Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) Fishing
A 1,870-acre Wisconsin flowage in Rusk County, down to 70 feet.
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Getting acquainted with Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)
The WDNR lists Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) at 1,870 acres, a flowage in Rusk County. Depths reach 70 feet at the deepest spot, with a mean of 24 feet. In a straight line, about 3 miles separates the lake from Tony. Fisheries work here comes out of the Northern Region. Lake class on the WDNR layer reads complex riverine.
Musky are managed here, listed as natural reproduction plus stocking (cat. 2). Its walleye come from natural reproduction only, per the WDNR. Walleye rules here follow the ceded territory standard. Fish on its WDNR list include walleye, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, catfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. The WDNR access layer maps 5 public boat landings. WDNR satellite clarity is 7.7 feet for 2017.
For the musky herePiscifun AlumiX spinning reel46% OFFSale $64.99 How abundant the fish are in Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)
The DNR sorts the Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) fishery into abundant, common and present groups.
| Fish group | WDNR abundance |
|---|---|
| Walleye | Abundant |
| Musky | Common |
| Smallmouth Bass | Common |
| Catfish | Present |
| Largemouth Bass | Present |
| Northern Pike | Present |
| Panfish | Present |
| Sturgeon | Present |
Walleye at Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) rely on natural reproduction only. The musky layer lists Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) as natural reproduction plus stocking (cat. 2). The sturgeon layer tags Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau): naturally reproducing – ansri.
The WDNR class note for Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)
“Complex riverine lakes often support great fisheries for riverine species like smallmouth bass, and in some systems, walleye.”
WDNR Find a Lake fish list and abundance, WDNR lake classification and fisheries designation layers, checked October 2026.
Landings around Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)
- Dairyland Reservoir Access near Tony (WDNR 1486)2 lanes, 11 to 15 trailer stalls, boarding dock, restroom, Dairyland Power
- Dairyland Reservoir Access near Tony (WDNR 1489)2 lanes, 16 to 20 trailer stalls, boarding dock, restroom, Parks Department
- Dairyland Reservoir Access near Tony (WDNR 1487)1 lane, 1 to 5 trailer stalls, Daryland Power
- Dairyland Reservoir Boat Ramp1 lane, 6 to 10 trailer stalls, boarding dock, Dairyland Power
- Dairyland Flowage Carry-in Accesscarry-in, Dairyland Power
Public landings near Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)
- Dairy Center Boat LandingBig Falls Flowage Reservir, 3 miles northeast
- Flambeau River Portage AccessFlambeau River, 3 miles northeast
- Big Falls Flowage Boat LandingBig Falls Flowage, 3 miles northeast
- Dairyland Power Canoe Portage Boat LandingLadysmith Flowage, 3 miles southwest
- Falcon Island Carry-In AccessDairyland Reservoir, 6 miles southwest
- Memorial Park Boat Ramp on Ladysmith Flowage/Flambeau RiverLadysmith Flowage/Flambeau River, 6 miles southwest
WDNR Boat Access and Shore Fishing layers and Find a Lake landing table, checked October 2026.
Depth and bottom of Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)
Under the water, Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) is 25% sand, 40% gravel, 30% rock, 5% muck, per the DNR.
Hydrologically, Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) is a drainage lake (a stream flows in and out).
Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) has these invasive species on file: chinese mystery snail, eurasian water-milfoil and rusty crayfish. Rinse gear before the next lake.
The WDNR notes ordinances on Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) for slow-no-wake areas.
WDNR Find a Lake page, WDNR Landsat lake clarity layer, checked October 2026.
The rule table for Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)
WDNR lists these Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) seasons and bag rules species by species.
| Species | Season | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye, sauger and hybrids | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length is 15", but walleye, sauger, and hybrids from 20" to 24" may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 24" is allowed. The daily bag limit is 3. |
| Muskellunge and hybrids | May 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | The minimum length limit is 40" and the daily bag limit is 1. |
| Northern pike | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5. |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | June 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. |
| Largemouth bass | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. |
| Smallmouth bass | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | Fish may not be harvested (catch and release only). |
| Panfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25. |
| Catfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. |
| Lake sturgeon | September 5, 2026 to September 30, 2026 | All sturgeon taken with hook and line must be tagged and registered. The minimum length is 60" and season limit is 1 fish. |
| Shovelnose sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. |
| Cisco and whitefish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. |
| Rock, yellow and white bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. |
| Bullheads | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. |
| Rough fish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. |
The WDNR record for Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) adds: Catch and release fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open year round unless otherwise noted. Motor Trolling is allowed with up to 3 hooks, baits, or lures, per angler.
