Today on Staples
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Staples is best for
DNR data
BluegillPanfish, common6.5
PerchPanfish, common6.5
CrappiePanfish, common6.5
LargemouthCommon6.5
Northern pikeCommon6.5
WalleyeCommon6.5How 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 | 26" min · 2 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
 Bass | 14" min · 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| 2017 | 1,373 northern pike large fingerling, 9.2" |
| 2015 | 1,267 northern pike large fingerling, 9.3" |
| 2013 | 1,208 northern pike large fingerling, 7.5" |
The DNR has 19 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
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Staples
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Staples
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
Staples board
Catches & reportsLakes near Staples
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long LakePolk | 1.3 | 65 | 44 ft |
| Loon LakeBarron | 2.2 | 94 | 26 ft |
| Scott LakeBarron | 2.5 | 81 | 26 ft |
| Crystal LakeBarron | 2.6 | 120 | 22 ft |
| Pipe LakePolk | 3.1 | 345 | 68 ft |
| North LakeBarron | 3.2 | 89 | 21 ft |
| North Pipe LakePolk | 3.4 | 55 | 37 ft |
| Echo LakeBarron | 3.7 | 161 | 41 ft |
Staples questions
How deep is Staples Lake?
Staples Lake is 17 feet at its deepest, and 10 feet deep on average. It covers 340 acres.
What fish are in Staples Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (common), largemouth bass (common), northern pike (common) and walleye (common).
Where is the boat launch on Staples Lake?
There is 1 public launch: Access.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Staples Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Staples Lake?
15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Staples Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2017 the DNR and partners stocked 1,373 northern pike (large fingerling).
Fish it longer
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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.