A Northwoods fishing story from Sacha Stays of Wisconsin
Windfall Lake Fishing in Exeland, Wisconsin: 37 Fish in 3 Days
Misty launches. A thumping-tail soft plastic. Five species. And a clear-water lake that made us slow down, look closer, and keep casting.
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37
Fish landed
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3
Days on water
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5
Species caught
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We are Carol and Andy from Sacha Stays of Wisconsin, and we spend as much time as we can on the lakes we host around. On this early-fall outing, two pedal kayaks and one productive jig-and-plastic presentation led to 37 fish across three days: mostly largemouth bass, plus northern pike, walleye, black crappie, and yellow perch.
The best part? At the end of the day, the dock, fire pit, hot tub, and loons were waiting at Exeland Shores & Sunsets—our five-bedroom lakefront home on Windfall Lake.
“Windfall rewarded patience—not a promise.”
That is the honest version of this report. Conditions, season, water temperature, and angler skill always matter. This is a real three-day log from the lake, supported by current DNR information—not a guarantee of any particular catch.
A clear-water lake with more to discover
Windfall Lake sits in south-central Sawyer County near Exeland, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin DNR lake profile identifies it as a 104-acre lake with a maximum depth of 16 feet, a public boat landing, and a varied fish community. Its clear water, sand-and-gravel shoreline, and calm Northwoods setting make it an easy place to savor a full day outside.
| Lake profile | 104 acres · 16-foot maximum depth · public boat landing |
| Target species | Walleye · northern pike · largemouth bass · crappie · perch · bluegill |
| Stay on the water | Private dock, kayaks, 250 feet of shoreline, hot tub, fire pit, and a five-bedroom home at Exeland Shores & Sunsets |
A foggy morning largemouth on Windfall Lake.
Why anglers should put Windfall on the list
The Wisconsin DNR’s 2025 survey found a solid adult walleye population—estimated at 4.2 adult walleye per acre, with many legal-size fish in the 15- to 20-inch range. The same survey documented quality northern pike, including fish up to 41 inches, and a largemouth bass catch rate above the 90th percentile for similar lakes.
Those numbers do not replace time on the water, but they help explain why Windfall produces an engaging mix of opportunities: bass action, a genuine pike prospect, walleye worth targeting, and an excellent reason to bring both a fishing rod and a camera.
The DNR’s 2025 survey recorded Windfall Lake largemouth as incredibly abundant
The pattern that worked for us
One lure. Slow confidence. Better light.
Bright conditions: We slowed down in deeper water and paid attention to the break rather than racing across the lake.
Softer light: We moved toward weed edges and made controlled, slow retrieves with a thumping-tail soft plastic on a jig head.
The takeaway: Match your lure, depth, and retrieve to the conditions. Our pattern delivered on this trip; it is a field note, not a rulebook.
A pike from a clear-water day on Windfall Lake. The largest DNR-recorded pike is 41 inches!
A lakefront day at Windfall Lake: paddle out, fish at your pace, and come back to Exeland Shores & Sunsets.
Windfall Lake fishing FAQ
Where is Windfall Lake?
Windfall Lake is in south-central Sawyer County near Exeland, Wisconsin. This article refers to the 104-acre Sawyer County lake, not other Wisconsin lakes with the same name.
What fish are in Windfall Lake?
The DNR lists walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, musky, trout, and panfish. Its 2025 survey focused on walleye, pike, black crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and white sucker.
Can I kayak fish Windfall Lake?
Yes. We fished the lake from our personal pedal kayaks, and Exeland Shores & Sunsets includes complimentary paddle kayaks and life vests for guests. Check conditions and follow Wisconsin safety requirements before heading out.
Where should anglers stay near Windfall Lake?
Exeland Shores & Sunsets is a five-bedroom lakefront home with 250 feet of private west-facing shoreline, a private dock, hot tub, game room, and room for up to 12 guests right on the lake!
Before you launch
Useful links for Windfall Lake anglers
Your Windfall Lake base camp
Fish the morning. Soak at sunset.
Make Exeland Shores & Sunsets your lakefront home for fishing, family time, and Northwoods quiet.
View Exeland Shores & SunsetsOwner fishing report and photos: fall 2026. DNR facts cited above reflect the linked sources available at publication. Always confirm current conditions, license requirements, seasons, and lake-specific regulations before fishing.