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Johnson Lake

Oneida & Vilas counties · deep lake with a cold bottom layer (cisco water)

85Acres
42ftMax depth
1Public launches
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Today on Johnson

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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 Johnson is best for

DNR data
MuskyCommon · stocked7.3
BluegillPanfish, common6.3
PerchPanfish, common6.3
CrappiePanfish, common6.3
LargemouthCommon6.3
WalleyePresent4.4
Northern pikePresent3.8
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

The DNR drew Johnson on 2 sheets.

Tap a map to zoom. Pinch or scroll to zoom in, drag to move.

✕ Deepest spot, 42 ftDNR survey map (PDF)

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

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-08
Walleye15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Musky40" min · 1 a dayMay 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open waterOpen
Northern pikeNo size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Bass14" min · 5 a dayJune 20, 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
Nearest bait shop from Boat RampKurt's Island Sport Shop824 US Highway 51 N, Minocqua, WI 54548 · (715) 356-47972.4 mi · about 5 min drive · Directions
Bottomsand 95% · muck 5%

Stocking

DNR records
2021
21 muskellunge large fingerling, 12"
2020
3,053 walleye small fingerling, 2.1"
2019
21 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.2"
2017
12 muskellunge large fingerling, 10.9"
2015
19 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.7"

The DNR has 4 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

Banded Mystery Snail · Chinese Mystery Snail · Curly-Leaf Pondweed · Eurasian Water-Milfoil

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

Reviews

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Near Johnson

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

Johnson board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Johnson

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Brandy LakeVilas111044 ft
Arrowhead LakeVilas1.59943 ft
Sumach LakeVilas2.26027 ft
Minocqua LakeOneida2.21,36060 ft
Kawaguesaga LakeOneida2.467044 ft
Towanda LakeVilas2.814627 ft
Madeline LakeVilas3.715917 ft
Mid LakeOneida422312 ft

Johnson questions

How deep is Johnson Lake?

Johnson Lake is 42 feet at its deepest. It covers 85 acres.

What fish are in Johnson Lake?

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

Where is the boat launch on Johnson Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Boat Ramp.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Johnson Lake?

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

What is the walleye limit on Johnson Lake?

15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.

Is Johnson Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2021 the DNR and partners stocked 21 muskellunge (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 2026-10-08.