Squash Lake misty autumn morningSquash Lake sunset cruiseSquash Lake after sunsetSquash Lake morning mist panoramicSquash Lake morning reflectionSquash Lake fall evening reflection

Preserving Squash Lake — For Now and the Future

The Squash Lake Association is dedicated to preserving and protecting Squash Lake and its surrounding ecosystems.

The sixth Annual Boat Flotilla took place on July 4th · 2026 Annual Meeting held June 27 at Northwood Golf Club
Autumn lake reflection with forested shoreline

Who We Are

About The Squash Lake Association

The Squash Lake Association is dedicated to preserving and protecting Squash Lake and its surrounding ecosystems. We provide information on important lake issues through our newsletter, website, e-mails, and social media. And, the SLA organizes social and educational opportunities for members.

2026 Calendar & Signs

At the 2026 Annual Meeting, the Association shared 2 versions of a family sign provided to all members. Send your choice to [email protected] by July 18th.

Lake Level Monitoring

The SLA began formal lake level monitoring in spring of 2023. Since we started monitoring, lake levels have been on a downward trend.

Annual Meeting

The 2026 Annual Meeting was held June 27 at Northwood Golf Club.

2027 Proposed Budget
Calm lake with dock at morning light

Annual Memberships

To support inspectors, or our work on the lake, see below

Your membership contribution of $25 enables us to advocate for and protect Squash Lake for now and the future.

Join Now

Support Our Work

Please consider making an additional donation to support our Inspectors, our work on Lake Level Monitoring, Fisheries Improvement or Education and Social Activities.

I'd Like to Make an Additional Donation

Fishing and Boating

Family on boat wearing life jackets

Boating Safety

No matter how much experience you have, it's always a good idea to review boating safety rules before departures. The American Boating Association provides resources for all skill levels.

Learn More
Freshwater fish caught on Squash Lake

Fishing Regulations

Review current Wisconsin DNR fishing regulations before heading out on Squash Lake. Fishing licenses for the 2026 fishing season are now on sale.

View Regulations
Squash Lake Wisconsin map silhouette

Lake Maps

View the official DNR lake map for Squash Lake, including depth contours and access points.

View DNR Lake Map
Squash Lake Slow/No-Wake Zones DNR Regulations map

Slow/No Wake Zones on Squash Lake

Wisconsin DNR regulations require slow/no-wake operation within 100 ft of shore for motorized boats, and within 200 ft of shore for personal watercraft (PWC) or jet-skis. The Town of Crescent has also enacted an Enhanced Wake Ordinance to protect the lake from wave erosion and sediment disturbance.

Wakeboard boat creating enhanced wake on lake

Creating an Enhanced Wake

The Town of Crescent has enacted an ordinance restricting the creation of enhanced wakes on Squash Lake. Enhanced wakes — produced by ballast-weighted boats, wake shapers, and similar devices — cause significantly greater shoreline erosion and sediment disturbance than traditional wakes. Research from Grace University documents the measurable impact these wakes have on nutrient resuspension and aquatic habitat.

Updates

Underwater Logs

Underwater Logs

At the last Lake Association Board meeting, we were told that there used to be a sawmill in the bay just before the channel between the Big Island and the shore. There are many sunken logs in this bay, and occasionally one end will float to the surface. One such log is currently visible, but other logs are lurking just beneath the surface. Be careful boating in this bay.

The Big Island

The Big Island

The Big Island is owned by the Department of Natural Resources and is a popular place to gather during the summer. During 2025, the Squash Lake Association will be installing a fire ring on the island. Please limit your use of fires to the fire ring and make sure to fully extinguish your fire when you leave. Also, you must check the burn risk on the DNR's website before starting a fire. As a reminder, there is no camping on the island.

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Deceptively delicate and fragile in appearance, Eurasian watermilfoil forms thick mats in shallow areas of a lake, quickly spreading to block sunlight, killing off native aquatic plants that fish rely on for food and shelter. The Squash Lake District uses divers to address this invasive. Maps showing milfoil hot spots are available at Spring 2025 Onterra Survey.

Contact Us

Better yet, see us in person! All board meetings are open to the public.

Squash Lake Association

PO Box 511, Rhinelander, Wisconsin 54501

Stay in the Loop

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