Today on Surprise
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Surprise is best for
DNR data
BluegillPanfish, common6.3
PerchPanfish, common6.3
CrappiePanfish, common6.3
LargemouthCommon6.3
WalleyePresent · stocked5.4
Northern pikePresent3.8How 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 |
| 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
2 public- AccessDirections
- AccessDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2022 | 328 walleye large fingerling, 8.05" |
| 2020 | 323 walleye large fingerling, 8.1" |
| 2018 | 328 walleye large fingerling, 8" |
| 2016 | 328 walleye large fingerling, 7.6" |
| 2014 | 328 walleye large fingerling, 7.6" |
The DNR has 7 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 detailsOrnamental water lilies (non-native Nymphaea sp.) · Purple Loosestrife
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Surprise
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Surprise
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
Surprise board
Catches & reportsLakes near Surprise
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoke LakeOconto | 1 | 51 | 7 ft |
| Pickerel LakeOconto | 1.1 | 127 | 15 ft |
| Townsend FlowageOconto | 1.7 | 476 | 30 ft |
| Horn LakeOconto | 2.3 | 134 | 11 ft |
| Reservoir PondOconto | 3.2 | 417 | 16 ft |
| Little Archibald LakeOconto | 4.3 | 56 | 65 ft |
| Upper Wapato LakeOconto | 4.5 | 50 | 10 ft |
| Chain LakeOconto | 4.5 | 81 | 50 ft |
Surprise questions
How deep is Surprise Lake?
Surprise Lake is 20 feet at its deepest. It covers 66 acres.
What fish are in Surprise Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (common), largemouth bass (common), northern pike (present) and walleye (present).
Where is the boat launch on Surprise Lake?
There are 2 public launches: Access and Access.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Surprise Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Surprise Lake?
18" min · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Surprise Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2022 the DNR and partners stocked 328 walleye (large fingerling).
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 2026-10-08.