Runge Hollow Lake Recreation Area

Runge Hollow Lake offers a public boat launch and fishing pier managed by Vernon County Parks, providing convenient access to this popular 15-foot-deep lake on the North Fork Bad Axe River. The lake is known for diverse fishing opportunities including panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and trout. Note that the surrounding land is privately owned; public access is limited to the designated boat launch and fishing pier area, with the west, north, and northeast shores off-limits without landowner permission.

Paddlers and boaters should be aware that the North Fork Bad Axe River below the lake supports a diverse fishery and can be paddled downstream. The section from Helgeson Road to the Runge Hollow Dam is approximately 3 miles and runs through wooded terrain with occasional logjams—portaging around the dam may be necessary. The lake itself is well-maintained and does not currently have problematic aquatic vegetation issues based on recent surveys.