The Totogatic River, a highly productive fishing river, was dammed in 1934 to form what we know as Nelson Lake. Covering more than 3,000 acres of water, 31 miles of shoreline, and depths reaching 33 feet, Nelson Lake provides great fishing habitat. Northern pike, walleye, bass, and panfish find their homes in the many weed beds and inlets. Nelson Lake is 5 miles north of Hayward on Highway 27 or 63.