Today on Lac Vieux Desert
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Lac Vieux Desert is best for
DNR data
WalleyeCommon · stocked8.5
MuskyCommon · stocked7.9
BluegillPanfish, common6.9
PerchPanfish, common6.9
CrappiePanfish, common6.9
LargemouthCommon6.9
SmallmouthCommon6.9
Northern pikeCommon6.9How 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 DNRSheets 3 to 6
The DNR drew Lac Vieux Desert on 6 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 | 18" min · 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 |
| Panfish | No size limit · 25 a dayOpen All Year | Open |
| Sturgeon | No fishing | Closed |
Launches & access
3 public- Thunder Bay Boat RampDirections
- National Forest Campground Boat AccessDirections
- Carry-in Access at SW Side of LakeDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2025 | 1,800,000 walleye fry, 0.5" 699 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.2" |
| 2024 | 1,800,000 walleye fry, 0.5" 40,136 walleye large fingerling, 7.09" |
| 2023 | 1,012,000 walleye fry, 0.25" 402 muskellunge large fingerling, 11" |
| 2022 | 60,146 walleye large fingerling, 7.36" 1,502,000 walleye fry, 0.3" |
| 2021 | 755,000 walleye fry, 0.3" 400 muskellunge large fingerling, 12.3" |
The DNR has 37 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 detailsBanded Mystery Snail · Chinese Mystery Snail · Curly-Leaf Pondweed · Eurasian Water-Milfoil · Rusty Crayfish
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Lac Vieux Desert
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Lac Vieux Desert
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
Lac Vieux Desert board
Catches & reportsLakes near Lac Vieux Desert
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kildare LakeVilas | 2.7 | 54 | 21 ft |
| Sugar Maple LakeVilas | 3 | 137 | 46 ft |
| Crystal LakeVilas | 3.4 | 93 | 23 ft |
| North Twin LakeVilas | 5.8 | 2,788 | 60 ft |
| Long LakeVilas | 6.6 | 872 | 95 ft |
| Little Portage LakeVilas | 6.9 | 170 | 11 ft |
| Landing LakeVilas | 7.4 | 220 | 11 ft |
| Manuel LakeVilas | 7.5 | 76 | 9 ft |
Lac Vieux Desert questions
How deep is Lac Vieux Desert?
Lac Vieux Desert is 38 feet at its deepest. It covers 4,017 acres.
What fish are in Lac Vieux Desert?
The Wisconsin DNR lists musky (common), panfish (common), largemouth bass (common), smallmouth bass (common), northern pike (common) and walleye (common).
Where is the boat launch on Lac Vieux Desert?
There are 3 public launches: Thunder Bay Boat Ramp, National Forest Campground Boat Access and Carry-in Access at SW Side of Lake.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Lac Vieux Desert?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Lac Vieux Desert?
18" min · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Lac Vieux Desert stocked?
Yes. In 2025 the DNR and partners stocked 1,800,000 walleye (fry) and 699 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.