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Lake Helen

Portage County · warm-water, clear water

89Acres
20ftMax depth
8ftAverage depth
1Public launches
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Today on Helen

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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 Helen is best for

DNR data
PerchPanfish, common · stocked7.3
CrappiePanfish, common · stocked7.3
BluegillPanfish, common6.3
LargemouthCommon6.3
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

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

✕ Deepest spot, 20 ftDNR survey map (PDF)

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

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-08
Northern pikeNo size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Bass14" min · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
PanfishNo size limit · 10 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
Bottomsand 70% · muck 30%
WaterMesotrophic
Lake groupLake Helen P & R District

Stocking

DNR records
2024
1,500 yellow perch large fingerling, 4"
2023
870 walleye large fingerling, 6.5"
2,425 black crappie small fingerling, 1.25"
2016
1,000 yellow perch yearling, 7"
1,200 walleye large fingerling, 8"
400 fathead minnow yearling, 3"
400 fathead minnow adult, 3"
2012
1,176 yellow perch large fingerling, 6"
1,538 black crappie large fingerling, 6"
2010
100 yellow perch large fingerling, 6"
100 yellow perch yearling, 6"
500 walleye large fingerling, 7"

The DNR has 3 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 · Eurasian Water-Milfoil · Spiny Naiad · Zebra Mussel

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

Reviews

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Near Helen

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

Helen board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Helen

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Tree LakePortage4.17433 ft
Sunset LakePortage5.46155 ft
Graham LakeWaupaca5.75129 ft
North LakeWaupaca6.36940 ft
Twin LakesPortage8.6539 ft
Hatch LakeWaupaca8.710612 ft
Iola LakeWaupaca8.72069 ft
Lilly LakeMarathon11835 ft

Helen questions

How deep is Lake Helen?

Lake Helen is 20 feet at its deepest, and 8 feet deep on average. It covers 89 acres.

What fish are in Lake Helen?

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

Where is the boat launch on Lake Helen?

There is 1 public launch: Access.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Lake Helen?

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

What is the walleye limit on Lake Helen?

15" min · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.

Is Lake Helen stocked?

Yes. In 2024 the DNR and partners stocked 1,500 yellow perch (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.