Lac Vieux Desert

View of Lac Vieux Desert, the 4017 acre lake in Land O'Lakes, Wisconsin

Lac Vieux Desert is one of the largest and most historically significant lakes in the region, spanning more than 4,000 acres along the Wisconsin–Michigan border and serving as the headwaters of the Wisconsin River. Its sheer size creates a true big-water experience with expansive bays, islands, and long boat runs that smaller lakes simply cannot offer.

The lake is known first and foremost as a fishing destination. Broad, fertile, weed-rich basins provide extensive habitat for musky, walleye, bass, and panfish, and its resort history reflects decades of anglers returning year after year. While water clarity is moderate and the shoreline includes seasonal cabins and resorts, the scale of the lake helps disperse activity so it rarely feels cramped.

Lac Vieux Desert appeals most to buyers who value acreage, fishing structure, and long exploratory boat rides over boutique water quality or in-town convenience. It delivers space, tradition, and a true Northwoods fishing-lake identity.

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Lac Vieux Desert Specs:

Clarity:
Avg. Depth: 20 Feet
Size: 4017 Acres
Max Depth: 38 Feet
Shoreline: 17.00 Miles
Water Source:
Lake Access: Public
Water Color: Deep Blue
Trophic State: Eutrophic
Time to Town: 14 Minutes
Acres Per Owner: 18.95
Owners Per Mile: 12.47

Homes for Sale:

Lac Vieux Desert
$1,050,000
Lac Vieux Desert house picture
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.0
Sq Ft: 2,035
Phelps

   Enjoy life on 4300 surface-acre Lac Vieux Desert (trophy fish & boating fun) in this Northwoods chalet offering 102' of premium frontage, 1.5-acre wooded lot and a new crushed limestone road. There's plenty of room to pull in & turn around with a trailer at the…

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Lots for Sale:

No Current Listings
Fishing:
Fish Species:
Bottom:
Boat Traffic: Average
Noise Level:
High Speed: No
Natural Gas: Yes
Lake Roads:
Cell Coverage: Poor
Home Density:
Boat Launch: Yes (2)
Lake Grade: Very Good
Rentals on Lake: Yes
Township: Phelps
School District: Phelps
Tax Rate: $6.54 / $1000
** Link opens in new window:
Lac Vieux Desert contour map
Snowmobile Trails:
The trail runs to the west and south of the lake and is maintained by the Phelps Snowmobile Club. The club maintains over 40 miles of trails from Lac Vieux Desert to North Twin Lake.
ATV Trails:
The Landover ATV Club Trails run along the south side of the lake. It is a vast network of ATV trails that connect Eagle River to Upper Michigan. There are a variety of riding options ranging from paved roads to trails through the national forests. By far the largest ATV trail network in Vilas County.
Land O'Lakes:
12 mins
Grocery Store
 --
Eagle River:
26 mins
Grocery Store
Hospital

This is a summary based on available information.

Regional fishing resources describe Lac Vieux Desert as a strong multi‑species destination, with walleye, musky, northern pike, bass, and panfish all playing important roles. Its mostly shallow nature allows vegetation to flourish, which is great for fish but can become thick by midsummer, so successful anglers often work weed edges, current or wind‑influenced areas, and deeper cuts within weedy flats. Creel surveys and reports point to steady action for eater‑size fish with regular opportunities at larger trophies for anglers who dial in seasonal patterns and adapt as vegetation and water temperatures change.

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.

Lac Vieux Desert – campground/day-use landing
View on Map
Boat landing associated with a lakeside campground and day-use area. Provides access near a swimming beach and picnic facilities, making it convenient for mixed recreation days.

Lac Vieux Desert – Thunder Bay landing (WI side)
View on Map
One of several public landings on Lac Vieux Desert on the Wisconsin side. Concrete ramp with decent parking, commonly used by anglers targeting the main basins and bays.

How big is Lac Vieux Desert?

Lac Vieux Desert is 4017 acres with 17.00 miles of shoreline.

How deep is Lac Vieux Desert?

Lac Vieux Desert has an average depth of 20 feet and a maximum depth of 38 feet.

Does Lac Vieux Desert have a boat launch?

Yes, Lac Vieux Desert has a public boat launch.

How far is Lac Vieux Desert from Land O'Lakes?

Lac Vieux Desert is 14 minutes from Land O'Lakes, Wisconsin.

What fish are in Lac Vieux Desert?

Lac Vieux Desert contains a Variety of fish species including Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye.

What is the water clarity of Lac Vieux Desert?

Lac Vieux Desert has a water clarity of 9.0 feet.

How long is the shoreline on Lac Vieux Desert?

The shoreline of Lac Vieux Desert is about 17.00 miles.

What type of lake is Lac Vieux Desert?

Lac Vieux Desert is a Drainage lake.

What is the trophic status of Lac Vieux Desert?

Lac Vieux Desert is a Eutrophic lake.

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