Today on Hat Rapids
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Hat Rapids is best for
Local sources
WalleyeLocal sources3.5
LargemouthLocal sources3.5
SmallmouthLocal sources3.5
Northern pikeLocal sources3.5
MuskyLocal sources3.5
PerchLocal sources3.5
CrappieLocal sources3.5
BluegillLocal sources3.5The DNR has no fish survey for this lake. This list comes from local sources such as county and lake-association pages, so it is less certain and the scores start lower.
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
None publishedThe DNR has no depth map online for Hat Rapids. Here is the lake's shoreline from the DNR, with public launches.
Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.
Rules on this lake
DNR · checked 2026-10-08| 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 Bullheads, Crappies, Inland Trout
Up to 1 meal a week All Other Species And Sizes, Catfish, Pike, Walleye
Up to 1 meal a month Bluegill, Muskies, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch
Advice for this water. Stricter for women who may get pregnant and children under 15. DNR detailsChinese Mystery Snail
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Hat Rapids
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Hat Rapids
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
Hat Rapids board
Catches & reportsLakes near Hat Rapids
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emma LakeOneida | 1.6 | 223 | 17 ft |
| Wisconsin LakeLincoln | 2.6 | 82 | 42 ft |
| Green Bass LakeOneida | 2.8 | 68 | 26 ft |
| Crescent LakeOneida | 2.9 | 626 | 32 ft |
| Hilderbrand LakeOneida | 2.9 | 60 | 24 ft |
| Long LakeOneida | 2.9 | 68 | 20 ft |
| Hilts LakeLincoln | 3.2 | 60 | 70 ft |
| Buck LakeOneida | 3.4 | 61 | 49 ft |
Hat Rapids questions
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Hat Rapids Flowage?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Hat Rapids Flowage?
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 2026-10-08.