A Hearty Thank You to our O-fish-al Sponsors

Lake Eau Claire Association could not accomplish all that we do without the support of our amazing sponsors! Thank you for investing in preserving Lake Eau Claire for generations to come. Our lake and community are a better place thanks to you!

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Lake Eau Claire General Information

Lake Eau Claire is a popular recreational lake located in west central Wisconsin in an area that is largely forested and abounds with a variety of wildlife including upland game birds, deer, bear, wolf, cougars, and a variety of other animals of the forest. Local community members and tourists use the lake and surrounding area for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities which include: fishing, boating, hunting, picnicking, golf, snowmobiling, camping, and ATV riding. These activities provide a major economic base for local businesses and surrounding communities. Because of escalating development and the resulting increasing tax base the lake region has become central to the economy of the surrounding area.

The lake falls into a category referred to as an impoundment lake that was formed in 1937 as the result of the damming the Eau Claire River which resulted in the flooding about 1250 acres of the river basin above the dam that is located just east of Highway 27. So in essence the lake is new relative when compared to most natural lakes in the mid-west and is only 75 years old and not thousands of years old. Like most impoundment lakes, Lake Eau Claire is steadily undergoing changes that because of the geological characteristics of the area, the development around the lake, and the water shed that feeds it are creating negative impacts on the local environment. To address these impacts the local community has organized two largely volunteer organizations which oversee programs that are designed to rehabilitate the lake and adjacent tributaries and protect them into the future. These organizations are the Lake Eau Claire Association and the Lake Eau Claire Rehabilitation and Protection District.

Lake Eau Claire Map

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Area Activities

Fishing
Boating
Canoeing/Kayaking
Camping
Hunting
Hiking
Biking
Horseback Riding
ATVs/Snowmobiles
Cross Country Skiiing
Area Attractions

Fishing

Lake Eau Claire and the Eau Claire River system are home to many species of fish including Muskie, Northern, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Panfish. Fishing licenses can be purchased online or at the Woodland.

Boating

There are three boat landings on Lake Eau Claire. During the summer months, boaters enjoy tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and fishing among other water activities. Daily/annual vehicle entrance passes are required. You can purchase a pass at the boat landing or online.

Canoeing/Kayaking

In times of high water, the rivers’ rapids can provide a challenging ride to even the most experienced canoeists. In summer months, periods of low water make it necessary to "walk" canoes through some rapids, which may become too shallow for navigation. During these periods of low water canoeists may want to check water levels in advance to see if there is enough water in the river for good canoeing.

Camping & Lodging

Camping in the Lake Eau Claire forest is allowed between September 16 and April 30.  Camping during the other months of the year is allowed at Harstad Park. Other campgrounds in the area include Sandy Hill Campground, Woodland Motel & Campground, Trails Edge Saloon & Campground, and Coon Fork Lake County Park.. Reservations may be required. To camp at a County campground, you must complete a registration form to camp. Click here for more information.

Hunting

The Eau Claire County Forest comprises approximately 52,000 acres and is a popular area for hunting enthusiasts and wildlife observers. Whitetail deer, bear, woodcock, ruffed grouse, squirrels, rabbits and other game abound. Gated hunter walking/game trails are mowed and maintained by the Parks and Forest Department to enhance grass and clover openings to benefit both game and non-game species. Hunting is allowed in the county forest, however, no permanent tree stands are allowed and portable tree stands must be removed daily. You may purchase a hunting license online or at the Woodland.

Hiking

The 15th largest forest in the state, The Eau Claire County forest offers hiking trails that offer oportunities to see Wisconsin's natural environment up close. With abundant wildlife and a lush forest atmosphere, there is much to see. A trail pass is not required for hiking.

Biking

For both biking enthusiasts and casual bikers, the Lake Eau Claire area offers miles of quiet roads and trails. Trail passes are required. You can purchase a pass at the forest entrance or online.

Horseback Riding

A signed riding trail is available in the forest and is located east of Lake Eau Claire off CTH G. Trail passes are required. You can purchase online at online.

ATVs/Snowmobiles

The county sponsors trails for the use of ATVs and snowmobiles. To check conditions of snowmobile trails click here. Registrations are required. You can purchase a registration online.

Cross Country Skiing

Enjoy cross country skiing on the Lake Eau Claire County Forest trails. To check snow conditions click here. Trail passes are required. You can purchase a pass at the forest entrance or online.

Area Attractions

Notable attractions in the Lake Eau Claire area include the Dells Mill Museum and School, the Lake Eau Claire County Park and historic Augusta, Wisconsin.

Fisheries Program

The Lake Eau Claire Association offers the opportunity to install legally permitted anchored tree falls or modified half-log structures as fish habitat in Lake Eau Claire. These structures are for the purpose of improving the quality and quantity of fish habitat within the lake. This increase in fish habitat will improve the lake's fisheries and other wildlife populations.

Any riparian owner can request the installation of either an anchored tree fall or half-log structure by completing and submitting this form. The request must first be authorized by the Lake Association Board and then approved and scheduled for installation by the LEC Management Plan Project Officer, DNR, and Parks and Forestry Service. The guidelines for installations are provided in the LEC 2014 Management Plan on the LEC website and the DNR website.

There is no charge for this service if you are a LEC Association member in good standing. Riparian owners who are not Association members are also eligible, but will have to pay part of the material and installation costs.

Downloads:

download-icon LEC Fish Habitat Authorization Form