat access, Lake Eau Claire County Park, and a quieter Chippewa Valley waterfront lifestyle with Fall Creek and Big Falls nearby.

Quick Facts

  • Surface area: 870 acres (Wisconsin DNR)

  • Maximum depth: 25 feet

  • Lake type: Drainage flowage / impoundment of the Eau Claire River

  • Bottom: About 85% sand, 10% gravel, 5% rock

  • Fish: Walleye (abundant), musky, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish

  • Water clarity / trophic status: Low clarity; eutrophic (nutrient-rich)

  • Documented invasive species: Chinese mystery snail, curly-leaf pondweed

  • Public boat landings (DNR): 2 (Lake Eau Claire access near SD Lane; Harstad County Park canoe launch on the Eau Claire River)

  • Nearby towns: Augusta (~5 miles south of the county park), Fall Creek, Eau Claire (~23 miles / about 30 minutes by car to Augusta)

  • Public parks: Lake Eau Claire County Park; Big Falls County Park on the Eau Claire River near Fall Creek; Harstad County Park between Fall Creek and Augusta

  • Surrounding land: Eau Claire County Forest (about 52,700 acres) for hiking, hunting, ATV/snowmobile, and winter trails

  • Dam: Eau Claire River 2WP224 Dam (WPA; dedicated August 12, 1937) — concrete gravity structure about 251 feet long and 24 feet high

Why Choose Lake Eau Claire?

Lake Eau Claire sits in a largely forested stretch of eastern Eau Claire County, north of Augusta and east of Fall Creek. It is a working recreational reservoir — less of a suburban chain-of-lakes setting than some Chippewa Valley waters, and more of a park-and-forest shoreline with room to boat, fish, and explore.

Summer. Boating, tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and swimming are common when conditions allow. Anglers target walleye, musky, bass, and panfish; DNR fisheries notes highlight a strong walleye fishery supported by natural reproduction and quality panfish, including yellow perch and black crappie. Lake Eau Claire County Park (west end of the lake on County Road SD, about five miles north of Augusta off Highway 27) offers picnic shelters, a clubhouse, playground, volleyball and horseshoe areas, and barrier-free fishing docks on the lake channel. A daily or annual Eau Claire County vehicle entrance pass is required at county parks.

Nearby river recreation. Downstream and west along the Eau Claire River, Big Falls County Park (about 135 acres near Fall Creek) features rocky cascades, sandy beach areas, picnic spots, fishing, and canoe/tubing access. Harstad County Park sits on the river between Fall Creek and Augusta and includes a DNR-listed canoe launch. In higher water, river paddling can be more technical; in low water, some rapids may require walking boats through shallow stretches.

Fall and winter. Hunting, hiking, horseback riding, ATV routes, and snowmobiling use the county forest trail system around the lake. Cross-country skiing is available on designated forest trails (trail passes required where posted). Ice fishing is a winter draw when ice is safe.

Community and access. Augusta and Fall Creek provide small-town services within a short drive; Eau Claire’s shopping, dining, and employment are about a half-hour west via US-12. Lake organizations — including the Lake Eau Claire Association and the Lake Eau Claire Rehabilitation and Protection District — work on watershed and habitat projects that matter to long-term lake health.

Buying on Lake Eau Claire

Waterfront purchases here reward due diligence. Use these tips as a starting checklist with your inspector, surveyor, and lender — not as a substitute for professional advice.

  1. Confirm the parcel is “your” Lake Eau Claire. Wisconsin has more than one “Eau Claire Lake.” This page is about the Eau Claire County reservoir near Augusta (WBIC 2133200), not the Eau Claire Lakes chain in Bayfield County.

  2. Shoreland zoning. In unincorporated Eau Claire County, shoreland rules generally apply within 1,000 feet of a lake, pond, or flowage (and within 300 feet of a navigable river/stream, or to the landward side of the floodplain if farther). Expect setbacks, vegetation, impervious-surface, and permit requirements for docks, additions, and shoreline work. Contact Eau Claire County Land Use Controls before you remodel or clear.

