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Jackson Lake

Bayfield County · cool-water, stained water

149Acres
13ftMax depth
8ftAverage depth
0Public launches
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Today on Jackson

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Best fishing times

All fish
GoodFairSlow
Best today…

Times by species available in Premium

Wind & weather

National Weather Service
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What Jackson is best for

DNR data
BluegillPanfish, common6.4
PerchPanfish, common6.4
CrappiePanfish, common6.4
Northern pikeCommon6.4
WalleyePresent4.5
MuskyPresent3.9
LargemouthPresent3.9
SmallmouthPresent3.9
How 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 DNR

Tap a map to zoom. Pinch or scroll to zoom in, drag to move.

✕ Deepest spot, 13 ftDNR survey map (PDF)

Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-07
Walleye15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Musky50" min · 1 a dayMay 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open waterOpen
Northern pikeNo size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
BassNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5, of which only one smallmouth bass may be kept, and it must be over 18 inchesJune 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
PanfishNo size limit · 25 a dayOpen All YearOpen
SturgeonNo fishingClosed
LicenseWisconsin fishing license. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here. How to buy one →
Full rules from the DNR

Launches & access

0 public
    Bottomsand 50% · muck 45% · gravel 5%

    Before you go

    DNR
    How often it's safe to eat

    This 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 details
    Invasive species here

    Chinese Mystery Snail · Eurasian Water-Milfoil · Purple Loosestrife

    Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.

    Reviews

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    Near Jackson

    Local deals

    Local bait shops, resorts and supper clubs can put a coupon here and on the printed sheet, free for a year. Add your business

    Jackson board

    Catches & reports

    Lakes near Jackson

    Within 25 miles
    LakeMilesAcresMax depth
    Cranberry LakeBayfield0.85820 ft
    Crystal LakeBayfield1.411129 ft
    Trapper LakeBayfield1.58431 ft
    Diamond LakeBayfield1.734183 ft
    Lake KnottingBayfield1.78013 ft
    Namekagon LakeBayfield23,22750 ft
    Porcupine LakeBayfield3.27533 ft
    Twin LakesBayfield3.35325 ft

    Jackson questions

    How deep is Jackson Lake?

    Jackson Lake is 13 feet at its deepest, and 8 feet deep on average. It covers 149 acres.

    What fish are in Jackson Lake?

    The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (common), northern pike (common), musky (present), largemouth bass (present), smallmouth bass (present) and walleye (present).

    Do I need a trout stamp to fish Jackson Lake?

    A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.

    What is the walleye limit on Jackson Lake?

    15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.

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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 2026-10-07.