Enjoy the Water at Buckhorn State Park

No matter how you view it, the Castle Rock Flowage is enormous. The lake was formed by damming the Wisconsin River just downstream of its confluence with the Yellow River. Its surface area of nearly 14,000 acres places Castle Rock as the fifth largest lake in Wisconsin.

Swim, fish or take the boat out on the water at Buckhorn State Park.
DNR Photo

The land that remained above water between the two rivers became known locally as the Buckhorn peninsula. A little more than 4,500 acres at the tip of the peninsula and along the Yellow River were purchased by the state and became Buckhorn State Park and Wildlife Area. A peninsula setting allows Buckhorn to offer aquatic recreation of all kinds--swimming, canoeing, fishing and more.

The open waters of the flowage are the domain of every type of watercraft imaginable. Bass boats, sailboats, ski boats, pontoon boats, jet skis, and even houseboats can be seen in constant motion. The sloughs and back-waters of the flowage, however, offer a slower, quieter experience to canoeists. Here, each stroke of the paddle can yield a new discovery. canoe launch, canoe interpretive trail

The park offers a developed beach area, boat ramp and a 90-foot accessible fishing pier. Changing stalls, toilets and a playground area are found adjacent to the beach.

Swimming

The marked 300-foot swim area has an all-sand bottom. No lifeguards are on duty at the beach. Swim at your own risk and be sure children are supervised at all times.

Canoeing

The canoe launch is located on the peninsula's east side in a quiet slough that leads to the main part of the flowage. Canoeists should remain near shore to avoid rough water when the wind is blowing. Canoes can be rented at the park office. A concession agreement between the Friends of Buckhorn State Park and Country Cruisin' Canoe Rentals provides this.

A self-guided 10-stop canoe interpretive trail will help you learn about Buckhorn's wetlands.

Fishing At Buckhorn

The Castle Rock Flowage has earned a reputation as an excellent fishery. The wide variety of fish species found in the flowage offers anglers year'round action, in a vast number of areas. The Castle Rock Flowage, like some other waters, contains some fish species on the State Health Advisory List that may have higher than acceptable levels of mercury or PCBs. For current information please check with the park office.

The best places to catch fish from Buckhorn's shores are off the 90-foot accessible fishing pier by the North Picnic Area, and from the shoreline by the canoe launch. Don't forget: a fishing license is required for anglers 16 years of age and older.

Walleyes are the most sought after species in the flowage. They are hard to beat as table fare, and reach trophy size all along the Wisconsin River system. Fishing for walleyes can be especially good in spring and fall, and during morning and evening hours. Drop-offs along the old river channels are good spots to try. Use a jig and minnow or troll with a plug that imitates a small baitfish. The most popular areas are near the Buckhorn Bridge, the mouth of the Little Yellow River, and the railroad bridge on the northeast end of the flowage.

White bass, or stripers, as they are sometimes called, can provide fast action. Schools are easiest to locate in early summer, but these scrappy fish provide angling fun all year long. Again, a jig and minnow combination may be your best bet, but spinners and small crankbaits work well, too. The Buckhorn Bridge and adjoining causeway is a real white bass hot spot. Largemouth bass inhabit many of the shallow bays of the flowage. Drag or "bump" a plastic worm along the bottom. When a "pick-up" is felt, give some slack line, and then set the hook. These acrobatic fish can really put on a show. Surface baits may also draw strikes--especially when the water is calm.

Smallmouth bass are also found in Castle Rock. Unlike their bucket-mouthed cousins, they prefer rocky areas or downed trees, the numerous rip-rap areas along the shore, as well as the mouth of the Yellow River provide good bronze back habitat. Lures than imitate crayfish and minnows will usually work best.

Trophy-sized northern pike are caught at Castle Rock, too. Spoons, bucktails and spinner baits retrieved near patches of weeds will often attract the attention of these tackle busters. Large minnows or shiners work well for those who prefer live bait, Use care when landing northern pike. Their teeth are extremely sharp.

Panfish are the preferred quarry of many anglers. Bluegills, crappies and perch all reach large proportions and are found nearly everywhere in the flowage. Castle Rock crappies can tip the scales at two pounds or more, and one-pound bluegills are not uncommon. Small hooks and worms or minnows will help the whole family to enjoy reeling in a meal of these tasty, finned fighters.

Warm summer evenings are ideal for doing battle with channel catfish. Try fishing below the Castle Rock dam. Use cheese, doughnuts or stinkbaits and fish along the bottom. Be sure to use fairly stout tackle. Channel cats can weigh more than 20 pounds and will fight hard to remain in deep water. Shore fishing from campsites provides a good opportunity to catch catfish.

Ice fishing for walleyes and panfish is also a very popular sport. Tip-ups baited with minnows work best for walleye. A small hook tipped with wax-worms, mousies or small minnows are in order if it's panfish you're after. Look for groups of shanties or anglers to indicate the best winter fishing spots. Be extremely careful, as ice conditions change rapidly on the flowage.

No matter what the season, or your angling preference, the Castle Rock Flowage has something to offer. Give it a try!

For more information on Buckhorn State Park, please call 608-565-2789 or email Joe Stecker-Kochanski, Buckhorn / Roche-A-Cri State Parks.