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Wild Rice Lake

Vilas County · cool-water, stained water

384Acres
26ftMax depth
11ftAverage depth
1Public launches
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Today on Wild Rice

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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 Wild Rice is best for

DNR data
MuskyCommon · stocked7.6
WalleyeCommon7.2
BluegillPanfish, common6.6
PerchPanfish, common6.6
CrappiePanfish, common6.6
LargemouthPresent4.1
SmallmouthPresent4.1
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, 26 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
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

1 public
Bottomsand 60% · muck 20% · gravel 10% · rock 10%
WaterMesotrophic
Lake groupManitowish Waters Lakes Association Inc

Stocking

DNR records
2022
427 muskellunge large fingerling, 13.8"
2018
3,734 walleye large fingerling, 7"
398 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.6"
2016
3,788 walleye large fingerling, 7"
360 muskellunge large fingerling, 10.9"
2014
398 muskellunge large fingerling, 10.4"
2012
400 muskellunge large fingerling, 10.2"

The DNR has 22 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 · Purple Loosestrife · 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 Wild Rice

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

Wild Rice board

Catches & reports

Lakes near Wild Rice

Within 25 miles
LakeMilesAcresMax depth
Alder LakeVilas1.927433 ft
Ike Walton LakeVilas2.11,42461 ft
Middle Gresham LakeVilas2.45317 ft
Little Trout LakeVilas2.797898 ft
Lower Gresham LakeVilas2.714912 ft
Upper Gresham LakeVilas2.936632 ft
Bolin LakeVilas36335 ft
Little Sand LakeVilas3.210732 ft

Wild Rice questions

How deep is Wild Rice Lake?

Wild Rice Lake is 26 feet at its deepest, and 11 feet deep on average. It covers 384 acres.

What fish are in Wild Rice 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 Wild Rice Lake?

There is 1 public launch: Access at End Of Townline Rd.

Do I need a trout stamp to fish Wild Rice Lake?

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

What is the walleye limit on Wild Rice Lake?

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

Is Wild Rice Lake stocked?

Yes. In 2022 the DNR and partners stocked 427 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 2026-10-08.