Maps

One of the most frequent requests that we receive is for maps of one or more of the water bodies that make up the Wisconsin River system. To help you know what areas are indeed mapped and where the maps are available, we have compiled the following information for sources of printed and online maps.

Printed Maps

The maps are grouped by:

• WVIC Reservoirs
• Hydro Dams
• River Stretches

For each group we have listed three types of printed maps:

• Free maps produced either by WVIC or the owners of particular hydro dams. All maps show outline of the lake, local roads, and recreation facilities. Those marked "H" in the table below also show hydrographic (depth) contours. WVIC reservoir maps can be obtained by contacting WVIC.
  • Phone:     715.848.2976
  • Fax:          715.842-0284
  • Mail:        2301 North Third Street, Wausau, WI  54403
  • Online:    Map Request Form
• Maps commercially produced by "Fishing Hot Spots". Large scale, waterproof maps showing depth contours, structure, boat ramps, latitude/longitude grids and GPS coordinates. Retail prices range from $6.95 to $11.95. WVIC is not affiliated with Fishing Hot Spots and receives no income from the sale of these maps. However, we have used them in the field and find them to be useful, high-quality maps. Fishing Hot Spots maps can be obtained from:
  • Local tackle shops, sporting goods stores and marinas.
  • Fishing Hot Spots
    • Phone:    800.255.6277
    • Fax:        715.365.5575
    • Mail:        PO Box 1167, Rhinelander, WI  54501
    • Online:    www.fishinghotspots.com
• Topographic maps, known as Quadrangle Maps" produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Large scale maps showing depth contours for some lakes, local roads, upland topography, and latitude/longitude grids. USGS maps are available from:
  • Local sporting goods stores
  • Local governments such as county register of deeds office or surveyors office.
  • Authorized dealers. Check for a list of dealers in your area at: USGS Map Dealers

Online Maps

The following three sources offer online access to topographic maps. TerraServer also offers online access to aerial photography. WVIC is not affiliated with any of these sources and has no control over the completeness and accuracy of their offerings. However, our staff does use TerraServer frequently and has been satisfied with their products.

Microsoft TerraServer Resulting from cooperative research by the USGS and Microsoft Corporation, the TerraServer provides free online access to USGS digital aerial photographs, known as digital orthophoto quadrangles, and to digital topographic maps, known as digital raster graphics.

Maptech MapServer by Maptech, Inc. Maptech's MapServer provides a free way to view, print and e-mail topographic maps, orthographic maps, aero charts and nautical charts online. The Maptech MapServer gives users access to the largest online database of both NOAA digital charts and USGS maps available in the world.

TopoZone by Maps a la carte, Inc. TopoZone provides an interactive interface which allows users to view a seamless topographic map and feature database of the entire United States, based on digital raster graphics. The site is accessible to anyone with an industry standard Web browser at no charge.