Today on Franklin
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Franklin is best for
DNR data
WalleyeCommon · stocked8.3
BluegillPanfish, common6.7
PerchPanfish, common6.7
CrappiePanfish, common6.7
SmallmouthCommon6.7
LargemouthPresent4.2
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 | 18" min · 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
1 public- Access Adjacent To US Forest Svc CampgroundDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2024 | 8,394 walleye large fingerling, 7.7" |
| 2022 | 8,394 walleye large fingerling, 7.45" |
| 2020 | 8,246 walleye large fingerling, 6.9" |
| 2018 | 8,393 walleye large fingerling, 6.95" |
| 2016 | 8,394 walleye large fingerling, 7.27" |
The DNR has 35 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 · Rusty Crayfish
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Franklin
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Franklin
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
Franklin board
Catches & reportsLakes near Franklin
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butternut LakeForest | 1.8 | 1,292 | 42 ft |
| Luna LakeForest | 2.9 | 67 | 35 ft |
| White Deer LakeForest | 2.9 | 62 | 45 ft |
| Upper Nunemile LakeForest | 3 | 91 | 5 ft |
| Anvil LakeVilas | 3.1 | 398 | 32 ft |
| Howell LakeForest | 3.3 | 177 | 16 ft |
| Pat Shay LakeForest | 3.4 | 120 | 5 ft |
| Kentuck LakeForest | 3.4 | 957 | 40 ft |
Franklin questions
How deep is Franklin Lake?
Franklin Lake is 46 feet at its deepest, and 19 feet deep on average. It covers 839 acres.
What fish are in Franklin Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (common), smallmouth bass (common), walleye (common), largemouth bass (present) and northern pike (present).
Where is the boat launch on Franklin Lake?
There is 1 public launch: Access Adjacent To US Forest Svc Campground.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Franklin Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Franklin Lake?
18" min · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Franklin Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2024 the DNR and partners stocked 8,394 walleye (large fingerling).
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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.