Our Lakes
Welcome to central Wisconsin!
Adams and Juneau counties host the 2nd and 4th largest inland lakes in WI.
- Castle Rock Lake is the 4th largest with 13,600 acres.
- Petenwell Lake is the 2nd largest with 23,000 acres.
- Castle Rock Lake is the more popular for the number of lakeside restaurants and development along its shores.
- However, many prefer Petenwell for its larger expanse and less traffic.
- Both are known for bass, walleye, musky, and a variety of pan fish.
- Both are great for boating and water-skiing, although water depths vary throughout both lakes.
- Both are part of the WI River chain of lakes, with Petenwell just north of Castle Rock.
- As there is a working dam between the 2 lakes, you must trailer your boat to travel from one to the other.
- Water levels will vary throughout the summer, as they are regulated by the DNR through these dams.
- Because these lakes are so large, the DNR requires rip-rap along the shoreline (larger boulders) to prevent erosion.
- Our waterfront homes on these lakes do not have beaches at the property, however well-maintained public beaches are within 5 min drive.
- Some have life-guards and require a day-use pass, others are free beaches.
- We have homes that are on the main body of water, and homes on channels off the main body.
- The bottom of the lakes are typically sandy-bottom for those homes on the main body.
- Many of our renters enjoy swimming at the piers of those homes on the main body of water.
- Swimming at the piers is at your own risk.
- Swimming is not recommended at homes in channels or protected bays.
- Because of the immense size of these lakes, winds can quickly cause high waves at a moment’s notice.
- Boats must be removed nightly from piers on the main body of water for this reason.
- We do have homes on channels or at protected bays at which you can typically leave your boat overnight, however, you are most often sacrificing view and swimming for this amenity.
- If you are looking to rent a boat, you may visit our website under Attractions/ Boat Rentals for phone numbers of businesses that rent boats … recommend a 2-week advance reservation during the busy season.
- As water levels will vary, depth at piers will vary throughout the season as regulated by the DNR.
- Many will fish directly from piers at the homes, but again, there will be times when the water depth at shoreline will become shallow.
- Some homes along our lakes have deeded rights to the shoreline, others have a 100’ set-back from water’s edge and must be left in its natural state (whether wooded or natural vegetation growth).
- Typically, homes with a 100’ set-back have a conservancy path for public access across it along the shoreline, which is maintained by either the DNR or the power company.
- These homes typically have use of a community pier system with one designated boat slip.
- Homes with deeded rights to the shoreline typically have private piers.
- As with all lakes throughout the Midwest, our lakes are subject to algae bloom which can occur at anytime under the right conditions.
- As with all lakes under DNR regulation, weeds/ lily pads will continue on their natural growth pattern in some areas throughout the season and are not allowed to be removed by the public owners.
- No refunds are given due to natural changes in our lakes or landscape or water levels.