Birch Lake

View of Birch Lake, the 528 acre lake in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin

Birch Lake is a deep, 528-acre public lake located in a quieter corner of Vilas County, roughly a 40-minute round-trip drive from Manitowish Waters. With clear water and a modest shoreline footprint, it maintains a simple, low-key character compared to busier destination lakes closer to Minocqua.

Because of its more outlying location, day-to-day traffic tends to remain light. The wooded shoreline and open water make it well suited for paddling, casual fishing, and small-boat cruising, appealing to owners who are content to enjoy their home water rather than chain-hop.

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Birch Lake Specs:

Clarity:
Avg. Depth: 22 Feet
Size: 528 Acres
Max Depth: 27 Feet
Shoreline: 6.30 Miles
Water Source:
Lake Access: Public
Water Color: Deep Blue
Trophic State: Mesotrophic
Time to Town: 20 Minutes
Acres Per Owner: 4.47
Owners Per Mile: 18.73

Homes for Sale:

No Current Listings
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Lots for Sale:

No Current Listings
Bottom:
Boat Traffic: Average
Noise Level:
High Speed: Yes
Natural Gas: No
Lake Roads:
Cell Coverage: Spotty
Boat Launch: Yes (1)
Lake Grade: Very Good
Rentals on Lake: Yes
Township: Winchester
School District: North Lakeland
Tax Rate: $6.01 / $1000
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Birch Lake contour map

This is a summary based on available information.

Like many smaller Vilas County lakes, Birch Lake supports panfish, bass, pike, and likely some walleyes, with fishing pressure that is typically lighter than on marquee waters. The shallow nature of the lake means weeds and shoreline structure play a big role, so casting small jigs, plastics, and live bait around edges and inside turns can be productive. On calm, sunny days, downsized presentations and longer casts often help in the moderately clear water, while low‑light periods are good for more aggressive tactics. For cottage owners, Birch fishes well as a “step out the door and go” lake where learning subtle spots pays off over time.

I had AI give me the coordinates for the launches I had on file. They are not super accurate, but should give a rough idea of where you can find the landings. If no coordinates were available at all I didn't link to the map.

Birch Lake public access
Public access listed for Birch Lake near Presque Isle, but no detailed launch description; expect a smaller Northwoods ramp with limited parking primarily serving local anglers and cabin owners.

How big is Birch Lake?

Birch Lake is 528 acres with 6.30 miles of shoreline.

How deep is Birch Lake?

Birch Lake has an average depth of 22 feet and a maximum depth of 27 feet.

Does Birch Lake have a boat launch?

Yes, Birch Lake has a public boat launch.

How far is Birch Lake from Manitowish Waters?

Birch Lake is 20 minutes from Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin.

What is the water clarity of Birch Lake?

Birch Lake has a water clarity of 6.5 feet.

How long is the shoreline on Birch Lake?

The shoreline of Birch Lake is about 6.30 miles.

What type of lake is Birch Lake?

Birch Lake is a Drainage lake.

What is the trophic status of Birch Lake?

Birch Lake is a Mesotrophic lake.

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