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Benson Lake

Vilas County · river-fed, with current

28Acres
15ftMax depth
0Public launches
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Today on Benson

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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 Benson is best for

DNR data
BluegillPanfish, common6.2
PerchPanfish, common6.2
CrappiePanfish, common6.2
Northern pikeCommon6.2
WalleyePresent4.3
MuskyPresent3.7
LargemouthPresent3.7
SmallmouthPresent3.7
SturgeonPresent3.7
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

None published

The DNR has no depth map online for Benson.

✕ Deepest spot, 15 ft

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

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-07
WalleyeOnly three walleye may be kept and they must be at least 12", and only one over 15" may be keptMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Musky50" 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

0 public
    Bottomsand 70% · gravel 15% · rock 15%

    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

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

    Reviews

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    Near Benson

    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

    Benson board

    Catches & reports

    Lakes near Benson

    Within 25 miles
    LakeMilesAcresMax depth
    Circle Lily LakeVilas1.922335 ft
    Dead Pike LakeVilas2.129780 ft
    Rest LakeVilas2.180853 ft
    Mud LakeIron2.4567 ft
    Toy LakeVilas2.57011 ft
    Little Star LakeVilas2.924567 ft
    Sandy Beach LakeIron3.111113 ft
    South Bass LakeIron3.29023 ft

    Benson questions

    How deep is Benson Lake?

    Benson Lake is 15 feet at its deepest. It covers 28 acres.

    What fish are in Benson Lake?

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

    Do I need a trout stamp to fish Benson Lake?

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

    What is the walleye limit on Benson Lake?

    Only three walleye may be kept and they must be at least 12", and only one over 15" may be kept. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.

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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.