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Pioneer Lake

Vilas County · cool-water, stained water

429Acres
27ftMax depth
12ftAverage depth
0Public launches
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Today on Pioneer

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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 Pioneer is best for

DNR data
MuskyCommon · stocked7.6
BluegillPanfish, common6.6
PerchPanfish, common6.6
CrappiePanfish, common6.6
LargemouthCommon6.6
WalleyePresent · stocked5.7
Northern pikePresent4.1
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

Wisconsin DNR

Tap a map to zoom. Pinch or scroll to zoom in, drag to move.

✕ Deepest spot, 27 ftDNR survey map (PDF)

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

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-07
Walleye15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027Open
Musky40" min · 1 a dayMay 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open waterOpen
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

0 public
    Bottommuck 55% · sand 30% · gravel 10% · rock 5%
    WaterMesotrophic

    Stocking

    DNR records
    2024
    6,706 walleye small fingerling, 1.88"
    2023
    6 walleye large fingerling, 10"
    2022
    4,263 walleye large fingerling, 7.3"
    2021
    107 muskellunge large fingerling, 12.3"
    2020
    4,269 walleye large fingerling, 7"

    The DNR has 10 fish surveys 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
    Invasive species here

    Banded Mystery Snail · Chinese Mystery Snail · Eurasian Water-Milfoil · Rusty Crayfish

    Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.

    Reviews

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    Near Pioneer

    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

    Pioneer board

    Catches & reports

    Lakes near Pioneer

    Within 25 miles
    LakeMilesAcresMax depth
    Twin LakesVilas264243 ft
    Pine Island LakeVilas27921 ft
    Lake of the HillsVilas36210 ft
    Deerskin LakeVilas3.430918 ft
    Spirit LakeVilas3.58020 ft
    Finger LakeVilas3.79030 ft
    North Twin LakeVilas4.42,78860 ft
    Harmony LakeVilas4.58813 ft

    Pioneer questions

    How deep is Pioneer Lake?

    Pioneer Lake is 27 feet at its deepest, and 12 feet deep on average. It covers 429 acres.

    What fish are in Pioneer Lake?

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

    Do I need a trout stamp to fish Pioneer Lake?

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

    What is the walleye limit on Pioneer Lake?

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

    Is Pioneer Lake stocked?

    Yes. In 2024 the DNR and partners stocked 6,706 walleye (small 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.