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Golden Lake

Jefferson & Waukesha counties · warm-water, clear water

288Acres
44ftMax depth
1Public launches
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Today on Golden

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Best fishing times

All fish
GoodFairSlow
Best today…

Times by species available in Premium

Wind & weather

National Weather Service
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What Golden is best for

DNR data
BluegillPanfish, common6.5
PerchPanfish, common6.5
CrappiePanfish, common6.5
LargemouthCommon6.5
Northern pikeCommon6.5
WalleyePresent · stocked5.6
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, 44 ftDNR survey map (PDF)

Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-07
Walleye18" min · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Northern pike26" min · 2 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Bass14" min · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
PanfishNo size limit · 25 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

1 public
Bottomsand 90% · gravel 5% · muck 5%
WaterMesotrophic
Lake groupGolden Lake Association

Stocking

DNR records
2025
2,545 walleye large fingerling, 6.6"
2023
2,535 walleye large fingerling, 7.1"
2021
4,980 walleye large fingerling, 8.2"
2019
5,232 walleye large fingerling, 7.5"
2017
5,000 walleye large fingerling, 6.24"

The DNR has 28 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

Curly-Leaf Pondweed · Eurasian Water-Milfoil · Hybrid Eurasian / Northern Water-Milfoil · Purple Loosestrife · Starry Stonewort · Zebra Mussel

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

Reviews

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Near Golden

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

Golden board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Golden

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Lower Genesee LakeWaukesha2.96645 ft
Middle Genesee LakeWaukesha3.110940 ft
Silver LakeWaukesha3.622244 ft
School Section LakeWaukesha3.91178 ft
Crooked LakeWaukesha4.45816 ft
Hunters LakeWaukesha4.76546 ft
Rome Mill PondJefferson5.34467 ft
Waterville LakeWaukesha5.36812 ft

Golden questions

How deep is Golden Lake?

Golden Lake is 44 feet at its deepest. It covers 288 acres.

What fish are in Golden Lake?

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

Where is the boat launch on Golden Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Access.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Golden Lake?

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

What is the walleye limit on Golden Lake?

18" min · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.

Is Golden Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2025 the DNR and partners stocked 2,545 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.