Today on Sportsman
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Sportsman is best for
DNR data
BluegillPanfish, present · stocked5.0
CrappiePanfish, present · stocked5.0
LargemouthPresent · stocked5.0
PerchPanfish, present4.0
Northern pikePresent4.0How 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
None publishedThe DNR has no depth map online for Sportsman.
Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.
Rules on this lake
DNR · checked 2026-10-07| Northern pike | No size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
 Bass | 14" min · 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- Ramp off Sportsman DriveDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2023 | 4,979 bluegill large fingerling, 2" 4,990 black crappie large fingerling, 2" |
| 2022 | 12,013 largemouth bass large fingerling, 2.7" |
| 2021 | 15,888 largemouth bass large fingerling, 2.8" |
| 2020 | 13,861 largemouth bass large fingerling, 2.3" |
| 2019 | 510 northern pike large fingerling, 7.7" 6,330 largemouth bass large fingerling, 2.7" |
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 detailsIce on Sportsman
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Sportsman
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
Sportsman board
Catches & reportsLakes near Sportsman
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathryn LakeTaylor | 15.5 | 62 | 58 ft |
| Mead LakeClark | 16.1 | 320 | 16 ft |
| Chequamegon Waters FlowageTaylor | 17.2 | 2,714 | 22 ft |
| Sackett LakeTaylor | 17.2 | 63 | 32 ft |
| Hulls LakeTaylor | 17.5 | 70 | 35 ft |
| Grassy Knoll LakeTaylor | 17.8 | 58 | 6 ft |
| Otter Lake (Brown)Chippewa | 19.3 | 661 | 43 ft |
| Rock Dam LakeClark | 22 | 118 | 10 ft |
Sportsman questions
How deep is Sportsman Lake?
Sportsman Lake is 12 feet at its deepest. It covers 253 acres.
What fish are in Sportsman Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (present), largemouth bass (present) and northern pike (present).
Where is the boat launch on Sportsman Lake?
There is 1 public launch: Ramp off Sportsman Drive.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Sportsman Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Sportsman Lake?
15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Sportsman Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2023 the DNR and partners stocked 4,979 bluegill (large fingerling) and 4,990 black crappie (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 2026-10-07.