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Oswego Lake

Vilas County · cool-water, clear water

68Acres
17ftMax depth
1Public launches
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Today on Oswego

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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 Oswego is best for

DNR data
BluegillPanfish, present · stocked4.8
PerchPanfish, present · stocked4.8
CrappiePanfish, present · stocked4.8
LargemouthPresent · stocked4.8
Northern pikePresent3.8
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 Oswego.

✕ Deepest spot, 17 ft

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

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-08
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

1 public
Bottomsand 75% · gravel 20% · muck 5%

Stocking

DNR records
2024
300 largemouth bass adult, 6"
2023
1,200 yellow perch adult, 6"
597 walleye large fingerling, 6"
2,198 bluegill adult, 5"
1,198 black crappie adult, 6"

The DNR has 1 fish survey 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

Reviews

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Near Oswego

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

Oswego board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Oswego

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Grassy LakeVilas0.82204 ft
Fishtrap LakeVilas1.332941 ft
Little Rice LakeVilas2597 ft
Big Kitten LakeVilas2.15522 ft
Wildcat LakeVilas2.530538 ft
Boulder LakeVilas2.652423 ft
Big Gibson LakeVilas2.711615 ft
Big Crooked LakeVilas368234 ft

Oswego questions

How deep is Oswego Lake?

Oswego Lake is 17 feet at its deepest. It covers 68 acres.

What fish are in Oswego Lake?

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

Where is the boat launch on Oswego Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Ramp.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Oswego Lake?

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

What is the walleye limit on Oswego Lake?

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

Is Oswego Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2024 the DNR and partners stocked 300 largemouth bass (adult).

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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.