Boating At Lake Onalaska In Wisconsin

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Lake Onalaska, located in western Wisconsin, is a scenic and expansive freshwater lake formed by a widening of the Mississippi River. This beautiful lake is situated near the city of La Crosse, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors alike.

With its picturesque setting and proximity to the Mississippi River, Lake Onalaska offers a host of nearby attractions to explore. The Riverside Park in La Crosse, just a short drive away, provides a perfect spot for picnicking, hiking, and enjoying stunning views of the river.

Boating enthusiasts will find plenty to delight in at Lake Onalaska, as it offers ample space for various water sports, including water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding. The lake's calm waters make it an ideal destination for recreational boaters seeking a relaxing day on the water.

Boat launch ramps are available along the lake's shoreline, making it convenient for boaters to get their vessels in and out of the water with ease.

For those who don't own a boat, rental boats, such as pontoons and fishing boats, can be found nearby, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the lake's serene beauty.

The boating season at Lake Onalaska typically runs from spring to early fall, allowing for a long window of opportunity to enjoy the lake's recreational offerings.

Fishing enthusiasts will find an abundance of game fish in Lake Onalaska, including walleye, bass, catfish, and northern pike. The lake's diverse fish population makes it a popular spot for anglers looking for a fruitful fishing experience.

Campgrounds, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the peaceful and scenic surroundings of Lake Onalaska.

Boating, camping and fishing.

Located in the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Lake Onalaska is a 8,400-acre boating and fishing lake on the western border of Wisconsin, at La Crosse. Canoes, kayaks, pontoons and fishing boats are available for rent at the lake. There is access for fishing from shore at numerous places on the northern and eastern shores, and on the island. A half dozen boat landings and boat launch ramps are open to the public. These flooded backwaters create miles and miles of shoreline with an endless number of channels, islands and clusters of aquatic vegetation. Ice fishing is popular in winter when there is safe ice. In the warmer months opportunities for boating and fishing abound. The lake has nice populations of walleye, northern pike, perch, catfish, bass, crappie and sunfish.

Area Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

La Crosse Land Conservation Campground - 608 785-9867

Bluebird Springs RV Park - 608 781-2267

Scenic Acres Camp Ground - 507 643-6043

Mulberry Meadows RV Park - 507 429-1667

Lake Onalaska Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Lake Onalaska include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch and northern pike.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Channel catfish Black crappie Walleye Bluegill Pumpkinseed Sunfish Yellow Perch Northern pike