County text for Rusk: Rusk County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person). A portion of Rusk County is in the Northern Bass Zone (see base regulations on page 12).
Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) is north of US Highway 10 for pike, and in the Northern or Southern Bass Zone (the county is split; see the guide map) for bass.
WDNR Lake Regulation search and the 2026-2027 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations, checked October 2026.
Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) stocking history
Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) received 864 fish over 2 stocking records between 2023 and 2025.
| Year | Species | Size | Avg length | Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Muskellunge | large fingerling | 12.2 in | 428 |
| 2023 | Muskellunge | large fingerling | 11.9 in | 436 |
WDNR Fish Stocking Summary, stocking years 2023 to 2025. Wisconsin stocking.
Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) beside its neighbors
| Lake | Distance | Acres | Max depth ft | Landings | WDNR class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) | 1,870 | 70 | 5 | complex riverine | |
| Big Falls Flowage | 4 miles northeast | 281 | 45 | 1 | complex riverine |
| Ladysmith Flowage | 5 miles southwest | 268 | 19 | 2 | complex riverine |
| Lea Flowage (Lea Lake) | 7 miles northwest | 222 | 9 | 1 | simple harsh has fishery |
| Corbett Lake | 7 miles southwest | 26 | 4 | 0 | simple cool dark |
| Port Arthur Flowage | 8 miles southwest | 285 | 19 | 1 |
WDNR Find a Lake, lake classification and boat access layers.
In reach of Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)
Other Wisconsin lakes close to Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)
- Big Falls Flowage4 miles northeast
- Ladysmith Flowage5 miles southwest
- Lea Flowage (Lea Lake)7 miles northwest
- Corbett Lake7 miles southwest
- Port Arthur Flowage8 miles southwest
Tackle shops a short drive from Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)
- Walmart Ladysmithfarm and general store with fishing gear, Ladysmith, 7 miles
- Rocque Ridge Guide and Outfittersbait and tackle shop, Holcombe, 17 miles
- Mark's Marine. LLCmarina, Holcombe, 18 miles
- Lake Holcombe Marinamarina, Holcombe, 22 miles
- Bait On 40bait and tackle shop, New Auburn, 24 miles
Nearby Wisconsin towns for Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)
- Tony3 miles
- Glen Flora6 miles
- Ladysmith7 miles
County pages for Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)
- Rusk Countyseat: Ladysmith
Gear from Piscifun for Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)
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Shoreline scenes a drive from Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)
Photo: Tony Webster, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Jeff the quiet, CC0 1.0
Photo: Joshua Mayer from Madison, WI, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Jeff the quiet, CC0 1.0
Quick facts people look up on Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)
How far is Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) from the nearest Wisconsin town?
In Rusk County, WDNR Northern Region, about 3 miles from Tony.
How big is Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) by the WDNR count?
About 1,870 acres and 70 feet at the deepest.
Which landing should I use to launch on Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)?
Try Dairyland Reservoir Access near Tony (WDNR 1486), one of 5 mapped landings.
Does the WDNR list walleye in Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)?
Find a Lake names walleye (abundant), muskellunge (common), smallmouth bass (common), catfish (present), largemouth bass (present), northern pike (present) and panfish (present).
What can I keep from Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)?
Walleye, sauger and hybrids, per WDNR: The minimum length is 15", but walleye, sauger, and hybrids from 20" to 24" may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 24" is allowed. The daily bag limit is 3.
Is a stamp needed on Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)?
Anglers 16 and older need a Wisconsin fishing license: $20 a year for residents and $55 for nonresidents, with a $5 first-time buyer rate for residents.
What lake class is Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)?
Satellite clarity about 7.7 feet (2017). Bottom: 25% sand, 40% gravel, 30% rock, 5% muck. WDNR class: complex riverine. Type: drainage.
Where can I buy bait on the way to Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)?
Closest on our list: Walmart Ladysmith, 7 miles.
What has been stocked in Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau)?
In 2025, 428 muskellunge.
Put Dairyland Reservoir (Flambeau) on this year's Wisconsin list
Buy a Go Wild license before the drive.