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Boot Lake

Vilas County · cool-water, stained water

286Acres
15ftMax depth
9ftAverage depth
1Public launches
LowWater clarity
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Today on Boot

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Best fishing times

All fish
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Best today…

Times by species available in Premium

Wind & weather

National Weather Service
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What Boot is best for

DNR data
WalleyeCommon · stocked8.1
BluegillPanfish, abundant8.0
PerchPanfish, abundant8.0
CrappiePanfish, abundant8.0
MuskyCommon · stocked7.5
LargemouthCommon6.5
Northern pikeCommon6.5
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, 15 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
  • Access at West side of lake off Beaver Tr.Directions
Bottomsand 75% · muck 20% · gravel 5%
WaterEutrophic, low clarity
Lake groupBoot Lake Association

Stocking

DNR records
2023
1,245 walleye large fingerling, 6"
2022
70 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.7"
2021
1,348 walleye large fingerling
2019
625 walleye large fingerling, 7"
2018
71 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.6"

The DNR has 2 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

Chinese Mystery Snail · Eurasian Water-Milfoil

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

Reviews

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Near Boot

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

Boot board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Boot

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Frost LakeVilas0.8535 ft
Tepee LakeVilas1.15923 ft
Range Line LakeVilas1.26013 ft
Rice LakeVilas1.7717 ft
McLeod LakeVilas1.7527 ft
Hunter LakeVilas2.418440 ft
Snipe LakeVilas2.723915 ft
Muskellunge LakeVilas2.927219 ft

Boot questions

How deep is Boot Lake?

Boot Lake is 15 feet at its deepest, and 9 feet deep on average. It covers 286 acres.

What fish are in Boot Lake?

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

Where is the boat launch on Boot Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Access at West side of lake off Beaver Tr..

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Boot Lake?

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

What is the walleye limit on Boot Lake?

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

Is Boot Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2023 the DNR and partners stocked 1,245 walleye (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.