Today on Papoose
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Papoose is best for
DNR data
MuskyCommon · stocked7.6
WalleyeCommon7.2
BluegillPanfish, present4.1
PerchPanfish, present4.1
CrappiePanfish, present4.1
LargemouthPresent4.1
SmallmouthPresent4.1
Northern pikePresent4.1How 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 | 18" min · 1 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 at S End Of LakeDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2023 | 106 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.9" |
| 2022 | 117 muskellunge large fingerling, 13.8" |
| 2018 | 107 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.3" |
| 2016 | 107 muskellunge large fingerling, 10.8" |
| 2014 | 107 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.3" |
The DNR has 24 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 detailsRusty Crayfish · Yellow Iris
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Papoose
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Papoose
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
Papoose board
Catches & reportsLakes near Papoose
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlin LakeVilas | 1.5 | 153 | 36 ft |
| Katinka LakeVilas | 1.5 | 172 | 60 ft |
| Van Vliet LakeVilas | 2.2 | 220 | 13 ft |
| Averill LakeVilas | 2.3 | 71 | 5 ft |
| Big LakeVilas | 2.6 | 835 | 61 ft |
| Clear LakeVilas | 2.6 | 555 | 45 ft |
| Presque Isle LakeVilas | 2.8 | 1,280 | 80 ft |
| Birch LakeVilas | 2.9 | 528 | 45 ft |
Papoose questions
How deep is Papoose Lake?
Papoose Lake is 65 feet at its deepest. It covers 422 acres.
What fish are in Papoose Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists musky (common), walleye (common), panfish (present), largemouth bass (present), smallmouth bass (present) and northern pike (present).
Where is the boat launch on Papoose Lake?
There is 1 public launch: Access at S End Of Lake.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Papoose Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Papoose Lake?
15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Papoose Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2023 the DNR and partners stocked 106 muskellunge (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.