Today on Balsam
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Balsam is best for
DNR data
BluegillPanfish, abundant8.0
PerchPanfish, abundant8.0
CrappiePanfish, abundant8.0
WalleyeCommon7.1
LargemouthCommon6.5
Northern pikeCommon6.5How 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 DNRThe DNR drew Balsam on 2 sheets.
Tap 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 2026-10-08| Walleye | 15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Northern pike | No size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
 Bass | 14" min · 5 a dayMay 2, 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 Nr The End Of Balsam Lake RdDirections
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 detailsCurly-Leaf Pondweed · Purple Loosestrife · Rusty Crayfish
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Balsam
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Balsam
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
Balsam board
Catches & reportsLakes near Balsam
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birch LakeSawyer | 2.3 | 368 | 73 ft |
| Red Cedar LakeWashburn | 2.5 | 1,841 | 53 ft |
| Nice LakeWashburn | 3.4 | 138 | 11 ft |
| Chain LakeBarron | 3.9 | 107 | 19 ft |
| Spider LakeWashburn | 4.3 | 177 | 49 ft |
| Lazy Island LakeWashburn | 4.7 | 60 | 52 ft |
| Hemlock LakeBarron | 5.3 | 357 | 21 ft |
| Nick LakeWashburn | 5.4 | 56 | 79 ft |
Balsam questions
How deep is Balsam Lake?
Balsam Lake is 49 feet at its deepest, and 25 feet deep on average. It covers 325 acres.
What fish are in Balsam Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (abundant), largemouth bass (common), northern pike (common) and walleye (common).
Where is the boat launch on Balsam Lake?
There is 1 public launch: Access Nr The End Of Balsam Lake Rd.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Balsam Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Balsam Lake?
15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
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 2026-10-08.