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High Lake

Vilas County · cool-water, clear water

741Acres
36ftMax depth
1Public launches
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Today on High

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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 High is best for

DNR data
WalleyeCommon · stocked8.3
MuskyCommon · stocked7.7
BluegillPanfish, common6.7
PerchPanfish, common6.7
CrappiePanfish, common6.7
LargemouthPresent4.2
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, 36 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
Bottomsand 60% · gravel 25% · rock 10% · muck 5%
WaterMesotrophic
Lake groupHigh-Fishtrap-Rush Lakes Association

Stocking

DNR records
2025
140 muskellunge large fingerling, 12.2"
2024
28,568 walleye small fingerling, 1.6"
2023
3,800 walleye large fingerling, 6.5"
183 muskellunge large fingerling, 12.3"
2022
25,933 walleye small fingerling, 2.27"
204 muskellunge large fingerling, 13.8"
2020
25,873 walleye small fingerling, 2.16"

The DNR has 21 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 · Chinese Mystery Snail · Purple Loosestrife · Rusty Crayfish · Yellow Iris

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

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Near High

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

High board

Catches & reports

Lakes near High

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Big Gibson LakeVilas1.211615 ft
Fishtrap LakeVilas1.932941 ft
Jute LakeVilas1.919923 ft
Jones LakeVilas2.35229 ft
Cochran LakeVilas2.712612 ft
Morton LakeVilas2.716329 ft
Sanborn LakeVilas3.125313 ft
McCullough LakeVilas3.121627 ft

High questions

How deep is High Lake?

High Lake is 36 feet at its deepest. It covers 741 acres.

What fish are in High 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 High Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Boat landing on Hwy B.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish High Lake?

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

What is the walleye limit on High Lake?

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

Is High Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2025 the DNR and partners stocked 140 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.