About South Barber Lake
South Barber Lake is a scenic Sawyer County lake worth knowing about, covering 90 acres. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers.
Type: lake · Hydrology: DRAINAGE
Lake Location
45.87490° N, 90.97730° W
WBIC 2382000 · Wisconsin DNRLocal's Guide
Fishing
Species-specific tips above. Wisconsin fishing license required for ages 16+. See current season regulations below.
View fishing regulations ↓Swimming
South Barber Lake has limited visibility and a mixed bottom, making it generally good for swimming with gradual entry in most areas. The 90-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for South Barber Lake are coming soon. Know a great spot near South Barber Lake? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Sawyer County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
South Barber Lake is one of Sawyer County's lesser-known gems — the kind of place locals return to year after year. Early mornings before 9am offer the calmest water and best fishing before boat traffic picks up. If you're visiting for the first time, check the DNR boat landing locations before you arrive — some are well-marked, others take a local to find. Know something about South Barber Lake that visitors should? Share a tip at staynorthern.com/contact — we add the best ones to this page.
Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Not documented
Clean lake
Seasonal Notes
See below
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Ice typically goes out in late April to early May on northern Wisconsin lakes. Walleye and bass fishing peaks from late May through June and again in September and October. Summer brings warm water temps ideal for swimming from late June through August. Fall color peaks in late September — some of the most dramatic foliage in the state. Snowmobile and ice fishing season runs December through March, with hard ice typically forming by late December.
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you boat on South Barber Lake?
South Barber Lake does not currently have a public boat landing listed in the Wisconsin DNR database. Shore fishing or kayak/canoe access may still be available — check local access points.
How big is South Barber Lake?
South Barber Lake has 90 acres in surface area.
Are there invasive species in South Barber Lake?
No invasive species are currently documented in South Barber Lake by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is South Barber Lake located?
South Barber Lake is located in Sawyer County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 45.8749° N, 90.9773° W.
Are there vacation rentals on South Barber Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Sawyer County lakes. Check our South Barber Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Sawyer County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for South Barber Lake
| Species | Season | Min. Length | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullheads | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Catfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Cisco And Whitefish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Lake Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Largemouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | June 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Muskellunge And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | The minimum length limit is 40" and the daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| Northern Pike | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Paddlefish | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Panfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25. | — |
| Rock, Yellow, And White Bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rough Fish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Round Goby | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Ruffe | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Smallmouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | Fish may not be harvested (catch and release only). | — |
| Trout | See specific regulations | https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ . | — |
| Walleye, Sauger, And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length is 15", but walleye, sauger, and hybrids from 20" to 24" may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 24" is allowed. The daily bag limit is 3. | — |
| White Perch | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
Regulations sourced from Wisconsin DNR fisheries data. Always verify current regulations before fishing.
Lake Details
- WBIC
- 2382000
- County
- Sawyer County
- Surface Area
- 90 acres
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 45.8749, -90.9773
Nearby Trails
Flambeau River Paddle Trail
160 mi · Sawyer/Price/Rusk County
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest ATV Trails
140 mi · Sawyer/Ashland/Taylor/Price County
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near South Barber Lake? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.