  3. Water quality and depth. The lake is eutrophic with low water clarity. Management plans note summer blue-green algae blooms and sedimentation, especially toward the east end and near tributary mouths. Ask sellers and neighbors about recent bloom seasons, swimming comfort, and how usable the shoreline is at typical summer levels.

  4. Water levels and the dam. Levels are managed at the county-owned Lake Eau Claire dam. Seasonal fluctuation can affect docks, lifts, and launch conditions — review historical high/low water and floodplain maps for the specific lot.

  5. Septic and well. Most shoreline parcels outside city limits rely on private wells and septic systems. Budget for septic inspection, possible replacement setbacks, and well water testing.

  6. Access and passes. Public recreation at Lake Eau Claire County Park and other county parks requires a vehicle entrance pass. Private shoreline does not replace the need to understand shared landings, easements, and association or district dues if any apply to the parcel.

  7. Schools. Much of the Augusta / Town of Bridge Creek area is served by the Augusta Area School District. Portions of nearby towns (including parts of the Town of Lincoln) may fall in Fall Creek or other districts. Always verify the exact address with the district before you buy.

  8. Invasives. Chinese mystery snail and curly-leaf pondweed are documented. Practice clean-drain-dry when moving boats between waters.

Buying or Selling Properties on Lake Eau Claire

Copper Key Realty & Waterfront specializes in Chippewa Valley lakefront real estate, including Lake Eau Claire near Augusta. Whether you want a year-round home, a cabin, or help selling a shoreline property, our team knows how flowage lakes, county shoreland rules, and local buyer demand differ from a typical city listing.

We market waterfront properties with the details buyers actually ask for — access, depth frontage, septic/well status, park proximity, and drive time to Eau Claire — and we negotiate for price and terms that protect your goals.

Find Your Dream Lake Home

Browse current Lake Eau Claire listings on our live MLS-powered search, then call or text when you want to tour or talk through a specific property.

View Lake Eau Claire Properties for Sale

Ready to buy or sell on Lake Eau Claire? Call or text Nate Moquin at 715-456-8597. Copper Key Realty & Waterfront will help you compare this lake with Wissota, Altoona, Hallie, Holcombe, and the Chetek Chain so you choose the water that fits how you actually live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lake Eau Claire, Wisconsin?
Lake Eau Claire is a reservoir on the Eau Claire River in eastern Eau Claire County, north of Augusta and east of Fall Creek. Lake Eau Claire County Park is about five miles north of Augusta off Highway 27. Augusta is roughly 23 miles (about 30 minutes) east of Eau Claire.

How big is Lake Eau Claire?
The Wisconsin DNR lists Eau Claire Lake at 870 acres with a maximum depth of 25 feet. It is a drainage flowage (impoundment), not a natural kettle lake.

What fish are in Lake Eau Claire?
DNR lists musky, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and walleye. Walleye are described as abundant; musky and both bass species as common; panfish as present. Local fisheries commentary highlights yellow perch, black crappie, and naturally reproducing walleye.

Is there public access and camping?
Yes for day-use access: DNR lists two public access points, including a boat landing near SD Lane and a canoe launch at Harstad County Park. Lake Eau Claire County Park offers picnic facilities, a clubhouse, and fishing docks (vehicle pass required). Nearby camping options include Coon Fork Lake County Park east of Augusta and other area campgrounds; check Eau Claire County Parks for current seasons and rules.

What should buyers know about water quality?
Expect a eutrophic flowage with low clarity. Lake management materials note summer blue-green algae blooms and sedimentation in parts of the lake. Ask site-specific questions, review recent conditions, and talk with your agent and inspectors before you commit.

How do I see homes for sale on Lake Eau Claire?
Use Copper Key’s live listing report: Lake Eau Claire Properties for Sale, or call 715-456-8597.

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