Vilas County is known for its muskie fishing. The muskie fishing may not be what it used to be, however, there is still some very good muskie fishing in so many different lakes. In the past, Vilas County used to be known more for its huge muskie, while nowadays, it is known more for lots of muskie, but not as many really big fish. Some would debate that there are plenty of big fish still here, but a lot more educated muskies makes catching the bigger muskie a lot more difficult than in the past. Some would argue that the fisheries have become better for numbers due to all the catch and release that many of these lakes are incapable of growing super big muskie due to the size of these lakes.

If you compare some of the better muskie lakes in Minnesota, they fisheries have taken off there, but there are so many large lakes that are capable of growing massive fish. In Vilas County, the lakes are a lot smaller on average, so it looks like this area is currently going to be one that has lots of action lakes with occasional 50 inch fish being reported. While the average size muskie does seem to be down on many of the lakes in Wisconsin compared to the past, there are so many lakes that have good populations of muskie due to most of the anglers practicing catch and release on the muskie here.

Below, we have it organized by towns to help you learn about the entire county’s best muskie waters.

Arbor Vitae, WI

Arbor Vitae has several muskie lakes for you to fish. Big Arbor Vitae is the biggest lake with the most potential for numbers and quality fish. This lake gets a lot of pressure though, so don’t expect to come to this lake and catch a bunch of muskie, but the muskie are there and you will hear reports of some big fish caught here every year. The other lakes in Arbor Vitae that are home to muskies are a lot smaller, but still capable of producing catchable numbers of muskie with some quality fish too.

Big Arbor Vitae Lake

Big Arbor Vitae Lake is a 1,070 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 41 feet. Fish include muskie, largemouth bass, walleye, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie and walleye are abundant in the lake while panfish and largemouth bass are considered common.

Carrol Lake

Carrol Lake is a 330 acre lake located in Oneida, Vilas Counties. It has a maximum depth of 27 feet. Fish include muskie, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, panfish are abundant in the lake while largemouth bass and muskie are considered common. Northern pike and walleye are listed as present.

Little Arbor Vitae Lake

Little Arbor Vitae Lake is a 480 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 32 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, largemouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, all these species of fish are considered common in the lake.

Little Spider Lake

Little Spider Lake is a 223 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 23 feet with moderately clear water. Fish include muskie, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, panfish are considered common in the lake while all other species of fish are listed as present.

Madeline Lake

Madeline Lake is a 172 acre lake located in Vilas, Oneida Counties. It has a maximum depth of 17 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, panfish are abundant in the lake while muskie and largemouth bass are considered common. Northern pike and walleye are listed as present.

Sparkling Lake

Sparkling Lake is a 157 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 60 feet. Fish include muskie, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, walleye and smallmouth bass are considered common in the lake. Largemouth bass and panfish are listed as present.

Boulder Junction, WI

Boulder Junction is home to a lot of lakes and many of the better lakes in this area will also have a fishable muskie population. You won’t find the bigger lakes here that are capable of growing some real trophy-sized muskie, but there are plenty of lakes that are big enough and home to enough bait that are capable of growing some quality muskie.

Northern Highland Fishery Research Area

The Northern Highland Fishery Research Area is an experimental project of the DNR which has been going on since 1946. It includes Escanaba, Nebish, Mystery, Spruce and Pallette Lakes. To fish these lakes, you need to visit the station on Escanaba Lake and fill out a free permit. You will also have to go back to the station at the end of the day to give them the details of what you caught as well as what fish you are taking home.

Escanaba Lake

Escanaba Lake is a 303 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 26 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, walleye are abundant in this lake. Muskie, largemouth bass and panfish are considered common in the lake. Northern pike are listed as present. The DNR website doesn’t mention smallmouth bass, but they are in Escanaba Lake as well.

Lost Canoe Lake

Lost Canoe Lake is a 279 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 41 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish are common in this lake. Muskie and smallmouth bass are listed as present.

Other Lakes

Allequash Lake

Allequash Lake is a 406 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 24 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, panfish are abundant in this lake. Muskie, northern pike, walleye and largemouth bass are considered common in the lake. Smallmouth bass are listed as present.

