Today on Palmer
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Palmer is best for
DNR data
WalleyeCommon7.2
MuskyCommon6.6
BluegillPanfish, common6.6
PerchPanfish, common6.6
CrappiePanfish, common6.6
LargemouthCommon6.6
Northern pikeCommon6.6
SmallmouthPresent4.1How 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 DNRTap a map to zoom. Pinch or scroll to zoom in, drag to move.
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 |
| Northern pike | No size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | 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
1 public- Access off of Palmer Lake RoadDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2018 | 101 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.3" |
The DNR has 11 fish surveys on file for this lake.
Before 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 detailsChinese Mystery Snail · Eurasian Water-Milfoil
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Palmer
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Palmer
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
Palmer board
Catches & reportsLakes near Palmer
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cochran LakeVilas | 1.1 | 126 | 12 ft |
| Jones LakeVilas | 1.5 | 52 | 29 ft |
| Sanborn LakeVilas | 2.3 | 253 | 13 ft |
| Jute LakeVilas | 3.1 | 199 | 23 ft |
| McCullough LakeVilas | 3.4 | 216 | 27 ft |
| Dunn LakeVilas | 3.4 | 75 | 9 ft |
| High LakeVilas | 3.8 | 734 | 31 ft |
| Helen LakeVilas | 3.8 | 111 | 19 ft |
Palmer questions
How deep is Palmer Lake?
Palmer Lake is 13 feet at its deepest, and 8 feet deep on average. It covers 644 acres.
What fish are in Palmer Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists musky (common), panfish (common), largemouth bass (common), northern pike (common), walleye (common) and smallmouth bass (present).
Where is the boat launch on Palmer Lake?
There is 1 public launch: Access off of Palmer Lake Road.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Palmer Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Palmer Lake?
15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Palmer Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2018 the DNR and partners stocked 101 muskellunge (large fingerling).
Fish it longer
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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.