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Alder Lake

Vilas County · cool-water, stained water

264Acres
30ftMax depth
1Public launches
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Today on Alder

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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 Alder is best for

DNR data
WalleyeAbundant · stocked9.6
MuskyCommon6.5
BluegillPanfish, common6.5
PerchPanfish, common6.5
CrappiePanfish, common6.5
LargemouthPresent4.0
SmallmouthPresent4.0
Northern pikePresent4.0
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, 30 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 dayJune 20, 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

1 public
Bottomsand 85% · gravel 5% · rock 5% · muck 5%
WaterMesotrophic
Lake groupManitowish Waters Lakes Association Inc

Stocking

DNR records
2025
1,122,000 walleye fry, 0.5"
2024
5,000 walleye fry, 0.5"
2023
485,000 walleye fry, 0.25"
2022
700,000 walleye fry, 0.3"
2021
1,000 walleye fry, 0.3"

The DNR has 31 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 · Eurasian Water-Milfoil · 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 Alder

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

Alder board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Alder

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Bolin LakeVilas1.56335 ft
Manitowish LakeVilas1.749661 ft
Wild Rice LakeVilas1.937926 ft
Little Trout LakeVilas2.297898 ft
Spider LakeVilas2.327243 ft
Island LakeVilas2.41,02335 ft
Stone LakeVilas2.713943 ft
Little Star LakeVilas2.824567 ft

Alder questions

How deep is Alder Lake?

Alder Lake is 30 feet at its deepest. It covers 264 acres.

What fish are in Alder Lake?

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

Where is the boat launch on Alder Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Carry-In Access.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Alder Lake?

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

What is the walleye limit on Alder Lake?

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

Is Alder Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2025 the DNR and partners stocked 1,122,000 walleye (fry).

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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.