Boulder Lake

Boulder Lake is a 516 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 23 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from 2 public boat landings. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, walleye are abundant in this lake. Muskie and panfish are considered common in the lake. Northern pike, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are listed as present.

Fishtrap Lake

Fishtrap Lake is a 339 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 34 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie, walleye, largemouth bass and panfish are common in this lake. Smallmouth bass and northern pike are listed as present. The lake’s water is moderately clear.

High Lake

High Lake is a 741 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 36 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie, walleye and panfish are common in this lake. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and northern pike are listed as present. The lake’s water is moderately clear.

Jag Lake

Jag Lake is a 162 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 27 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include muskie, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, walleye and panfish are common in the lake. Muskie, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are listed as present.

Little Crooked Lake

Little Crooked Lake is a 154 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 30 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie, walleye and panfish are common in this lake. Largemouth bass and northern pike are listed as present. The lake’s water clarity is low.

Little John Lake

Little John Lake is a 151 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 19 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and trout. According to the Wisconsin DNR, trout are abundant in Little John Lake. Muskie, walleye and largemouth bass are common in the lake. Smallmouth bass and northern pike are listed as present.

Lower Gresham Lake

Lower Gresham Lake is a 149 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 12 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, panfish are abundant in the lake while largemouth bass are considered present. The other species of fish are listed as present.

Trout Lake

Trout Lake is a 3,864 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 117 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from multiple public boat landings. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie, walleye, northern pike, trout, smallmouth bass and panfish are common in this lake. Largemouth bass are listed as present.

Upper Gresham Lake

Upper Gresham Lake is a 362 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 32 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, panfish are abundant in the lake while muskie, largemouth bass and walleye are considered common. Northern pike are listed as present.

White Sand Lake

White Sand Lake is a 746 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 71 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie, walleye and smallmouth bass are common in this lake. Northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish are listed as present.

Wolf Lake

Wolf Lake is a 403 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 28 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, walleye, largemouth bass and panfish are considered common in the lake while smallmouth bass are listed as present.

Conover & Phelps, WI

The Conover, Phelps area is known for some excellent muskie fishing. North Twin Lake is the lake that gets the most attention and it has been known for producing some very big muskie in the past with 50 inch fish being reported here. Big Sand Lake is another good-sized lake that is capable of growing some bigger muskie. Some of the other lakes in this area will also put out some quality fish from time to time. This is a good area for planning a muskie trip since there are so many quality lakes in such a small area. If you’re looking for some action waters, the Eagle River Chain of Lakes are a short drive away as well.

Big Sand Lake

Big Sand Lake is a 1,427 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 56 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, panfish are abundant in the lake while muskie, smallmouth bass and walleye are considered common. Largemouth bass and northern pike are listed as present.

Little Tamarack Flowage

Little Tamarack Flowage is a 236 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 16 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from one public boat landing. Fish include muskie, panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. According to the Wisconsin DNR, panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike are common in this lake and muskie are present.

Long Lake

Long Lake is a 886 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 88 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout and panfish. According to the DNR, smallmouth bass and walleye are considered common in the lake while all the other species of fish are listed as present.

North & South Twin Lakes

Twin Lakes (North) is a 2,871 acre lake located in Vilas County. Visitors have access to these lakes from 2 public boat landings. North Twin Lake has been known as one of the better muskie lakes to fish in Vilas County for many years. Big fish can be found in this lake if you put in the time.

Other fish include panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and walleye. The Wisconsin DNR lists muskie, panfish and walleye as common in this lake. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are listed as present.

Twin Lakes (South) is a 628 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 43 feet with very clear water. Visitors have access to the lake from public boat landings. Fish include muskie, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and walleye. According to the DNR, muskie, walleye and panfish are considered common in the lake while the other species of fish are listed as present.

Pioneer Lake

Pioneer Lake is a 429 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 27 feet. Fish include muskie, panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie, panfish and largemouth bass are common in this lake. Northern pike and walleye are listed as present in this lake.

Smoky Lake

Smoky Lake is a 612 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 60 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, all fish are considered present in this lake. The water clarity is very clear.

