Manitowish Lake

Aerial view of Manitowish Lake, a 506 acre lake in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin

Manitowish Lake sits at the heart of the Manitowish Waters Chain and is widely considered one of the system’s cornerstone lakes. At roughly 500 acres with over 20 feet of average depth and strong clarity, it offers substantial open water while still feeling manageable and well-shaped.

Its central position provides seamless access to the rest of the chain — restaurants, extended cruising routes, and neighboring basins — while still benefiting from the area’s relatively lighter traffic compared to chains farther south.

With around 20 owners per shoreline mile and roughly 3.5 acres of water per owner, it balances development with breathing room. For buyers seeking full chain access, quality water, and a convenient “in-town” Manitowish Waters address, Manitowish Lake consistently ranks near the top.

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Manitowish Lake Specs:

Clarity:
Avg. Depth: 23 Feet
Size: 506 Acres
Max Depth: 61 Feet
Shoreline: 7.30 Miles
Water Source:
Lake Access: Public
Water Color: Deep Blue
Time to Town: 6 Minutes
Acres Per Owner: 3.47
Owners Per Mile: 20.00

Homes for Sale:

No Current Listings
Get notified of new listings on Manitowish Lake

Lots for Sale:

No Current Listings
Fishing:
Fish Species:
Bottom:
Boat Traffic: Above Average
Noise Level:
High Speed: Yes
Natural Gas: Yes
Lake Roads:
Cell Coverage: Spotty
Home Density:
Boat Launch: Yes (1)
Lake Grade: Excellent
Rentals on Lake: Yes
Township: Manitowish Waters
School District: North Lakeland
Tax Rate: $5.33 / $1000
** Link opens in new window:
Manitowish Lake contour map
Biking/Walking/Ski Trails:
Heart of Vilas County (Manitowish Waters) - This biking and hiking trail is 14.5 miles long and meanders from the Manitowish Waters Community Center past The North Lakeland Discovery Center and towards Boulder Junction.
Paddling Routes:
The 19 mile NHAL Canoe Trip #5 goes through Manitowish Lake. The route starts at Spider Lake and ends at White Sand Lake.
Snowmobile Trails:
The Sno-Skeeters trail system runs just to the north of the lake. The Sno-Skeeters groom twenty five miles of groomed trails that connects to other trail systems that allow full access to the whole Northern WI and Michigan Trail network.
ATV Trails:
No nearby routes
Manitowish Waters:
5 mins
Grocery Store
 --
Boulder Junction:
20 mins
Grocery Store
 --
Minocqua:
28 mins
Grocery Stores
Hospitals
Times are approximate. I just took a rough average from different points around the lake.

This is a summary based on available information.

The Manitowish Chain is well‑regarded for walleyes, muskies, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and panfish, and Manitowish Lake delivers all of those opportunities with plenty of structure. Anglers work classic spots such as points, bars, and weed edges, often adjusting depth through the season as fish move between shallow and deep water. Clear water means many of the best bites come at dawn, dusk, and after dark, particularly for walleyes on rocky structure and transitions. Trolling passes along breaks or casting big baits over key areas is common for muskies, while panfish are often found near weeds, docks, and softer bottom areas.

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.

Manitowish Lake public landing
Public boat landing on Manitowish Lake in the Manitowish Waters chain, with a standard ramp and modest parking serving anglers and chain cruisers.

How big is Manitowish Lake?

Manitowish Lake is 506 acres with 7.30 miles of shoreline.

How deep is Manitowish Lake?

Manitowish Lake has an average depth of 23 feet and a maximum depth of 61 feet.

Does Manitowish Lake have a boat launch?

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

How far is Manitowish Lake from Manitowish Waters?

Manitowish Lake is 6 minutes from Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin.

What fish are in Manitowish Lake?

Manitowish Lake contains a Variety of fish species including Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye.

What is the water clarity of Manitowish Lake?

Manitowish Lake has a water clarity of 10.2 feet.

How long is the shoreline on Manitowish Lake?

The shoreline of Manitowish Lake is about 7.30 miles.

What type of lake is Manitowish Lake?

Manitowish Lake is a Drainage lake.

Is Manitowish Lake on a chain of lakes?

Yes, Manitowish Lake is on the Manitowish Waters chain of lakes.

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