Petenwell Lake

Petenwell Lake

Monroe Center, Adams County, WI
36mi²
279.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

Lake Petenwell, located in Adams County, Wisconsin, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With over 23,000 acres of water, it is the second-largest lake in the state and is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and water sports. The lake was created in the 1940s when the Wisconsin River Power Company built a hydroelectric dam on the Wisconsin River, and today it is known as Petenwell Flowage. One of the main attractions of Lake Petenwell is the abundance of fine waterfront real estate around Petenwell County Park. This park is one of Central Wisconsin's most popular parks and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including camping, hiking, and picnicking. The park also has a boat launch, making it easy for visitors to access the lake. Located just south of the Petenwell Dam is Castle Rock Lake, which is Wisconsin's fourth-largest lake. These two lakes, along with the Wisconsin River, separate Adams County and Juneau City. The area is known for its scenic beauty, and many visitors come to enjoy the natural surroundings and outdoor activities. Fishing is a popular activity on Lake Petenwell, and anglers can find a variety of fish in the lake, including walleye, musky, northern pike, bass, and panfish. The lake is also home to several fishing tournaments throughout the year, drawing anglers from all over the region. Lake Petenwell is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique charm. In the summer, visitors can enjoy boating, water skiing, and swimming, while fall brings spectacular foliage and great fishing. In the winter, ice fishing and snowmobiling are popular activities, and visitors can take in the snowy scenery and peaceful winter landscapes. Overall, Lake Petenwell is a beautiful and vibrant destination in the heart of Wisconsin. With its picturesque surroundings, abundance of outdoor activities, and year-round attractions, it is no wonder that it is one of Central Wisconsin's biggest attractions.

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Current Conditions

69°F°
Feels like 67°F°
MostlyClear
Today's High
77°F°
Today's Low
45°F°

Water Temperature

57°F
Updated: (May 9)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Petenwell Lake is 57°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind7 mph NNE (Gust 12 mph)
Pressure
30.21 inHg
Visibility41 mi
Humidity27%
Cloud Cover25%

Forecast: Sunday, May 11

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
47°F°
10 AM
59°F°
1 PM
71°F°
4 PM
77°F°

Temperature

High
77°F°
Low
45°F°

Precipitation

Chance0%
Amount0.00"
Typeclear

Wind

9mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
20mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed10 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise10:37 AM
Sunset1:15 AM
Moon PhasewaxingGibbous
Max UV Index9 (Very High)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
5/5

Todays action is rated a 5 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

5:00 AM - 5:00 AM

4:38 PM - 7:08 PM

Minor Times (Good)

12:14 AM - 1:44 AM

9:16 AM - 10:46 AM

Outlook for Sunday at Petenwell Lake

Expect temperatures ranging from 45°F to 77°F. Skies look mostly clear with little chance of precipitation. Winds will be averaging 9 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 20 mph. The maximum UV index will be 9 (Very High), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 5/5 (Todays action is rated a 5 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 5:00 AM and 4:38 PM, or try the minor windows near 12:14 AM and 9:16 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Petenwell Lake.

Lake Map Views

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May 10th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
279 ft
Area
36 mi²
Coordinates
44.153, -89.980

Weather Forecast

Sunday

77°F
45°F

Monday

81°F
51°F

Tuesday

77°F
57°F

Wednesday

78°F
59°F

Thursday

81°F
59°F

Friday

63°F
52°F

Saturday

59°F
48°F

Sunday

60°F
46°F

Monday

65°F
44°F
Sunday - 5/11/2025
77°F
45°F
12am
52°F
57°F
30.29 hPa
10 mph
SE
G: 20 mph
2am
48°F
57°F
30.29 hPa
8 mph
SE
G: 17 mph
4am
46°F
57°F
30.29 hPa
8 mph
SE
G: 12 mph
6am
45°F
57°F
30.30 hPa
8 mph
SE
G: 13 mph
8am
50°F
57°F
30.31 hPa
9 mph
SSE
G: 17 mph
10am
59°F
57°F
30.28 hPa
9 mph
SSE
G: 17 mph
12pm
68°F
57°F
30.24 hPa
10 mph
S
G: 15 mph
2pm
74°F
57°F
30.20 hPa
10 mph
S
G: 17 mph
4pm
77°F
57°F
30.15 hPa
10 mph
S
G: 16 mph
6pm
76°F
57°F
30.11 hPa
9 mph
S
G: 15 mph
8pm
68°F
57°F
30.10 hPa
6 mph
S
G: 10 mph
10pm
61°F
57°F
30.12 hPa
6 mph
SSE
G: 12 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for Petenwell Lake

Current Temp

Sign in to view

Latest recorded surface temperature.

Lowest in Period

35°F

On Mar 30

Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.

Average in Period

51°F

Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.

Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months

Surface temperature over the selected period.

Key Observations (Last 12 Months)

  • Warmest avg: August (75°F).
  • Coolest avg: December (37°F).
  • Rapid warming often occurs: April → May (+17°F).
  • Sharpest cooling trend: September → October (-15°F).

Weather Forecast

Wind speed and pressure trends

Hourly Wind Forecast

12am1am2am3am4am5am6am7am8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm8pm9pm10pm11pm05101520

Wind Direction

128°

Pressure

1026 mb

Cloud Cover

0%

Visibility

21 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

SunMonTueWedThuFriSatSunMon0.008.8617.7226.5835.44
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Frequently Asked Questions About Petenwell Lake

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