Upper Buckatabon Lake & Lower Buckatabon Lake

Upper Buckatabon Lake is a 493 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 47 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from one public boat landing. Lower Buckatabon Lake is a 378 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 16 feet. Both lakes have muskie, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye in them. Panfish are considered abundant in these lakes according to the Wisconsin DNR. Northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass and muskie are considered common and smallmouth bass are considered present.

Eagle River, WI

Eagle River is known for its muskie fishing. The Eagle River Chain of Lakes are known as action waters with some bigger fish too. If you’re looking to catch a muskie, this chain of lakes is a good place to fish. It is still muskie fishing, so you may be doing a lot more fishing than catching, but they are here in good numbers. Kentuck Lake is a good muskie lake and there are some big fish in this lake. Boot Lake is more of an action lake, but if you know what you are doing, there is a good chance you will see some fish and possibly catch a fish or two. If you are looking for trophy muskie, head just north of Eagle River and fish North Twin Lake. It is one of the better big fish lakes in all of northern Wisconsin.

Eagle River Chain of Lakes

The Eagle River Chain Of Lakes consists of 9 lakes that total nearly 3,600 acres of water. This area has plenty of resorts & lodges, cabins and cottages to go along with excellent fishing resources to help you put more fish in the boat. There are numerous bait shops and fishing guides that offer plenty of their local knowledge to help you on your fishing trip. The fishing is very good on the chain of lakes for walleye and muskie. Anglers also target crappie, perch, smallmouth bass, northern pike, rock bass and bluegill. The 9 lakes of the Eagle River Chain are: Catfish Lake, Cranberry Lake, Duck Lake, Eagle Lake, Lynx Lake, Otter Lake, Scattering Rice Lake, Voyageur Lake, Watersmeet Lake and Yellow Birch Lake.

Learn more about the Eagle River Chain of Lakes

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Lakes

Kentuck Lake

Kentuck Lake is a 1001 acre lake located in Vilas, Forest Counties. It has a maximum depth of 40 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from public boat landings. Fish include muskie, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and walleye. According to the DNR, muskie, panfish, smallmouth bass and walleye are common in the lake. Largemouth bass are considered present.

Other Area Lakes

Bass Lake

Bass Lake is a 272 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 15 feet with moderately clear water. Fish include muskie, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, largemouth bass and panfish are considered common in the lake. Muskie, northern pike and walleye are listed as present.

Boot Lake

Boot Lake is a 286 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 15 feet. Fish include muskie, northern pike, largemouth bass, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, panfish are abundant in the lake while muskie, northern pike, largemouth bass and walleye are considered common.

Deerskin Lake

Deerskin Lake is a 301 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 18 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from 2 public boat landings. Fish include muskie, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Muskie, walleye and largemouth bass are listed as common on this lake according to the Wisconsin DNR with panfish being abundant. This lake also has a reputation for small northern pike to along with some good sized ones. The lake’s water is moderately clear.

Lower Ninemile Lake

Lower Ninemile Lake is a 849 acre lake located in the Nicolet National Forest of Vilas County. This lake is very shallow with a maximum depth of 5 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include muskie, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye, but don’t expect to catch a lot of big fish in this lake with all the shallow water.

Muskellunge Lake

Muskellunge Lake is a 270 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 19 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, walleye, northern pike and panfish are considered common in the lake while largemouth bass are listed as present.

Snipe Lake

Snipe Lake is a 216 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 15 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, walleye and panfish are considered common in the lake. Largemouth bass are listed as present. The lake has moderately clear water.

Lac du Flambeau, WI

The Lac du Flambeau area is a popular muskie fishing destination. In Lac du Flambeau, the Lac du Flambeau chain of lakes offers some very good fishing for numbers and quality depending on the lake you choose to fish. Once you get off the chain, you have a lot of other options here to go muskie fishing. Most of the better lakes in this area will have a fishable population of muskie in them. Little Trout Lake & Squirrel Lake are good-sized lakes with a variety of bait and other popular game fish that muskie do eat, so you have a better chance of finding a bigger fish on these lakes. Don’t rule out the smaller lakes though, especially if you’re just trying to find some action as many of the smaller lakes do have some decent muskie fishing available.

