Photo by Lakes Edition 

While many of Wisconsin's lakes are hemmed in by residential 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 decsidious woods, open prairie and wetlands thanks to Gibbs Lake County Park.



Gibbs Lake County Park is the largest park in Rock County and possibly because of its' location in the county's northwest corner its' not heavily visited much of the year. Most of the visitors to park are horse back riders.

When Summer rolls around the park is buzzing with activity. kayakers, fisherman, paddleboarders on Gibbs Lake and horses sometimes four at a clip are on the trails. That last fact noted, hikers should keep on their toes navigating the obstacles left by horse back riders.

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.)



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 hikes are relatively less-travelled. 

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.