Lake Petenwell (The Petenwell Flowage) -
Adams County, WI

23,040 acres - 42' maximum depth
Game Fish: Walleye, Northern Pike, Bass, Pan Fish, & Musky

Lake Petenwell, originally known as the Petenwell Flowage, is one Wisconsin's best-kept secrets. Not as well known nor as developed as it's sister lake to the south, Castle Rock Lake, Lake Petenwell is Wisconsin's second largest lake at 23,040 acres or approximately 36 square miles. With over seventy miles of shoreline, it was created in 1948 by the Wisconsin River Power Company with the construction of a dam across the Wisconsin River near Necedah. The lake forms the boundary between Juneau County on the west and Adams County on the east. Private lakefront property is limited as most of the virgin shoreline is undeveloped forest.

The lake's depth varies from 8 to 30 feet in most places, with sections along the old river beds reaching as deep as 42 feet. Wildlife abounds including one of the larger populations of wintering bald eagles in Wisconsin. Lake Petenwell is excellent for skiing, sailing or fishing. The structure created from the old river beds makes it a very productive and consistent fishing lake. While walleyes, white bass, and crappies are the most abundant, many northern pike, large mouth bass, small mouth bass and panfish are taken also. Residents and visitors alike enjoy water skiing, swimming, sailing, and boating on its beautiful blue waters. Sailing regattas are held several times each summer. On the Adams County side, spectacular sunsets await along the many miles of wooded shoreline.

While the area is quite rural and unspoiled in flavor, its amenities are quite cosmopolitan. It has excellent restaurants; community theatre; several 18-hole, par 72 golf courses (originally rated among the top 75 public courses in the country) and a choice of two casinos within 30-40 minutes driving time.The lake is located approximately 35 miles north of the Wisconsin Dells on State Highway 13.

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View Lake Petenwell waterfront properties for sale
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View Lake Petenwell water level report from Wisconsin Public Service
(923' is average summer level; 919' during spring drawdown)