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Middle Eau Claire Lake

Bayfield County · deep lake with a cold bottom layer (cisco water)

880Acres
66ftMax depth
17ftAverage depth
1Public launches
VeryWater clarity
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Today on Middle Eau Claire

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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 Middle Eau Claire is best for

DNR data
WalleyeCommon · stocked8.3
BluegillPanfish, common6.7
PerchPanfish, common6.7
CrappiePanfish, common6.7
LargemouthCommon6.7
Northern pikeCommon6.7
MuskyPresent · stocked5.2
SmallmouthPresent4.2
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, 66 ftDNR survey map (PDF)

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

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-07
WalleyeNo size limit · keep none 14–18" · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Musky40" 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

1 public
Bottomsand 80% · muck 15% · gravel 5%
WaterOligotrophic, very clarity

Stocking

DNR records
2024
422 muskellunge large fingerling, 13"
2023
5,362 walleye large fingerling, 7.2"
2022
220 walleye fry, 2"
484 muskellunge large fingerling, 13.8"
2021
8,792 walleye large fingerling, 6.8"
2020
8,542 walleye large fingerling, 4.83"

The DNR has 87 fish surveys on file for this lake.

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

Banded Mystery Snail · Curly-Leaf Pondweed · Rusty Crayfish

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

Reviews

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Near Middle Eau Claire

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

Middle Eau Claire board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Middle Eau Claire

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Bony LakeBayfield1.719155 ft
Lower Eau Claire LakeBayfield2.180241 ft
Pickerel LakeBayfield2.28138 ft
Birch LakeBayfield2.21298 ft
Upper Eau Claire LakeBayfield2.399692 ft
Cranberry LakeBayfield2.513112 ft
Robinson LakeBayfield2.69136 ft
Lund LakeDouglas3.27531 ft

Middle Eau Claire questions

How deep is Middle Eau Claire Lake?

Middle Eau Claire Lake is 66 feet at its deepest, and 17 feet deep on average. It covers 880 acres.

What fish are in Middle Eau Claire Lake?

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

Where is the boat launch on Middle Eau Claire Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Access at Boat Landing Rd..

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Middle Eau Claire Lake?

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

What is the walleye limit on Middle Eau Claire Lake?

No size limit · keep none 14–18" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.

Is Middle Eau Claire Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2024 the DNR and partners stocked 422 muskellunge (large fingerling).

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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.