Today on Big Butternut
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Big Butternut is best for
DNR data
WalleyeCommon · stocked8.2
BluegillPanfish, common6.6
PerchPanfish, common6.6
CrappiePanfish, common6.6
LargemouthCommon6.6
Northern pikeCommon6.6How 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 | 15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 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 | 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
1 public- AccessDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2025 | 3,780 walleye large fingerling, 6.8" |
| 2023 | 3,777 walleye large fingerling, 6.5" |
| 2022 | 15,525 walleye small fingerling, 1.75" |
| 2021 | 3,815 walleye large fingerling, 6.2" |
| 2019 | 16,385 walleye small fingerling, 1.9" 3,779 walleye large fingerling, 6.45" |
The DNR has 33 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 detailsBanded Mystery Snail · Chinese Mystery Snail · Curly-Leaf Pondweed · Purple Loosestrife
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Big Butternut
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Big Butternut
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
Big Butternut board
Catches & reportsLakes near Big Butternut
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Butternut LakePolk | 2.1 | 189 | 23 ft |
| Little Pine LakePolk | 2.5 | 54 | 14 ft |
| Antler LakePolk | 2.9 | 101 | 22 ft |
| Straight LakePolk | 3.2 | 107 | 12 ft |
| Bone LakePolk | 4.2 | 1,781 | 43 ft |
| Long LakePolk | 4.5 | 55 | 31 ft |
| Rice LakePolk | 5 | 128 | 10 ft |
| Vincent LakePolk | 5.1 | 70 | 15 ft |
Big Butternut questions
How deep is Big Butternut Lake?
Big Butternut Lake is 19 feet at its deepest, and 13 feet deep on average. It covers 384 acres.
What fish are in Big Butternut Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (common), largemouth bass (common), northern pike (common) and walleye (common).
Where is the boat launch on Big Butternut Lake?
There is 1 public launch: Access.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Big Butternut Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Big Butternut Lake?
15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Big Butternut Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2025 the DNR and partners stocked 3,780 walleye (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.