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Upper Buckatabon Lake

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

493Acres
47ftMax depth
20ftAverage depth
1Public launches
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Today on Upper Buckatabon

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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 Upper Buckatabon is best for

DNR data
WalleyeCommon · stocked8.2
BluegillPanfish, abundant8.1
PerchPanfish, abundant8.1
CrappiePanfish, abundant8.1
MuskyCommon · stocked7.6
LargemouthCommon6.6
Northern pikeCommon6.6
SmallmouthPresent4.1
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, 47 ftDNR survey map (PDF)

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

Rules on this lake

DNR · checked 2026-10-08
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
BassNo size limit · 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 50% · muck 20% · gravel 15% · rock 15%
WaterMesotrophic
Lake groupBuckatabon Lakes Association, Inc.

Stocking

DNR records
2024
2,500 walleye large fingerling, 6"
2023
2,497 walleye large fingerling, 6"
2022
3,000 walleye large fingerling, 5"
2021
2,000 walleye large fingerling, 5"
218 muskellunge large fingerling, 12.3"
2020
3,000 walleye large fingerling, 7"

The DNR has 13 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 Upper Buckatabon

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

Upper Buckatabon board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Upper Buckatabon

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Lower Buckatabon LakeVilas1.435216 ft
Hunter LakeVilas1.518440 ft
McLeod LakeVilas2527 ft
Stormy LakeVilas352263 ft
Boot LakeVilas3.528415 ft
Pickerel LakeVilas3.729326 ft
Range Line LakeVilas3.96013 ft
Frost LakeVilas4.2535 ft

Upper Buckatabon questions

How deep is Upper Buckatabon Lake?

Upper Buckatabon Lake is 47 feet at its deepest, and 20 feet deep on average. It covers 493 acres.

What fish are in Upper Buckatabon Lake?

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

Where is the boat launch on Upper Buckatabon Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Access.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Upper Buckatabon Lake?

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

What is the walleye limit on Upper Buckatabon Lake?

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

Is Upper Buckatabon Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2024 the DNR and partners stocked 2,500 walleye (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 2026-10-08.