Today on Balsam
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Balsam is best for
DNR data
LargemouthAbundant8.3
BluegillPanfish, common6.8
PerchPanfish, common6.8
CrappiePanfish, common6.8
Northern pikeCommon6.8
WalleyePresent · stocked5.9How 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 DNRThe DNR drew Balsam on 2 sheets.
Tap 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 | 18" min · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Northern pike | 26" min · 2 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
 Bass | No size limit · 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
6 public- Balsam Lake Access off E Forest CircleDirections
- Little Balsam Landing - Access off 190th AveDirections
- Balsam Lake Access Off IdlewildDirections
- Access at Village Beach - Off Mill St Nr Cth IDirections
- East Balsam Landing - Access off 110thDirections
- Access Off Hwy 46Directions
Stocking
DNR records| 2024 | 5,304 walleye large fingerling, 7.1" |
| 2022 | 12,411 walleye large fingerling, 6.9" |
| 2020 | 19,010 walleye large fingerling, 6.86" |
| 2018 | 19,006 walleye large fingerling, 6.3" |
| 2016 | 18,998 walleye large fingerling, 7.23" |
The DNR has 77 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 detailsChinese Mystery Snail · Curly-Leaf Pondweed · Eurasian Water-Milfoil · Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) · Purple Loosestrife · Yellow Iris · Zebra Mussel
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Balsam
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Balsam
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
Balsam board
Catches & reportsLakes near Balsam
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Moon LakePolk | 2 | 579 | 60 ft |
| Wild Goose LakePolk | 2.3 | 182 | 12 ft |
| Loveless LakePolk | 3.8 | 141 | 20 ft |
| Rice LakePolk | 3.9 | 128 | 10 ft |
| Long LakePolk | 4.2 | 272 | 17 ft |
| Brusher LakePolk | 4.6 | 67 | 17 ft |
| Little Pine LakePolk | 5 | 54 | 14 ft |
| Antler LakePolk | 5 | 101 | 22 ft |
Balsam questions
How deep is Balsam Lake?
Balsam Lake is 37 feet at its deepest. It covers 1,901 acres.
What fish are in Balsam Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists largemouth bass (abundant), panfish (common), northern pike (common) and walleye (present).
Where is the boat launch on Balsam Lake?
There are 6 public launches: Balsam Lake Access off E Forest Circle, Little Balsam Landing - Access off 190th Ave, Balsam Lake Access Off Idlewild, Access at Village Beach - Off Mill St Nr Cth I, East Balsam Landing - Access off 110th and Access Off Hwy 46.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Balsam Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Balsam Lake?
18" min · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Balsam Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2024 the DNR and partners stocked 5,304 walleye (large fingerling).
Fish it longer
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- Wind, weather, sun and moon
- Depth map with depths labeled
- Rules, license and species ratings
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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.