Big Lake (PI)

Aerial view of Big Lake (PI), a 850 acre lake in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin
   Big Lake is a deep 850-acre public lake that's a 20-minute drive from Manitowish Waters with moderately clear water. Near Presque Isle, it offers roughly 850 acres of deeper, more open water, giving it more of a big-lake feel than many smaller nearby lakes. The shoreline has a mix of wooded stretches and developed pockets, so it still feels like classic Northwoods rather than a heavily built-up resort lake. Being about a 20-minute drive from Manitowish Waters, it offers a bit of distance from town activity while still being practical for regular trips in for dining and supplies. Owners tend to use it for a mix of fishing, pontoon cruises, and general exploring across its open basins, valuing the extra room for cruising and the sense of space that comes with a larger basin.
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Big Lake (PI) Specs:

Clarity: 13.0 Feet
Avg. Depth: 26 Feet
Size: 850 Acres
Max Depth: 60 Feet
Shoreline: 9.04 Miles
Water Source: Drainage
Lake Access: Public
Water Color: Deep Blue
Trophic State: Mesotrophic
Time to Town: 20 Minutes
Acres Per Owner: 18.89
Owners Per Mile: 4.98
Homes for Sale:
No Current Listings

-- Lake Notification --

Lots for Sale:
No Current Listings
Bottom: Mixed
Boat Traffic: Below Average
Noise Level: Low
High Speed: None
Natural Gas: None
Lake Roads: Average
Cell Coverage: Weak
Boat Launch: Yes
Lake Grade: Great
Rentals on Lake: Yes
Township: Presque Isle
School District: North Lakeland
Tax Rate: $8.33 / $1000
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Big Lake (PI) contour map

This is a summary based on available information.

Fishing information points to a multi‑species fishery with walleye, musky, pike, bass, and panfish all present, typical of larger Vilas County lakes. The moderate clarity and depth invite a mix of tactics, from classic live‑bait rigs and jigs on points and humps to casting spinnerbaits and crankbaits along weedlines. Summer patterns often push gamefish deeper during bright conditions, so many anglers work mid‑lake structure, breaks, and wind‑blown shorelines early and late in the day. The lake’s size also makes trolling passes practical for covering water when targeting suspended fish or roaming muskies.

How big is Big Lake (PI)?

Big Lake (PI) is 850 acres with 9.04 miles of shoreline.

How deep is Big Lake (PI)?

Big Lake (PI) has an average depth of 26 feet and a maximum depth of 60 feet.

Does Big Lake (PI) have a boat launch?

Yes, Big Lake (PI) has a public boat launch.

How far is Big Lake (PI) from Manitowish Waters?

Big Lake (PI) is 20 minutes from Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin.

What is the water clarity of Big Lake (PI)?

Big Lake (PI) has a water clarity of 13.0 feet.

How long is the shoreline on Big Lake (PI)?

The shoreline of Big Lake (PI) is about 9.04 miles.

What type of lake is Big Lake (PI)?

Big Lake (PI) is a Drainage lake.

What is the trophic status of Big Lake (PI)?

Big Lake (PI) is a Mesotrophic lake.

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