Lac du Flambeau Chain of Lakes

The Lac du Flambeau Chain of Lakes are popular with anglers and boaters alike. The lakes are beautiful with crystal clear, spring-fed water. Many people refer to this chain as the Fence Lake Chain since Fence Lake is the largest body of water on the chain. The lakes that are part of the chain are Big Crawling Stone Lake, Fence Lake, Flambeau Lake, Little Crawling Stone Lake, Long Interlaken Lake, Moss Lake, North Twin Placid Lake, South Twin Placid Lake, Pokegama Lake. Many of the lakes on the chain do have good populations of muskie with big fish potential as well. It is a popular chain of lakes, so you will have fishing pressure here, but there are some nice muskie that live in this system.

Learn more about the Lac du Flambeau Chain of Lakes

Other Area Lakes

Amber Lake

Amber Lake is a 736 acre lake located in Vilas and Oneida Counties. It has a maximum depth of 21 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include muskie, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. According to the DNR, muskie, northern pike, walleye and panfish are considered common in the lake. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are listed as present.

Apeekwa Lake

Apeekwa Lake is a 206 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 5 feet. Fish include muskie, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, northern pike are abundant in the lake while muskie and panfish are considered common. Largemouth bass and walleye are listed as present.

Big Crooked Lake

Big Crooked Lake is a 394 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 87 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie, largemouth bass and panfish are common in this lake. Walleye and smallmouth bass are listed as present.

Buckskin Lake

Buckskin Lake is a 642 acre lake located in Vilas, Oneida Counties. It has a maximum depth of 22 feet. Fish include muskie, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, northern pike, walleye and panfish are considered common in the lake while muskie and largemouth bass are listed as present.

Gunlock Lake

Gunlock Lake is a 264 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 26 feet. Fish include muskie, northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, panfish are abundant in the lake while muskie and largemouth bass are considered common. Smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye are listed as present.

Ike Walton Lake

Ike Walton Lake is a 1,417 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 61 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, all fish species are listed as present.

Little Trout Lake

Little Trout Lake is a 1,007 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 98 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, smallmouth bass and walleye are considered common in the lake. Largemouth bass, trout and panfish are listed as present.

Moss Lake

Moss Lake is a 185 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 29 feet with moderately clear water. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, largemouth bass and panfish are considered common in the lake while the other species of fish are listed as present.

Plummer Lake

Plummer Lake is a 219 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 85 feet with very clear water. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie are considered common in the lake while the other species of fish are listed as present.

Shishebogama Lake

Shishebogama Lake is a 700 acre lake located in Vilas, Oneida Counties. It has a maximum depth of 42 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, walleye, largemouth bass and panfish are considered common in the lake. Smallmouth bass and northern pike are listed as present.

Squirrel Lake

Squirrel Lake is a 1,309 acre lake located in Vilas, Oneida Counties. It has a maximum depth of 46 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and and panfish are common in the lake. Northern pike are listed as present.

Statenaker Lake

Statenaker Lake is a 204 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 77 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, panfish are common in the lake while muskie, largemouth bass and walleye are listed as present.

Sugarbush Chain of Lakes

This smaller chain of lakes is often overlooked by the nearby Lac du Flambeau Chain of Lakes. If you are in this area though, this smaller chain does offer some solid fishing opportunities for a variety of fish with less fishing pressure. Access is easier with smaller portable boats such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats or inflatables.

Upper Sugarbush Lake

Upper Sugarbush Lake is a 141 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 29 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie and walleye are considered common in the lake. Northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish are listed as present.

Middle Sugarbush Lake

Middle Sugarbush Lake is a 254 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 57 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, all species of fish are listed as present in this lake.

Lower Sugarbush Lake

Lower Sugarbush Lake is a 180 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 61 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, all the fish in this lake are listed as present.

Turner Lake

Turner Lake is a 159 acre lake located in Vilas, Price Counties. It has a maximum depth of 12 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, walleye are abundant in the lake while muskie, northern pike and panfish are considered common. Largemouth bass are listed as present here.

White Sand Lake

White Sand Lake is a 1,181 acre lake located near the town of Lac du Flambeau in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 63 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie and walleye are common in this lake. Northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish are listed as present.

