Today on Columbus
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Columbus is best for
DNR data
WalleyeCommon7.2
Northern pikeCommon6.6
MuskyPresent4.1
BluegillPanfish, present4.1
PerchPanfish, present4.1
CrappiePanfish, present4.1
LargemouthPresent4.1
SmallmouthPresent4.1How 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| Walleye | 15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 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
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 Columbus
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Columbus
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
Columbus board
Catches & reportsLakes near Columbus
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Stone LakeOneida | 1.1 | 83 | 39 ft |
| Long LakeOneida | 1.1 | 56 | 11 ft |
| Rice LakeOneida | 1.7 | 118 | 3 ft |
| Lake SeventeenVilas | 2.2 | 61 | 8 ft |
| Clearwater LakeVilas | 2.7 | 351 | 48 ft |
| Indian LakeOneida | 2.8 | 397 | 26 ft |
| Burnham LakeOneida | 2.9 | 73 | 6 ft |
| Aldridge LakeVilas | 3.1 | 134 | 12 ft |
Columbus questions
How deep is Columbus Lake?
Columbus Lake is 26 feet at its deepest. It covers 677 acres.
What fish are in Columbus Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists northern pike (common), walleye (common), musky (present), panfish (present), largemouth bass (present) and smallmouth bass (present).
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Columbus Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Columbus Lake?
15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
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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.