Lac Courte Oreilles

Lac Courte Oreilles is a large 5,139-acre lake in Sawyer County near Hayward, offering excellent access for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters. This mid-lake ramp on the north shore features a single-lane concrete launch with an attached dock and paved parking—convenient facilities for launching and retrieving boats. The lake's maximum depth of 90 feet provides plenty of water for various paddling and boating activities throughout the seasons.

The lake supports a healthy fishery including musky, walleye, northern pike, and bass, making it popular with anglers as well as paddlers. Three public boat launches provide access to different areas: this primary DNR ramp serves central Chicago Bay, while Victory Heights Launch accesses the west basin and Anchor Bay Launch serves the east basin. This gives paddlers flexibility to explore different sections of the lake depending on wind conditions and desired route. Plan ahead during peak summer weekends, as parking and launch availability can fill up at popular access points.