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Big Crooked Lake

Vilas County · cool-water, clear water

665Acres
34ftMax depth
0Public launches
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Today on Big Crooked

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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 Big Crooked is best for

DNR data
WalleyeAbundant8.7
MuskyCommon · stocked7.6
SmallmouthCommon6.6
BluegillPanfish, present4.1
PerchPanfish, present4.1
CrappiePanfish, present4.1
LargemouthPresent4.1
TroutPresent4.1
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

None published

The DNR has no depth map online for Big Crooked.

✕ Deepest spot, 34 ft

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

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-08
WalleyeNo size limit · 1 over 14" · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Musky40" min · 1 a dayMay 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open waterOpen
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 60% · gravel 35% · rock 15%

    Stocking

    DNR records
    2025
    75 muskellunge large fingerling, 12"
    2011
    150 muskellunge yearling, 12"

    The DNR has 21 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

    Rusty Crayfish

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

    Reviews

    No reviews yet

    Near Big Crooked

    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

    Big Crooked board

    Catches & reports

    Lakes near Big Crooked

    Within 25 miles
    LakeMilesAcresMax depth
    Boulder LakeVilas1.252423 ft
    Little Crooked LakeVilas1.315320 ft
    Wolf LakeVilas1.339328 ft
    Bear LakeVilas27630 ft
    Little Rice LakeVilas2.5597 ft
    Grassy LakeVilas2.82204 ft
    Round LakeVilas2.911625 ft
    Flora LakeVilas2.910029 ft

    Big Crooked questions

    How deep is Big Crooked Lake?

    Big Crooked Lake is 34 feet at its deepest. It covers 665 acres.

    What fish are in Big Crooked Lake?

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

    Do I need a trout stamp to fish Big Crooked Lake?

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

    What is the walleye limit on Big Crooked Lake?

    No size limit · 1 over 14" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.

    Is Big Crooked Lake stocked?

    Yes. In 2025 the DNR and partners stocked 75 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 2026-10-08.