Today on Butternut
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Butternut is best for
DNR data
WalleyeAbundant8.8
SmallmouthAbundant8.2
BluegillPanfish, common6.7
PerchPanfish, common6.7
CrappiePanfish, common6.7
Northern pikePresent4.2How 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 2026-10-07| Walleye | 15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Northern pike | No size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Bass | No size limit · keep none 14–18" · 5 a dayJune 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Panfish | No size limit · 25 a dayOpen All Year | Open |
| Sturgeon | No fishing | Closed |
Launches & access
2 public- Access at Far South - Nr 4 Duck LakeDirections
- Northeast Access Nr National Forest Rd 2140Directions
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 · Rusty Crayfish · Spiny Waterflea
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Butternut
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Butternut
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
Butternut board
Catches & reportsLakes near Butternut
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Deer LakeForest | 1.3 | 62 | 45 ft |
| Luna LakeForest | 1.4 | 67 | 35 ft |
| Franklin LakeForest | 1.8 | 892 | 46 ft |
| Pat Shay LakeForest | 2.5 | 120 | 5 ft |
| Upper Nunemile LakeForest | 3.1 | 91 | 5 ft |
| Howell LakeForest | 3.6 | 177 | 16 ft |
| Hay Meadow FlowageForest | 3.7 | 241 | 9 ft |
| Sevenmile LakeForest | 3.7 | 503 | 43 ft |
Butternut questions
How deep is Butternut Lake?
Butternut Lake is 42 feet at its deepest. It covers 1,246 acres.
What fish are in Butternut Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists smallmouth bass (abundant), walleye (abundant), panfish (common) and northern pike (present).
Where is the boat launch on Butternut Lake?
There are 2 public launches: Access at Far South - Nr 4 Duck Lake and Northeast Access Nr National Forest Rd 2140.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Butternut Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Butternut 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 2026-10-07.