Today on Hope
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Hope is best for
DNR data
BluegillPanfish, common6.4
PerchPanfish, common6.4
CrappiePanfish, common6.4
LargemouthCommon6.4
Northern pikeCommon6.4How 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| Northern pike | 26" min · 2 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
 Bass | 14" min · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Panfish | No size limit · 25 a dayOpen All Year | Open |
| Sturgeon | No fishing | Closed |
Launches & access
0 publicBefore 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 detailsIce on Hope
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Hope
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
Hope board
Catches & reportsLakes near Hope
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake RipleyJefferson | 1.7 | 418 | 44 ft |
| Red Cedar LakeJefferson | 3.3 | 359 | 6 ft |
| Mud LakeJefferson | 3.5 | 93 | 22 ft |
| Rock LakeJefferson | 4.5 | 1,371 | 56 ft |
| Rice LakeDane | 9.1 | 170 | 8 ft |
| Lake KoshkonongRock | 10.6 | 10,460 | 7 ft |
| Marshall MillpondDane | 11.3 | 185 | 5 ft |
| Hahns LakeJefferson | 12.7 | 82 | 10 ft |
Hope questions
How deep is Hope Lake?
Hope Lake is 24 feet at its deepest. It covers 108 acres.
What fish are in Hope Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (common), largemouth bass (common) and northern pike (common).
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Hope Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Hope Lake?
15" min · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Fish it longer
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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.