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Birch Lake

Washburn & Sawyer counties · cool-water, stained water

364Acres
73ftMax depth
24ftAverage depth
2Public launches
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Today on Birch

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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 Birch is best for

DNR data
WalleyeCommon · stocked8.1
BluegillPanfish, common6.5
PerchPanfish, common6.5
CrappiePanfish, common6.5
LargemouthCommon6.5
Northern pikeCommon6.5
SmallmouthPresent4.0
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, 73 ftDNR survey map (PDF)

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

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-08
Walleye18" min · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Northern pikeNo size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
BassNo size limit · 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
Bottomrock 85% · gravel 15%
Parks2
Lake groupBig Chetac And Birch Lakes Association

Stocking

DNR records
2021
1,840 walleye large fingerling, 7.1"
2019
1,809 walleye large fingerling, 5.6"
2012
12,880 walleye small fingerling, 1.8"
2010
12,987 walleye small fingerling, 1.7"

The DNR has 12 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 · Chinese Mystery Snail · Curly-Leaf Pondweed · Rusty Crayfish

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

Reviews

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Near Birch

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

Birch board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Birch

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Balsam LakeWashburn229549 ft
Nice LakeWashburn3.113811 ft
Spider LakeWashburn3.417749 ft
Lake ChetacSawyer3.71,92028 ft
Knuteson LakeSawyer4.57017 ft
Red Cedar LakeWashburn4.61,84153 ft
Nick LakeWashburn4.65679 ft
County Line LakeSawyer5.16372 ft

Birch questions

How deep is Birch Lake?

Birch Lake is 73 feet at its deepest, and 24 feet deep on average. It covers 364 acres.

What fish are in Birch Lake?

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

Where is the boat launch on Birch Lake?

There are 2 public launches: Access Nr Doolittle Rd and Ramp Near Dam.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Birch Lake?

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

What is the walleye limit on Birch Lake?

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

Is Birch Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2021 the DNR and partners stocked 1,840 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.