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Little Trout Lake

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

1,007Acres
98ftMax depth
25ftAverage depth
0Public launches
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Today on Little Trout

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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 Little Trout is best for

DNR data
WalleyeCommon · stocked8.3
MuskyCommon6.7
SmallmouthCommon6.7
TroutPresent · stocked5.2
BluegillPanfish, present4.2
PerchPanfish, present4.2
CrappiePanfish, present4.2
LargemouthPresent4.2
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, 98 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
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

0 public
    Bottomsand 50% · muck 30% · gravel 15% · rock 5%

    Stocking

    DNR records
    2024
    7,522 lake trout yearling, 7.2"
    2023
    7,099 lake trout yearling, 7.5"
    2022
    5,032 walleye large fingerling, 6.3"
    2020
    19,553 walleye large fingerling, 6.87"
    2018
    5,033 walleye large fingerling, 6.7"
    30,243 lake trout large fingerling, 4.3"

    The DNR has 7 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 Little Trout

    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

    Little Trout board

    Catches & reports

    Lakes near Little Trout

    Within 25 miles
    LakeMilesAcresMax depth
    Bolin LakeVilas1.46335 ft
    Big Crooked LakeVilas2.138487 ft
    Alder LakeVilas2.227433 ft
    Upper Sugarbush LakeVilas2.516229 ft
    Wild Rice LakeVilas2.737926 ft
    Little Sand LakeVilas310732 ft
    Sunfish LakeVilas35518 ft
    Manitowish LakeVilas349661 ft

    Little Trout questions

    How deep is Little Trout Lake?

    Little Trout Lake is 98 feet at its deepest, and 25 feet deep on average. It covers 1,007 acres.

    What fish are in Little Trout Lake?

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

    Do I need a trout stamp to fish Little Trout Lake?

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

    What is the walleye limit on Little Trout Lake?

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

    Is Little Trout Lake stocked?

    Yes. In 2024 the DNR and partners stocked 7,522 lake trout (yearling).

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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.