Photo Courtesy of Wisconsin DNR

While many of Wisconsin's lakes are hemmed in by residential or commercial development, Gibbs Lake is not. There are houses set back from the shores of Gibbs, but the majority of the lake's edge and its' smaller twin, Little Gibbs Lake are quietly ringed by a diverse mix of descidious woods, open prairie and wetlands thanks to Gibbs Lake County Park.

Gibbs Lake County Park is the largest park in Rock County and maybe because of its' location in the county's northwest corner its' not heavily visited. Most of the visitors to park are horse back riders. The parking lot in Gibbs Lake County Park for horse trailers is substantially larger than the paved space set aside for hikers and boat launch. This multiuse park makes for interesting encounters with horses on the trails, though most of the hiking trails are relatively less-travelled. 

There are no advanced hiking trails at Gibbs Lake County Park, but a one hour hike is enjoyable and invigorating no matter which paths chosen on a daytrip. Weather does impact the trail conditions especially paths along Gibbs Lake which can get flooded or water logged.

Planning a memorable daytrip to the area? Add Cookville to the travel itinerary. Cookville is a picturesque New England town is just a nine minute drive from Gibbs Lake.

LAKE CONDITIONS:

The DNR reports that the Gibbs Lake is a small, hard water, drainage lake in Rock County, which drains through Gibbs Creek to the Yahara River.

Today, extensive nutrient loads from non-point source pollution have caused occasional winterkill, nuisance aquatic growth and algae problems. Eurasian watermilfoil dominates the lake and water clarity is poor. Agricultural runoff from the two-square-mile drainage area also affects the lake's water quality. Local interest in lake management and control of polluted runoff is high. Efforts to control soil erosion in this watershed should be made a priority. 

Ice Fishing Tips

Hits good to more average in late January to early February, weather dependent. Expect Panfish  or catching bigger size fish like bluegill, perch, pike, walleye, and occasional largemouth bass. The best places to access Gibbs Lake is off the boat launch at Gibbs Lake County Park. Many anglers find success with wax worms and lighter red spikes (maggots.)