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Hunter Lake

Vilas County · cool-water, clear water

175Acres
40ftMax depth
17ftAverage depth
1Public launches
VeryWater clarity
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Today on Hunter

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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 Hunter is best for

DNR data
WalleyeCommon · stocked8.0
BluegillPanfish, common6.4
PerchPanfish, common6.4
CrappiePanfish, common6.4
LargemouthCommon6.4
SmallmouthPresent3.9
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, 40 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
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 85% · gravel 5% · rock 5% · muck 5%
WaterOligotrophic, very clarity
Lake groupHunter Lake Association

Stocking

DNR records
2024
6,729 walleye small fingerling, 1.93"
2022
6,115 walleye small fingerling, 2.2"
2020
6,718 walleye small fingerling, 2.07"
2018
6,429 walleye small fingerling, 1.69"
2016
6,122 walleye small fingerling, 2"

The DNR has 10 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

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

Reviews

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Near Hunter

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

Hunter board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Hunter

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Upper Buckatabon LakeVilas1.549447 ft
Lower Buckatabon LakeVilas1.535216 ft
McLeod LakeVilas1.8527 ft
Boot LakeVilas2.428415 ft
Range Line LakeVilas2.56013 ft
Tepee LakeVilas35923 ft
Frost LakeVilas3.1535 ft
Stormy LakeVilas3.652263 ft

Hunter questions

How deep is Hunter Lake?

Hunter Lake is 40 feet at its deepest, and 17 feet deep on average. It covers 175 acres.

What fish are in Hunter Lake?

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

Where is the boat launch on Hunter Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Access off Hunter Landing Road.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Hunter Lake?

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

What is the walleye limit on Hunter Lake?

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

Is Hunter Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2024 the DNR and partners stocked 6,729 walleye (small 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.