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Star Lake

Vilas County · deep lake with a cold bottom layer (cisco water)

1,219Acres
68ftMax depth
23ftAverage depth
2Public launches
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Today on Star

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Best fishing times

All fish
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Best today…

Times by species available in Premium

Wind & weather

National Weather Service
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What Star is best for

DNR data
MuskyCommon · stocked7.7
WalleyeCommon7.3
BluegillPanfish, common6.7
PerchPanfish, common6.7
CrappiePanfish, common6.7
LargemouthPresent4.2
SmallmouthPresent4.2
Northern pikePresent4.2
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

The DNR drew Star on 2 sheets.

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

✕ Deepest spot, 68 ftDNR survey map (PDF)

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

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-07
WalleyeNo size limit · 1 over 14" · 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
Bass18" min · 1 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

2 public
Bottomsand 75% · gravel 10% · rock 10% · muck 5%

Stocking

DNR records
2023
305 muskellunge large fingerling, 11"
2021
304 muskellunge large fingerling, 12.3"
2019
330 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.15"
2017
193 muskellunge large fingerling, 10.8"
2015
301 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.8"

The DNR has 20 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 · Purple Loosestrife · Rusty Crayfish · Spiny Waterflea

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

Reviews

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Near Star

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

Star board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Star

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Little Star LakeVilas1.7939 ft
Razorback LakeVilas1.736235 ft
Lone Tree LakeVilas1.912116 ft
Plum LakeVilas2.21,10857 ft
Irving LakeVilas2.74038 ft
Ballard LakeVilas2.750525 ft
Lake LauraVilas3.259943 ft
White Birch LakeVilas3.411727 ft

Star questions

How deep is Star Lake?

Star Lake is 68 feet at its deepest, and 23 feet deep on average. It covers 1,219 acres.

What fish are in Star Lake?

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

Where is the boat launch on Star Lake?

There are 2 public launches: East Star Lake Campground and West Star Lake Campground.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Star Lake?

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

What is the walleye limit on Star Lake?

No size limit · 1 over 14" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.

Is Star Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2023 the DNR and partners stocked 305 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.