Columbus Lake

Aerial view of Columbus Lake, a 677 acre lake in Eagle River, Wisconsin

Columbus Lake is a 677-acre public lake located about 22 minutes from Eagle River. With notable depth and tannin-influenced water, it carries a darker Northwoods appearance typical of forest-fed basins.

The broad footprint provides plenty of room for cruising and fishing, while overall boat traffic tends to remain lighter than on the Eagle River Chain. Shoreline development includes a mix of cabins and more open stretches, preserving a less manicured, more natural character.

Columbus appeals to buyers who want substantial acreage and elbow room, accepting the darker water tone as part of its quieter, forest-influenced personality.

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Columbus Lake Specs:

Clarity:
Avg. Depth: 15 Feet
Size: 677 Acres
Max Depth: 26 Feet
Shoreline: 4.10 Miles
Water Source:
Lake Access: Public
Water Color: Tanned
Trophic State: Mesotrophic
Time to Town: 22 Minutes

Homes for Sale:

No Current Listings
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Lots for Sale:

No Current Listings
Bottom:
Boat Traffic: Below Average
Noise Level:
High Speed: None
Natural Gas: None
Lake Roads:
Cell Coverage: Good
Home Density:
Boat Launch: Yes (1)
Rentals on Lake: Yes
Township: Sugar Camp
School District: Three Lakes
Tax Rate: $5.79 / $1000
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Columbus Lake contour map

This is a summary based on available information.

Stained, deeper lakes like Columbus often hold good populations of walleye, pike, bass, and panfish, with fish relating strongly to structure and depth breaks where light penetration shifts. Edges of major bars, points, and mid‑lake humps can be productive for walleyes and pike, while shoreline weedlines and shallow bays hold panfish and largemouths. Because the water is darker, fish may stay shallower during the day than they would in clear lakes, allowing anglers to work crankbaits, jigs, and spinner rigs in relatively modest depths. Cabin owners frequently treat Columbus as a multi‑season fishery, targeting walleye and pike in spring and fall and shifting more toward panfish and bass during summertime family trips.

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.

Columbus Lake public landing
Public access on Columbus Lake near Eagle River, with a basic ramp and modest parking typical of mid-sized Vilas County lakes serving local anglers and cabin owners.

How big is Columbus Lake?

Columbus Lake is 677 acres with 4.10 miles of shoreline.

How deep is Columbus Lake?

Columbus Lake has an average depth of 15 feet and a maximum depth of 26 feet.

Does Columbus Lake have a boat launch?

No, Columbus Lake does not have a public boat launch.

How far is Columbus Lake from Eagle River?

Columbus Lake is 22 minutes from Eagle River, Wisconsin.

What is the water clarity of Columbus Lake?

Columbus Lake has a water clarity of 3.5 feet.

How long is the shoreline on Columbus Lake?

The shoreline of Columbus Lake is about 4.10 miles.

What type of lake is Columbus Lake?

Columbus Lake is a Drainage lake.

What is the trophic status of Columbus Lake?

Columbus Lake is a Mesotrophic lake.

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