Carlisle Lake

Carlisle Lake, historically known as Onalaska Mill Pond, was originally a log pond for the wood mill. It has been planted with rainbow trout since 1953.The lake is managed for catchable trout and warmwater species.

Rainbow trout broodstock are stocked in the lake during the winter and rainbow catchables are stocked in April and May. The Onalaska High School Aquaculture Program contributes to the stocking of amazing rainbow trout that can reach over 5 lbs.

The lake is located on the northwest edge of Onalaska. Small boats can be launched, but internal combustion engines are not allowed. There is a very nice trail around the majority of the lake. The gate closes at dusk. Visit the Onalaska Alliance Page for more information.

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Trail around the majority of the lake.

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Lewis
Acreage: 22.20 ac.
Elevation: 496 ft.
Center: 46.579893, -122.727066
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Fishing resources

Fishing prospects calendar

Rainbow trout

Fishing success for Rainbow Trout is generally best in the spring when thousands of fish are stocked statewide, but they can be caught year-round in most waters with a little patience and persistence. Success remains high into June and gradually declines as water temperatures increase and fish move offshore to stay cool. Fish that escaped the spring harvest return to the nearshore areas in the fall as waters cool off. Some waters may also be stocked again in the fall further boosting catch rates.

Largemouth bass

Fishing improves throughout the spring as waters warm and fish move onshore, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull though dawn/dusk hours can be very good. Catch improves in Fall as waters cool, vegetation begins to die back, and prey becomes more available. Winter is the hardest time because fish are offshore and slow moving.

Black crappie

Fishing improves throughout the Spring, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull, while Fall sees an improvement as waters cool, vegetation dies back, and prey becomes more available. During winter, the bite is slower, but anglers can have great success fishing through the ice when conditions are safe.

Bluegill

Bluegill can be caught year-round, but fishing is best in the warm months of Summer. Fishing improves throughout the spring, peaking during the spawn in early-Summer. Fish move offshore into deeper waters through the fall as water temperatures cool making it more difficult to target them. Winter is the most difficult season in which to catch Bluegill, but persistent anglers can find them in schools of like-sized fish offshore.

Brown bullhead

Fishing improves throughout the spring, peaking before the spawning period in May and June. Fishing may pick up in early Fall, followed by a decrease in action as waters cool. Winter is a difficult time to target this species.