Today on Nelson Lake (Totagatic Flow)
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All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Nelson Lake (Totagatic Flow) is best for
DNR data
WalleyeAbundant · stocked10.0
BluegillPanfish, common6.9
PerchPanfish, common6.9
CrappiePanfish, common6.9
LargemouthCommon6.9
SmallmouthPresent4.4
Northern pikePresent4.4How 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 DNRThe DNR drew Nelson Lake (Totagatic Flow) on 2 sheets.
Tap 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 | 18" min · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Northern pike | No size limit · keep none 25–35" · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Bass | No size limit · 5 a dayJune 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Panfish | No size limit · 10 a dayOpen All Year | Open |
| Sturgeon | No fishing | Closed |
Launches & access
4 public- Gerlachs LandingDirections
- Access at Tag-Alder Rd. (East side of Lake)Directions
- Small Road LandingDirections
- Park Boat AccessDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2025 | 92,688 walleye small fingerling, 1.55" 9,495 walleye small fingerling, 3.4" |
| 2024 | 9,749 walleye small fingerling, 3.25" |
| 2023 | 1,308 walleye large fingerling, 6.99" |
| 2021 | 29,312 walleye large fingerling, 6.46" |
| 2019 | 27,155 walleye large fingerling, 6.5" |
The DNR has 59 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 · Ornamental water lilies (non-native Nymphaea sp.) · Rusty Crayfish
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Nelson Lake (Totagatic Flow)
Reports & estimateReviews
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Nelson Lake (Totagatic Flow) board
Catches & reportsLakes near Nelson Lake (Totagatic Flow)
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith LakeSawyer | 1.7 | 323 | 29 ft |
| Phipps FlowageSawyer | 2.5 | 143 | 13 ft |
| Totagatic Flowage*Sawyer | 4 | 479 | 12 ft |
| Hayward LakeSawyer | 4.9 | 247 | 17 ft |
| Chippanazie LakeWashburn | 4.9 | 58 | 31 ft |
| Davis FlowageWashburn | 6.5 | 201 | 12 ft |
| Totagatic LakeBayfield | 7 | 537 | 7 ft |
| Spring LakeSawyer | 7.8 | 220 | 18 ft |
Nelson Lake (Totagatic Flow) questions
How deep is Nelson Lake (Totagatic Flow)?
Nelson Lake (Totagatic Flow) is 33 feet at its deepest, and 11 feet deep on average. It covers 2,716 acres.
What fish are in Nelson Lake (Totagatic Flow)?
The Wisconsin DNR lists walleye (abundant), panfish (common), largemouth bass (common), smallmouth bass (present) and northern pike (present).
Where is the boat launch on Nelson Lake (Totagatic Flow)?
There are 4 public launches: Gerlachs Landing, Access at Tag-Alder Rd. (East side of Lake), Small Road Landing and Park Boat Access.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Nelson Lake (Totagatic Flow)?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Nelson Lake (Totagatic Flow)?
18" min · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Nelson Lake (Totagatic Flow) stocked?
Yes. In 2025 the DNR and partners stocked 92,688 walleye (small fingerling) and 9,495 walleye (small 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.