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Big Muskellunge Lake

Vilas County · deep lake with a cold bottom layer (cisco water)

897Acres
70ftMax depth
26ftAverage depth
3Public launches
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Today on Big Muskellunge

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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 Muskellunge is best for

DNR data
MuskyCommon · stocked7.7
WalleyeCommon7.3
BluegillPanfish, common6.7
PerchPanfish, common6.7
CrappiePanfish, common6.7
LargemouthCommon6.7
SmallmouthPresent4.2
Northern pikePresent4.2
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, 70 ftDNR survey map (PDF)

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

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-07
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
Northern pikeNo size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Bass18" min · 1 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

3 public
Bottomsand 60% · gravel 20% · rock 15% · muck 5%

Stocking

DNR records
2023
224 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.9"
2021
67 muskellunge large fingerling, 13.9"
2019
255 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.15"
2017
146 muskellunge large fingerling, 10.8"
2015
232 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.7"

The DNR has 33 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 · Purple Loosestrife · 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 Big Muskellunge

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 Muskellunge board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Big Muskellunge

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Crystal LakeVilas1.18867 ft
Little John LakeVilas1.516619 ft
Allequash LakeVilas1.542624 ft
Fallison LakeVilas1.85343 ft
Starrett LakeVilas2.16619 ft
Mann LakeVilas2.626118 ft
Nebish LakeVilas2.79852 ft
Frank LakeVilas3.114124 ft

Big Muskellunge questions

How deep is Big Muskellunge Lake?

Big Muskellunge Lake is 70 feet at its deepest, and 26 feet deep on average. It covers 897 acres.

What fish are in Big Muskellunge Lake?

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

Where is the boat launch on Big Muskellunge Lake?

There are 3 public launches: Campground Ramp, Ramp Off Big Muskellunge Lake Rd and Boat Ramp Off Cth N.

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

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

What is the walleye limit on Big Muskellunge Lake?

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

Is Big Muskellunge Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2023 the DNR and partners stocked 224 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 2026-10-07.