Today on Big Trade
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Big Trade is best for
DNR data
LargemouthAbundant8.0
BluegillPanfish, common6.5
PerchPanfish, common6.5
CrappiePanfish, common6.5
Northern pikeCommon6.5
MuskyPresent · stocked5.0
WalleyePresent4.6How 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 |
| Musky | 40" min · 1 a dayMay 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | Open |
| Northern pike | No size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
 Bass | No size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Panfish | No size limit · 25 a dayOpen All Year | Open |
| Sturgeon | No fishing | Closed |
Launches & access
2 public- North (West) AccessDirections
- East AccessDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2023 | 141 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.8" |
| 2022 | 159 muskellunge large fingerling, 12" |
| 2018 | 143 muskellunge large fingerling, 12.1" |
| 2016 | 85 muskellunge large fingerling, 12" |
| 2014 | 130 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.4" |
The DNR has 16 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 detailsCurly-Leaf Pondweed · Eurasian Water-Milfoil · Purple Loosestrife
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Big Trade
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Big Trade
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
Big Trade board
Catches & reportsLakes near Big Trade
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holmes LakeBurnett | 1.7 | 54 | 26 ft |
| Round LakeBurnett | 1.9 | 204 | 27 ft |
| Pine LakeBurnett | 2.3 | 51 | 46 ft |
| Long Trade LakePolk | 3.1 | 153 | 13 ft |
| Rice LakeBurnett | 3.2 | 83 | 13 ft |
| Alabama LakePolk | 4 | 98 | 28 ft |
| Rice LakeBurnett | 4.1 | 50 | 5 ft |
| Spirit LakeBurnett | 4.3 | 593 | 27 ft |
Big Trade questions
How deep is Big Trade Lake?
Big Trade Lake is 39 feet at its deepest, and 15 feet deep on average. It covers 327 acres.
What fish are in Big Trade Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists largemouth bass (abundant), panfish (common), northern pike (common), musky (present) and walleye (present).
Where is the boat launch on Big Trade Lake?
There are 2 public launches: North (West) Access and East Access.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Big Trade Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Big Trade Lake?
15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Big Trade Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2023 the DNR and partners stocked 141 muskellunge (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.