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Potato Lake

Rusk County · warm-water, stained water

540Acres
40ftMax depth
10ftAverage depth
2Public launches
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Today on Potato

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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 Potato is best for

DNR data
LargemouthAbundant8.1
MuskyCommon · stocked7.6
Northern pikeCommon6.6
WalleyePresent · stocked5.7
BluegillPanfish, present4.1
PerchPanfish, present4.1
CrappiePanfish, present4.1
SmallmouthPresent4.1
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, 40 ftDNR survey map (PDF)

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

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-07
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 dayMay 2, 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

2 public
Bottommuck 85% · rock 10% · gravel 5%
Lake groupPotato Lake Association

Stocking

DNR records
2025
137 muskellunge large fingerling, 12.9"
2024
2,702 walleye large fingerling, 7.1"
2023
135 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.9"
81 muskellunge large fingerling, 11"
2022
2,705 walleye large fingerling, 7.4"
94 muskellunge large fingerling, 11"
2021
41 muskellunge large fingerling, 13.9"

The DNR has 29 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

Curly-Leaf Pondweed · Eurasian Water-Milfoil · Hybrid Eurasian / Northern Water-Milfoil · Yellow Iris

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

Reviews

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Near Potato

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

Potato board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Potato

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
McCann LakeRusk1.713338 ft
Clear LakeRusk1.99574 ft
Chain LakeRusk2.346874 ft
Island LakeRusk2.452654 ft
Pine LakeRusk2.5262115 ft
Fish LakeRusk3.511540 ft
Axhandle LakeChippewa48473 ft
Sand LakeRusk4.1262100 ft

Potato questions

How deep is Potato Lake?

Potato Lake is 40 feet at its deepest, and 10 feet deep on average. It covers 540 acres.

What fish are in Potato Lake?

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

Where is the boat launch on Potato Lake?

There are 2 public launches: Access and Little Potato Lake -- Ramp.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Potato Lake?

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

What is the walleye limit on Potato Lake?

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

Is Potato Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2025 the DNR and partners stocked 137 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 2026-10-07.