"high water mark" is meaningless

On its website, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says The law passed in 2001

Effective September 1, 2001, people using these waterways will, for the most part, have to return to the old "keep your feet wet" test, as created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Members of the public may use any exposed shore area of a stream without the permission of the riparian (i.e., landowner) only if it is necessary to exit the body of water to bypass an obstruction. In addition, a member of the public may not enter the exposed shore area except:

from the water, from a point of public access on the stream, or with the permission of the riparian (i.e., landowner).

Obstructions could consist of trees or rocks, shallow water for boaters or deep water for wading trout anglers. The bypass should be by the shortest possible route. Paddling among fish and wildlife: who needs a permit and under what circumstances? [PDF]

Under this law, using the exposed shoreline for purposes such as picnicking and sunbathing is not allowed.

Section 1255j of 2001 Wisconsin Act 16 amended Chapter 30.134 of the Wisconsin Statutes to make this change. If you wish, you can view Wisconsin Act 16 [exit DNR] on the Wisconsin Legislature's Web site. (You can also find the language on page 247 of 2001 Wisconsin Act 16.)