Whether you’re new to the lake or have lived here for decades, visit on the weekends or live year-round, live on the lake or live within a mile—you’re part of the community and we’re happy to call you neighbors.
How can you be a good neighbor? We keep it simple—will the good of others while on and around the lake.
Here are some Deerskin frequently asked questions to keep you in the know:
Q: How big is Deerskin Lake?
A: The lake is 301 acres. The deepest spot is about 18-20’ (depending on rainfall) and is located in the Northeast part of the lake.
Q: What is the Courtesy Code? And who does it apply to?
A: The Courtesy Code applies to everyone who uses the lake. It was created by Vilas County and applies to all the lakes in Vilas county. It’s not the law, but if you want to remain on good terms with your neighbors….
Q: There are two boat landings on Deerskin?
A: The Town of Washington owns both boat landings. Both landings have trash cans conveniently located for vegetation removed from your boat/trailer as well as kiosks with reminders about fish species and limits, loons and aquatic invasive species.The east side landing is sloped, has a dock and nearby overflow parking. The Lake Association installs and removes the dock off-season. The west side landing is smaller, has very little slope and no dock.
Q: What is "power loading"? And what is the problem with it?
A: Power loading a boat occurs when you use the boat’s motor to load and unload the boat onto and off the trailer. TL;DR: Avoid it.
Are you familiar with power-washing? Think about strapping 100 power washing wands together, sticking them into the sand at the end of your dock and watching the sediment fly. Cool...until you realize you just created a 4 foot hole and a huge mound of sand and muck that you need to clean up or live with.
Power loading boats does the same damage to our boat landings by eroding sediment and digging holes at the base of the ramp. The eroded sediment creates a mound behind the propeller.
This frustrates other boaters who get their trailer tires stuck in these holes and boats stuck on the mud mounds. It’s also a bummer for the individuals caring for the lake—they’re volunteers who would rather be on the lake than coordinating boat landing repairs with the Town of Washington. These deep holes create unseen hazards to the occasional swimmer or wader at the landing.
Neighborly tip: Use the winch to load and unload your boat. If you absolutely need to use your motor, use slightly more than idle speed and avoid racing the engine.
And if you’re strolling by the boat landing and see a struggling boater trying to dock a boat, lend a hand—it’s good for everyone.
Q: Why the no-wake area?
A: The no wake was set up to protect the aquatic vegetation and wildlife in the shallow northern section of the lake. Most of the shoreline land there belongs to the Nicolet National Forest. This part of the lake also contains the loon nesting area, where our association provides a seasonal nesting platform (with live plants!) away from shoreline predators.
Q: Why do water skiers always go counterclockwise around the lake? Clock hands go the opposite direction.
A: Even with 301 acres of water, fast boats pulling skiers can experience dangerously tight situations. This typically happens at the south end of the island if two boats enter the channel from opposite directions—not safe. Remember: Due to the Earth's rotation, the Coriolis effect means that storm systems swirl counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. You're Up North—swirl counterclockwise.
Q: My neighbor’s name slipped my mind—again. What’s their name?
A: Check out the Vilas County Interactive Mapping Portal. You might find too much information.
Q: Fishermen are 200 feet off shore casting toward the shoreline. Should I motor my boat between their boat and the shore?
A: Nope. Fishermen find fish on the edge of weed beds and shorelines where there's structure. Go around their boat so you don't disturb the fish (or the fishermen.)
Q: Are there any fish in this lake?
A: You bet—small sunfish, perch, and a few hammer-handle northerns. A Zebco 202 combo kit will handle all fish in the lake.;-)
Q: Are there any invasive species in the lake?
A: Yep. Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) invaded the lake. The DNR confirmed the identification in the spring of 2022. The Deerskin Lake Association and DNR are ramping up for battle—the lake is in the Directed Lakes Program.
Q: Yikes. Are there any other scary things in the water?
A: Oh yes—if you’re a fly. There is a pink carnivorous water flower! It only eats small insects.
Q: Where do I send my membership payment?
A: Deerskin Lake Association, P.O. Box 633, Eagle River, WI 54521. Gold bars are accepted. Not accepting BitCoin…yet.
Q: Where is the eagle nest located?
A: For over 20 years they nested on the island. They decided to upgrade or downsize or something this year. We think they’re near the southwest shoreline that’s largely unimproved with little land traffic.
Q: Did the loons have any chicks this past year?
A: They laid two eggs but only one was viable. Sue who is our unofficial wildlife expert, removed the “dud” and the parents were OK with that. The survivor did well. Thanks for your caution around them.
Q: Is it true that Sue controls the lake level? Can’t we just ask her to raise (or lower) the lake level so we don’t have to adjust our docks after heavy rainfall (or a drought)?
A: Sue gets directives from Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company (WVIC) as to the lake level and water flow.
Q: Is skinny dipping the same as forest bathing?
A: Ahh…(blush)...no comment. Google it.