Today on Big
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Big is best for
DNR data
MuskyCommon · stocked7.7
WalleyeCommon7.3
BluegillPanfish, common6.7
PerchPanfish, common6.7
CrappiePanfish, common6.7
SmallmouthCommon6.7
LargemouthPresent4.2
Northern pikePresent4.2How 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 DNRTap 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 | No size limit · 1 over 14" · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Musky | 40" min · 1 a dayMay 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | Open |
| Northern pike | No size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Bass | Catch and release onlyJune 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Panfish | No size limit · 25 a dayOpen All Year | Open |
| Sturgeon | No fishing | Closed |
Launches & access
2 public- Hwy K AccessDirections
- Access at Big Lake CampgroundDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2025 | 200 muskellunge large fingerling, 12.2" |
| 2023 | 205 muskellunge large fingerling, 12.3" |
| 2021 | 62 muskellunge large fingerling, 13.9" |
| 2019 | 204 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.2" |
| 2017 | 127 muskellunge large fingerling, 10.9" |
The DNR has 26 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 · Purple Loosestrife · Rusty Crayfish · Yellow Iris
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Big
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Big
Local dealsLocal bait shops, resorts and supper clubs can put a coupon here and on the printed sheet, free for a year. Add your business
Big board
Catches & reportsLakes near Big
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear LakeVilas | 2.1 | 555 | 45 ft |
| Papoose LakeVilas | 2.6 | 428 | 65 ft |
| Van Vliet LakeVilas | 2.7 | 220 | 13 ft |
| Island LakeVilas | 2.8 | 1,023 | 35 ft |
| Whitney LakeVilas | 3 | 102 | 8 ft |
| Fawn LakeVilas | 3 | 74 | 14 ft |
| Round LakeVilas | 3.1 | 116 | 25 ft |
| Carlin LakeVilas | 3.1 | 153 | 36 ft |
Big questions
How deep is Big Lake?
Big Lake is 61 feet at its deepest. It covers 827 acres.
What fish are in Big Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists musky (common), panfish (common), smallmouth bass (common), walleye (common), largemouth bass (present) and northern pike (present).
Where is the boat launch on Big Lake?
There are 2 public launches: Hwy K Access and Access at Big Lake Campground.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Big Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Big Lake?
No size limit · 1 over 14" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Big Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2025 the DNR and partners stocked 200 muskellunge (large fingerling).
Fish it longer
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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.