Today on Nelson
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Nelson is best for
DNR data
WalleyePresent4.5
MuskyPresent3.9
BluegillPanfish, present3.9
PerchPanfish, present3.9
CrappiePanfish, present3.9
LargemouthPresent3.9
SmallmouthPresent3.9How 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
None publishedThe DNR has no depth map online for Nelson.
Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.
Rules on this lake
DNR · checked 2026-10-07| Walleye | 15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 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 |
| Bass | 14" min · 5 a dayJune 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Panfish | No size limit · 25 a dayOpen All Year | Open |
| Sturgeon | No fishing | Closed |
Launches & access
0 publicBefore 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 detailsIce on Nelson
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Nelson
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
Nelson board
Catches & reportsLakes near Nelson
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snipe LakeVilas | 0.8 | 239 | 15 ft |
| Sunset LakeVilas | 0.9 | 213 | 30 ft |
| Rice LakeVilas | 1.6 | 71 | 7 ft |
| Muskellunge LakeVilas | 1.8 | 272 | 19 ft |
| Frost LakeVilas | 2.7 | 53 | 5 ft |
| Boot LakeVilas | 3 | 284 | 15 ft |
| Finley LakeVilas | 3.2 | 107 | 26 ft |
| Tepee LakeVilas | 3.3 | 59 | 23 ft |
Nelson questions
How deep is Nelson Lake?
Nelson Lake is 50 feet at its deepest. It covers 109 acres.
What fish are in Nelson Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists musky (present), panfish (present), largemouth bass (present), smallmouth bass (present) and walleye (present).
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Nelson Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Nelson Lake?
15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
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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.