Today on Mercer
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Mercer is best for
DNR data
WalleyeCommon7.0
MuskyCommon6.4
BluegillPanfish, common6.4
PerchPanfish, common6.4
CrappiePanfish, common6.4
LargemouthCommon6.4
Northern pikeCommon6.4
SmallmouthPresent3.9How 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 2026-10-08| Walleye | 18" min · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Musky | 40" min · 1 a dayMay 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | Open |
| Northern pike | No size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Bass | 14" min · 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- AccessDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2018 | 85,000 walleye fry, 0.25" 202 muskellunge large fingerling, 12.1" |
| 2016 | 250,000 walleye fry, 0.25" |
| 2015 | 400 walleye small fingerling, 7" |
| 2013 | 92 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.6" |
| 2011 | 120 muskellunge large fingerling, 12" |
The DNR has 27 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 · Yellow Iris
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Mercer
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Mercer
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
Mercer board
Catches & reportsLakes near Mercer
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Portage LakeIron | 1.1 | 144 | 33 ft |
| Little Pike LakeIron | 1.2 | 98 | 20 ft |
| Echo LakeIron | 1.5 | 220 | 25 ft |
| Rice LakeIron | 1.7 | 125 | 21 ft |
| Little Turtle River FlowageIron | 1.7 | 200 | 4 ft |
| Martha LakeIron | 1.9 | 152 | 51 ft |
| Crystal LakeIron | 2.1 | 95 | 46 ft |
| Pike LakeIron | 2.5 | 194 | 82 ft |
Mercer questions
How deep is Mercer Lake?
Mercer Lake is 24 feet at its deepest, and 11 feet deep on average. It covers 181 acres.
What fish are in Mercer Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists musky (common), panfish (common), largemouth bass (common), northern pike (common), walleye (common), smallmouth bass (present) and sturgeon (present).
Where is the boat launch on Mercer Lake?
There is 1 public launch: Access.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Mercer Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Mercer Lake?
18" min · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Mercer Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2018 the DNR and partners stocked 85,000 walleye (fry) and 202 muskellunge (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 2026-10-08.