Water levels in area lakes and reservoirs are expected to continue declining as ongoing drought conditions persist across northern Wisconsin this summer and fall.

As of early September, Vilas and Oneida counties are experiencing widespread severe drought, with areas of extreme drought along the northwestern edge of the Wisconsin River basin. It means riparian property owners, businesses and other water users should be prepared for continued lower water levels when recreating on the water this fall or using boat launches.

The DNR encourages boaters to take extra care at public water access sites, noting much of the state is experiencing some level of drought, with conditions ranging from moderate to extreme drought. Nearly 28% of Wisconsin is in severe drought, according to NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System.

Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company (WVIC) continues to coordinate with the Wisconsin DNR and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to help preserve reservoir storage capacity and water levels heading into the fall and winter months.

Since early August, required flows in the Wisconsin River have been reduced twice in coordination with these agencies. Wisconsin River flows at Merrill, downstream from Vilas and Oneida counties, are currently operating at the lowest allowable level for this time of year to protect water quality and other natural resources. WVIC reservoirs have supplied more than 50% of the Wisconsin River flow at Merrill since mid-July and continue to provide a significant share of the flow.

During late summer and early fall, area lakes and reservoirs can lose up to 1 inch of water per week due to evaporation, according to the WVIC. Current inflows from area streams and groundwater are below the required minimum dam releases. Without several inches of sustained rainfall in each of the coming weeks, water levels are expected to continue to drop, the agency warns.

According to Vilas County News-Review precipitation data, the Eagle River area received just 4.46 inches of

rain in July, August and September. The area received 9.88 inches of rain during the same period in 2025.
WVIC manages several natural lake reservoirs and engineered reservoirs in the region, including the Rainbow Flowage and Willow Flowage in Oneida County. Both reservoirs are about 8 feet low as of last week.

WVIC operates the Wisconsin River reservoir system under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license. Since 1907, the organization has been storing and releasing water in 21 reservoirs over the seasons for water conservation, flood control, low flow augmentation and regulation of a uniform flow in the Wisconsin River.

Landings tough

The DNR warns that fall boaters, especially those operating larger watercraft with longer trailers, may experience difficulties launching and retrieving them at shallow boat ramps. Low water levels may also expose additional or unmarked obstructions at the ramp, including stumps, rocks, holes, sand bars, and other damage caused by power loading.

Power loading of boats onto trailers often washes out sand and gravel behind a concrete boat ramp, leaving a deep hole beyond the ramp. One property owner on Snipe Lake said he experienced that issue at the landing.
“I backed the pontoon trailer in and the tires went beyond the ramp. The trailer could not be pulled out until we placed a water-logged log between the end of the ramp and the pontoon trailer tires allowing us to pull the trailer over the concrete lip,” said the frustrated property owner.

Boaters who rely on lifts or private docks should stay alert to changing water levels and be familiar with the boat removal options available locally. Removing watercraft ahead of further water decline might be a good option to prevent future complications, according to the DNR. Professional lake service providers may be able to assist using specialized equipment.

Property owners and those interested in recreating on Wisconsin’s waterways are encouraged to reach out to local units of government, lake associations and/or local outdoor recreation businesses if they have questions about water levels or hazards.

“Be aware that many hazards on Wisconsin’s waterways are unmarked and conditions can change rapidly. Water levels may continue to drop throughout fall and winter unless significant runoff producing rains occur in the coming weeks,” the DNR said.