Log in

Riley Lake

Forest County · cool-water, stained water

220Acres
20ftMax depth
0Public launches
Print free sheetPlan my trip

Today on Riley

· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →

Best fishing times

All fish
GoodFairSlow
Best today…

Times by species available in Premium

Wind & weather

National Weather Service
Loading today's forecast…

What Riley is best for

DNR data
MuskyAbundant · stocked9.0
BluegillPanfish, common6.5
PerchPanfish, common6.5
CrappiePanfish, common6.5
Northern pikeCommon6.5
LargemouthPresent4.0
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 2026-10-07
Musky40" min · 1 a dayMay 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open waterOpen
Northern pikeNo size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Bass14" min · 5 a dayJune 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
PanfishNo size limit · 10 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 40% · muck 35% · gravel 15% · rock 10%
    Parks2

    Stocking

    DNR records
    2025
    164 muskellunge large fingerling, 10.5"
    2024
    438 muskellunge large fingerling, 6.7"
    2022
    164 muskellunge large fingerling, 9.5"
    2018
    160 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.3"
    2016
    165 muskellunge large fingerling, 10.9"

    The DNR has 9 fish surveys on file for this lake.

    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
    Invasive species here

    Chinese Mystery Snail

    Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.

    Reviews

    No reviews yet

    Near Riley

    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

    Riley board

    Catches & reports

    Lakes near Riley

    Within 25 miles
    LakeMilesAcresMax depth
    Wabikon LakeForest1.459415 ft
    Hardwood LakeForest27819 ft
    Lake LucerneForest3.41,02673 ft
    Silver LakeForest3.732020 ft
    Lost LakeForest4.87510 ft
    Scattered Rice LakeForest5.148610 ft
    Himley LakeForest5.51498 ft
    Roberts LakeForest5.641532 ft

    Riley questions

    How deep is Riley Lake?

    Riley Lake is 20 feet at its deepest. It covers 220 acres.

    What fish are in Riley Lake?

    The Wisconsin DNR lists musky (abundant), panfish (common), northern pike (common) and largemouth bass (present).

    Do I need a trout stamp to fish Riley Lake?

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

    What is the walleye limit on Riley Lake?

    15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.

    Is Riley Lake stocked?

    Yes. In 2025 the DNR and partners stocked 164 muskellunge (large fingerling).

    Fish it longer

    Today's sheet is always free. Planning ahead takes a report or Premium.

    Lake Sheet

    Free
    • Today's best fishing times, all fish
    • Wind, weather, sun and moon
    • Depth map with depths labeled
    • Rules, license and species ratings
    • The printable two-page sheet

    Lake Report

    $19per lake
    • Your trip, up to 14 days
    • Pick your species
    • What to use, where, when and how, every day
    • Times by species on the bite clocks
    Full Trip Guide + Report, $29. Adds where to stay, eat and drink, beaches, parks, groceries and local events.
    Best for regulars

    Premium

    $59per season, billed yearly
    • Every lake, every day: times by species
    • Up to 25 full Lake Reports a season; more at $9 each or 25 for $49
    • Tomorrow and the week ahead on any lake
    • Stocking alerts for your lakes

    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.