Mirror Lake Fishing, Size, Depth, And More

The state of Wisconsin is known for having some of the most awe-inspiring lakes in the country. Wisconsin itself boasts 15,000 gorgeous lakes. Each of these lakes has its own appealing reasons for visiting them. Whether it be for swimming, fishing, or simply indulging in water recreation, there are many reasons to head out to them. One of the most serene lakes in the state is Mirror Lake. This body of water has been noted to be so calm that you won’t even see a ripple on its surface. So are you interested in learning more? We’ve got the rundown on the Mirror Lake fishing scene as well as other interesting facts about the lake. You’ll learn about the size and depth of this body of water along with the lake’s history.

Mirror Lake Location

The picturesque Mirror Lake is located in Sauk County. This county is situated in the center of the state. This area is also home to the Wisconsin Dells, an area where you can find amazing glacier-carved rock formations. Additionally, the lake is a part of Mirror Lake State Park. This state park is a popular destination for many travelers as it offers guests many different outdoor activities to partake in.

Mirror Lake History

During the last Ice Age, glacial activity was responsible for the creation of Mirror Lake and all of the surrounding beauty of the area. Mirror Lake, as we mentioned, is a beautiful sight to behold. The lake is stunning and is also incredibly calm and serene. In fact, the lake’s name comes from the fact that the water is so calm that it naturally reflects all of the surroundings, including the lush hills and cliffs. Thus, it is like the lake is a mirror. 

The lake became notable when visitors in the 1800s started to be drawn here. As more and more people began to settle in the area, it became evident that water management was a necessary next step. In 1860, the original Dell Creek Dam was constructed to power a watermill owned by Horace LaBar. The dam’s construction, in turn, created a reservoir on Dell Creek. This reservoir led to the water levels in Mirror Lake to rise. The dam also resulted in more consistent water levels in the lake as well. Finally, in the 1960s, Mirror Lake State Park was officially established. 

Once the area became a state park, it allowed for the preservation of the lake and the encompassing land. Additionally, many new recreational facilities were added to the area as well. Today, both the lake and the state park continue to be incredibly popular travel destinations.

Size, Depth, and Water Level of Mirror Lake

Although it is not anywhere near one of the largest lakes in the state, Mirror Lake is certainly one of the most pretty. When it comes to its size, the lake has an area of around 137 acres. The average depth of the lake is around 10 to 14 feet, with the deepest part coming in at about 27 feet. The water levels here also vary greatly, depending on the time of year and how much rain has come through the area. It also features steep sandstone sides that are up to 50 feet tall.

Fishing at Mirror Lake

Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Mirror Lake. The lake’s ecosystem is home to many different species of fish. Some of the most common fish species that you can catch here include panfish, largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, catfish, and bullheads. It is important to note that the entire lake is designated as a slow-no-wake zone. This makes it an excellent lake for fishing as it creates the perfect conditions for catching some great trophies. 

The most popular fish to catch at the lake is panfish, as you can find them in great numbers. They are pretty small in size as well, which makes them an easy enough catch. Largemouth bass, on the other hand, are another popular fish to catch that make for a more exciting fishing experience. This is because largemouth bass are known to put up a strong fight when an angler attempts to reel one in. 

When looking to get out onto the lake, there are two different boat landings to choose from. One of the boat landings is located within the Mirror Lake State Park. This one offers anglers the opportunity to rent a boat and also purchase snacks and other items you might want or need. At the western end of the lake is the second boat landing. This one is located in the town of Delton and is primarily a boat launch.

Boating and Other Activities

There are a wide number of activities that you can enjoy while hanging out at this picturesque lake. Mirror Lake continues to be a popular destination for anglers, families, swimmers, hikers, and more! When the weather in the state starts to warm up, you can head right into the lake for a refreshing dip. The calm waters here will be sure to bring you peace of mind. If you enjoy getting out on the water through different methods, then you’ll be happy to hear that non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and boats to use on the lake — or feel free to bring your own if you have the equipment. 

Since the lake is located within the state park, you can also enjoy several hiking trails. There are lush forests and meadows that are all worth strolling through. The state park features hikes of varying difficulties as well. This means that whether you’re a novice or an advanced hiker, you can enjoy making your way through the grounds of the park. The park’s facilities also include camping areas. So if you’re looking to get more in touch with nature, then you can definitely set up in these areas and enjoy a night out in the woods. 

Overall, there is much to do at the lake and the state park in which it lives. There won’t be any dull moments as soon as you make your way here!

Geology of Mirror Lake 

As we mentioned above, Mirror Lake is a glacial lake. This means that it was formed by glacial activity that took place here. Thousands of years ago, the area was covered by large glaciers. 

These glaciers impacted the landscape of the area as they would move around. This caused parts of the land to be carved out. Many geologists believe that the lakebeds were formed from the movement of these giant pieces of ice. As time went on, these massive glaciers began to change in shape as they melted and eroded. The depressions they left behind would often fill with the melted water. 

One of the most defining characteristics of this glacial lake is how calm and clear the water is. Have you ever wondered what the reason is? Since this is a small lake and the water that fills it comes from melted snow and groundwater, it is unique in its composition. This type of water is known to be lower in sediment and also free of many pollutants.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Helene Woodbine/Shutterstock.com