Today on Bladder
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Bladder is best for
DNR data
WalleyePresent4.4
BluegillPanfish, present3.8
PerchPanfish, present3.8
CrappiePanfish, present3.8
LargemouthPresent3.8How we rate
Start from how common the DNR says the fish is (abundant 7.5, common 6, present 3.5). Add 1 if the DNR stocked it in the last 5 years, 0.6 for walleye in two-story or complex lakes, and up to 0.9 for lake size. The DNR counts bluegill, perch and crappie together as panfish, so they share a score.
Depth map
Wisconsin DNRTap a map to zoom. Pinch or scroll to zoom in, drag to move.
Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.
Rules on this lake
DNR · checked 2026-10-08| Walleye | 15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
 Bass | 14" min · 5 a dayJune 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Panfish | No size limit · 10 a dayOpen All Year | Open |
| Sturgeon | No fishing | Closed |
Launches & access
2 public- Access at Southern Part Of Lake Nr Road 847Directions
- Access at N end of Lake off Upper Bladder Lake RdDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2017 | 1,240 walleye large fingerling, 3.5" |
| 2015 | 1,261 walleye large fingerling, 7.4" |
| 2013 | 1,418 walleye large fingerling, 7.4" |
| 2012 | 1,463 walleye small fingerling, 1.7" |
| 2010 | 2,882 walleye small fingerling, 1.7" |
The DNR has 9 fish surveys on file for this lake.
Before you go
DNRThis is health advice about eating fish, from the DNR. It is not how many you can catch or keep. Catch limits are in Rules.
Eat any amount Bluegill and Sunfish, Bullheads, Crappies, Inland Trout, Yellow Perch
Up to 1 meal a week Bass, Catfish, Pike, Walleye, All Other Species and Sizes
Up to 1 meal a month Muskies
Statewide advice; no lake-specific advisory. Stricter for women who may get pregnant and children under 15. DNR detailsIce on Bladder
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Bladder
Local dealsLocal bait shops, resorts and supper clubs can put a coupon here and on the printed sheet, free for a year. Add your business
Bladder board
Catches & reportsLakes near Bladder
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long LakeBayfield | 2.2 | 263 | 23 ft |
| Topside LakeBayfield | 2.3 | 56 | 10 ft |
| Spider LakeBayfield | 5 | 75 | 23 ft |
| Half Moon LakeBayfield | 5.2 | 106 | 10 ft |
| Crooked LakeBayfield | 5.4 | 93 | 34 ft |
| Lake MillicentBayfield | 5.6 | 183 | 53 ft |
| Buskey BayBayfield | 5.9 | 100 | 51 ft |
| Finger LakeBayfield | 6 | 76 | 25 ft |
Bladder questions
How deep is Bladder Lake?
Bladder Lake is 35 feet at its deepest, and 16 feet deep on average. It covers 84 acres.
What fish are in Bladder Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (present), largemouth bass (present) and walleye (present).
Where is the boat launch on Bladder Lake?
There are 2 public launches: Access at Southern Part Of Lake Nr Road 847 and Access at N end of Lake off Upper Bladder Lake Rd.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Bladder Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Bladder Lake?
15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Bladder Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2017 the DNR and partners stocked 1,240 walleye (large fingerling).
Fish it longer
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Sources: Wisconsin DNR (lake facts, species, rules, stocking, consumption advice, survey map), National Weather Service (forecast). Sun and moon computed for the lake's location. Best times are a model of light and moon, not a promise. Checked 2026-10-08.