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Payne Lake

Chippewa County · warm-water, stained water

4Acres
20ftMax depth
0Public launches
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Today on Payne

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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 Payne is best for

DNR data
BluegillPanfish, present3.5
PerchPanfish, present3.5
CrappiePanfish, present3.5
LargemouthPresent3.5
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, 20 ftDNR survey map (PDF)

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

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-08
Bass14" min · 5 a dayMay 2, 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 75% · gravel 15% · rock 10%
    Parks3

    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

    Reviews

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    Near Payne

    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

    Payne board

    Catches & reports

    Lakes near Payne

    Within 25 miles
    LakeMilesAcresMax depth
    South Shattuck LakeChippewa0.75925 ft
    Larrabee LakeChippewa1.45031 ft
    Salisbury LakeChippewa1.57610 ft
    Long LakeChippewa1.81,052101 ft
    Round LakeChippewa2.521618 ft
    Loon LakeChippewa2.81255 ft
    Henneman LakeChippewa36460 ft
    Rock LakeChippewa3.49435 ft

    Payne questions

    How deep is Payne Lake?

    Payne Lake is 20 feet at its deepest. It covers 4 acres.

    What fish are in Payne Lake?

    The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (present) and largemouth bass (present).

    Do I need a trout stamp to fish Payne Lake?

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

    What is the walleye limit on Payne 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 2026-10-08.