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Dead Pike Lake

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

309Acres
80ftMax depth
26ftAverage depth
1Public launches
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Today on Dead Pike

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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 Dead Pike is best for

DNR data
WalleyeCommon · stocked8.1
MuskyCommon6.5
BluegillPanfish, common6.5
PerchPanfish, common6.5
CrappiePanfish, common6.5
LargemouthPresent4.0
SmallmouthPresent4.0
Northern pikePresent4.0
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, 80 ftDNR survey map (PDF)

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

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-08
Walleye18" min · 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
Bottomsand 55% · rock 30% · gravel 10% · muck 5%
WaterMesotrophic
Parks2
Lake groupDead Pike Lake Association

Stocking

DNR records
2022
4,455 walleye large fingerling, 7.1"
2020
4,454 walleye large fingerling, 6.5"
2018
4,628 walleye large fingerling, 6.6"
2016
4,722 walleye large fingerling, 7"
2014
4,628 walleye large fingerling, 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

Rainbow Smelt

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

Reviews

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Near Dead Pike

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

Dead Pike board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Dead Pike

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Little Star LakeVilas224567 ft
Sherman LakeIron2.312319 ft
Bolin LakeVilas2.66335 ft
Manitowish LakeVilas2.849661 ft
Mud LakeIron2.8567 ft
Rest LakeVilas2.980853 ft
Little Trout LakeVilas3.497898 ft
Sandy Beach LakeIron3.511113 ft

Dead Pike questions

How deep is Dead Pike Lake?

Dead Pike Lake is 80 feet at its deepest, and 26 feet deep on average. It covers 309 acres.

What fish are in Dead Pike Lake?

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

Where is the boat launch on Dead Pike Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Access.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Dead Pike Lake?

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

What is the walleye limit on Dead Pike Lake?

18" min · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.

Is Dead Pike Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2022 the DNR and partners stocked 4,455 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 2026-10-08.