Wye Lake

How big is Wye Lake?

How deep is Wye Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Wye Lake?

Are there boat launches on Wye Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Wye Lake?

Wye Lake is located 19 miles north and 5 miles east of Finland. It has an area of 52 acres with a maximum depth of 13 feet and dark brown bog-stained water. Public access is a 400 foot carry in along a trail that originates off of USFS 369 (Trappers Lake Road) where parking is available for about 3 vehicles. From 1981 to the present Walleye fingerlings have been stocked regularly at various different rates and sizes. Bluegill and Black Crappie fishing opportunities are limited in the Finland Area so adult Bluegill from Cedar Lake near Aurora were stocked into Wye Lake beginning in 2016 in an attempt to start a self-sustaining population. Black Crappie were also sampled from the lake in 2019 although no DNR stocking of the species has occurred. The purpose of this spring trap net survey was to check the status of both species and look for evidence of natural reproduction.

Forty-Two Black Crappie were sampled and ranged in length from 4.6-13.2 inches. Five-year classes were identified with the 2018 year class making up 55% of the catch. Survey results indicate good opportunities for crappie around 10 inches long currently with the potential for good year classes to be produced in the future.
Spring trap netting captured eighty Bluegill that ranged from 3-10 inches long. Three-year classes of naturally reproduced fish from 2018-2020 were sampled. The 2020-year class was the most abundant and accounted for 84% of the catch. These fish averaged 3.7 inches long at the time of the survey but their high abundance bodes well for Bluegill angling opportunities in the coming years. The three largest Bluegill sampled were all stocked fish from Cedar Lake suggesting the current population is a mix of stocked fish and naturally reproduced fish. Future surveys will determine if natural reproduction is sufficient to sustain the population into the future.

Bluegill and Black Crappie populations in the Finland Area generally have sporadic reproduction and are supported by occasional strong year classes. For this reason, it is recommended to show a little restraint when the fishing is good. Taking some home for a fresh fish dinner is great. However, going back day after day when the bite is hot can do damage on a 50 acre lake. Future spring trap netting surveys will be used to monitor the Bluegill and Black Crappie population to determine what kind of angling opportunities the lake can support.

What is the average air temp for Wye Lake?

Are there any state parks near Wye Lake?