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Nichols Lake

Vilas County · warm-water, stained water

37Acres
16ftMax depth
1Public launches
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Today on Nichols

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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 Nichols is best for

DNR data
BluegillPanfish, present3.7
PerchPanfish, present3.7
CrappiePanfish, present3.7
LargemouthPresent3.7
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

None published

The DNR has no depth map online for Nichols.

✕ Deepest spot, 16 ft

Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-08
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 80% · gravel 20%

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

Reviews

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Near Nichols

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

Nichols board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Nichols

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Street LakeVilas0.95422 ft
Edith LakeVilas1.45928 ft
Boulder LakeVilas252423 ft
Jag LakeVilas2.115814 ft
Whitney LakeVilas2.51028 ft
Little Rice LakeVilas2.6597 ft
Big Crooked LakeVilas2.768234 ft
Day LakeVilas2.911748 ft

Nichols questions

How deep is Nichols Lake?

Nichols Lake is 16 feet at its deepest. It covers 37 acres.

What fish are in Nichols Lake?

The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (present) and largemouth bass (present).

Where is the boat launch on Nichols Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Carry-In.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Nichols Lake?

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

What is the walleye limit on Nichols 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 2026-10-08.