Today on Catfish
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Catfish is best for
DNR data
WalleyeAbundant8.8
MuskyCommon · stocked7.7
BluegillPanfish, common6.7
PerchPanfish, common6.7
CrappiePanfish, common6.7
LargemouthPresent4.2
SmallmouthPresent4.2
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 DNRThe DNR drew Catfish on 2 sheets.
Tap 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 2026-10-07| Walleye | No size limit · keep none 14–18" · 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 | 14" min · 5 a dayJune 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Panfish | No size limit · 25 a dayOpen All Year | Open |
| Sturgeon | No fishing | Closed |
Launches & access
1 public- Boat LaunchDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2024 | 148 muskellunge large fingerling, 12.7" |
| 2022 | 300 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.7" |
| 2018 | 303 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.75" |
| 2016 | 299 muskellunge large fingerling, 10.8" |
| 2014 | 300 muskellunge large fingerling, 9.7" |
The DNR has 19 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 detailsChinese Mystery Snail · Eurasian Water-Milfoil · Rusty Crayfish
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Catfish
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Catfish
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
Catfish board
Catches & reportsLakes near Catfish
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meta LakeOneida | 0.7 | 175 | 25 ft |
| Cranberry LakeVilas | 1.4 | 956 | 23 ft |
| Gordon LakeVilas | 1.5 | 50 | 18 ft |
| Dollar LakeVilas | 1.6 | 105 | 15 ft |
| Voyageur LakeVilas | 2 | 130 | – |
| Eagle LakeVilas | 2.6 | 572 | 34 ft |
| Tambling LakeVilas | 2.7 | 169 | 11 ft |
| Silver LakeVilas | 2.8 | 61 | 19 ft |
Catfish questions
How deep is Catfish Lake?
Catfish Lake is 30 feet at its deepest, and 12 feet deep on average. It covers 1,012 acres.
What fish are in Catfish Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists walleye (abundant), musky (common), panfish (common), largemouth bass (present), smallmouth bass (present) and northern pike (present).
Where is the boat launch on Catfish Lake?
There is 1 public launch: Boat Launch.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Catfish Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Catfish Lake?
No size limit · keep none 14–18" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Catfish Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2024 the DNR and partners stocked 148 muskellunge (large fingerling).
Fish it longer
Today's sheet is always free. Planning ahead takes a report or Premium.Lake Sheet
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- Wind, weather, sun and moon
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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.