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Manitowish Lake

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

496Acres
61ftMax depth
23ftAverage depth
0Public launches
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Today on Manitowish

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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 Manitowish is best for

DNR data
WalleyeCommon7.2
MuskyCommon6.6
SmallmouthCommon6.6
Northern pikeCommon6.6
BluegillPanfish, present4.1
PerchPanfish, present4.1
CrappiePanfish, present4.1
LargemouthPresent4.1
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

The DNR drew Manitowish on 2 sheets.

Tap a map to zoom. Pinch or scroll to zoom in, drag to move.

✕ Deepest spot, 61 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

0 public
    Bottomsand 70% · rock 15% · gravel 10% · muck 5%
    Lake groupManitowish Waters Lakes Association Inc

    Stocking

    DNR records
    2016
    4,954 walleye large fingerling, 7"

    The DNR has 14 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

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

    Reviews

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    Near Manitowish

    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

    Manitowish board

    Catches & reports

    Lakes near Manitowish

    Within 25 miles
    LakeMilesAcresMax depth
    Little Star LakeVilas1.124567 ft
    Spider LakeVilas1.227243 ft
    Stone LakeVilas1.313943 ft
    Bolin LakeVilas1.66335 ft
    Alder LakeVilas1.727433 ft
    Fawn LakeVilas27414 ft
    Island LakeVilas2.41,02335 ft
    Dead Pike LakeVilas2.829780 ft

    Manitowish questions

    How deep is Manitowish Lake?

    Manitowish Lake is 61 feet at its deepest, and 23 feet deep on average. It covers 496 acres.

    What fish are in Manitowish Lake?

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

    Do I need a trout stamp to fish Manitowish Lake?

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

    What is the walleye limit on Manitowish Lake?

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

    Is Manitowish Lake stocked?

    Yes. In 2016 the DNR and partners stocked 4,954 walleye (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.