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Forest Lake

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

468Acres
60ftMax depth
29ftAverage depth
1Public launches
VeryWater clarity
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Today on Forest

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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 Forest is best for

DNR data
WalleyeCommon7.2
BluegillPanfish, common6.6
PerchPanfish, common6.6
CrappiePanfish, common6.6
LargemouthPresent4.1
SmallmouthPresent4.1
Northern pikePresent4.1
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, 60 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 · keep none 14–18" · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
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

1 public
Bottomsand 60% · rock 25% · gravel 15%
WaterOligotrophic, very clarity
Lake groupForest Lake Association, Inc Forest Lake Preservation Foundation, Inc.

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 · 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 Forest

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

Forest board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Forest

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Lac du LuneVilas1.442668 ft
Spring LakeVilas2.119512 ft
Moccasin LakeVilas2.28326 ft
Hardin LakeVilas2.46369 ft
Indian LakeVilas2.66839 ft
Clair LakeVilas2.95115 ft
Kenu LakeVilas2.97313 ft
Black Oak LakeVilas358485 ft

Forest questions

How deep is Forest Lake?

Forest Lake is 60 feet at its deepest, and 29 feet deep on average. It covers 468 acres.

What fish are in Forest Lake?

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

Where is the boat launch on Forest Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Boat Launch.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Forest Lake?

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

What is the walleye limit on Forest Lake?

No size limit · keep none 14–18" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.

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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.