Today on Des Moines
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Des Moines is best for
DNR data
LargemouthAbundant8.0
BluegillPanfish, common6.5
PerchPanfish, common6.5
CrappiePanfish, common6.5
Northern pikeCommon6.5How 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| 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
1 public- AccessDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2012 | 115 muskellunge large fingerling, 12.8" |
| 2010 | 51 muskellunge large fingerling, 12.3" |
The DNR has 10 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 detailsBanded Mystery Snail · Chinese Mystery Snail · Purple Loosestrife
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Des Moines
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Des Moines
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
Des Moines board
Catches & reportsLakes near Des Moines
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Bear LakeBurnett | 1.3 | 128 | 55 ft |
| Hanscom LakeBurnett | 1.5 | 127 | 7 ft |
| Big Bear LakeBurnett | 1.7 | 189 | 17 ft |
| Lily LakeBurnett | 1.8 | 187 | 21 ft |
| Fish LakeBurnett | 1.9 | 356 | 29 ft |
| Loon Lake T40n R15w S01Burnett | 2.2 | 228 | 28 ft |
| Lost LakeBurnett | 2.7 | 248 | 4 ft |
| Nicaboyne LakeBurnett | 2.7 | 291 | 34 ft |
Des Moines questions
How deep is Des Moines Lake?
Des Moines Lake is 37 feet at its deepest, and 23 feet deep on average. It covers 215 acres.
What fish are in Des Moines Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists largemouth bass (abundant), panfish (common) and northern pike (common).
Where is the boat launch on Des Moines Lake?
There is 1 public launch: Access.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Des Moines Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Des Moines Lake?
15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Des Moines Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2012 the DNR and partners stocked 115 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.