Land O’Lakes, WI

The Land O’Lakes area is home to so many awesome lakes and there are a lot of places you can go to catch a muskie. Lac Vieux Desert is a big lake with good fishing for so many species of fish. Muskie are here too and because of all the bait in the lake, there is plenty of eat for muskie to grow big. This lake is your best bet for finding numbers of quality muskie in this area. However, don’t rule out all the small to medium-sized lakes here because there are a lot of them.

Big Lake

Big Lake is a 780 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 30 feet. Fish include muskie, northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, walleye are abundant in the lake while muskie, northern pike, smallmouth bass and panfish are considered common in the lake. Largemouth bass are listed as present.

High Lake

Jute Lake

Jute Lake is a 191 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 23 feet. Fish include muskie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, smallmouth bass and panfish are considered common in the lake while muskie and largemouth bass are listed as present.

Lac Vieux Desert

Lac Vieux Desert is a 4,017 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 38 feet. There are multiple public boat landings with a variety of fish such as walleye, muskie, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. It is a good fishing lake with all species of fish listed as common in the lake according to the DNR.

Little Portage Lake

Little Portage Lake is a 160 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 11 feet. Fish include muskie, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, all species of fish are listed as present in the lake.

Palmer Lake

Palmer Lake is a 644 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 13 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and panfish are considered common in the lake while smallmouth bass are listed as present.

Tenderfoot Lake

Tenderfoot Lake is a 437 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 33 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, walleye, smallmouth bass and panfish are common in the lake. Largemouth bass and northern pike are listed as present.

Sanborn Lake

Sanborn Lake is a 243 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 13 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, northern pike are abundant in the lake. Panfish are considered common while largemouth bass are listed as present.

Spring Lake

Spring Lake is a 207 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 12 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, all species of fish are listed as present in the lake.

Manitowish Waters, WI

Manitowish Waters is a small town, but a very nice town with some excellent lakes to fish. For muskie anglers, you have a lot of options considering this town is so small. Most of the better lakes in this area are home to fishable populations of muskie and there are some quality fish in many of these lakes.

Manitowish Chain of Lakes

The Manitowish Chain of Lakes consists of 10 lakes that offers some excellent fishing for a variety of fish. Anglers come here to target northern pike, muskie, walleye, bass and panfish. This chain is a little farther north than Minocqua, but well worth the drive if you’re looking for good fishing with smaller crowds.

Learn more about the Manitowish Chain of Lakes

Other Area Lakes

Island Lake

Island Lake is a 865 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 35 feet. Fish include muskie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, northern pike, walleye and panfish are considered common in the lake while largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are listed as present.

Little Star Lake

Little Star Lake is a 260 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 67 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie and walleye are considered common in the lake while the other species of fish are listed as present.

Little Trout Lake

Rest Lake

Rest Lake is a 655 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 53 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, northern pike, walleye and panfish are considered common in the lake while largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are listed as present.

Spider Lake

Spider Lake is a 278 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 43 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, northern pike, walleye and panfish are considered common in the lake while largemouth and smallmouth bass are listed as present.

Wild Rice Lake

Wild Rice Lake is a 384 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 26 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, walleye and panfish are considered common in the lake while northern pike, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are listed as present.

Presque Isle, WI

Presque Isle, WI has several good muskie lakes and there are some big fish in some of these lakes too. On many of these lakes, the fishing pressure is fairly minimal, which gives anglers a better chance to get a muskie to bite. Some of the better muskie lakes in this area are Presque Isle Lake, Horsehead Lake, South Turtle Lake, Van Vliet Lake, Oxbow Lake, Crab Lake, Annabelle Lake, Lynx Lake, Papoose Lake and Round Lake, but these are just some of the lakes that you can fish for muskie.

Annabelle Lake

Annabelle Lake is a 194 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 30 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include walleye, muskie, northern pike, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie, walleye and panfish are common in this lake. Smallmouth bass and northern pike are listed as present. The lake’s water is moderately clear.

Armour Lake

Armour Lake is a 328 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 56 feet. Fish include walleye, muskie, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, walleye and panfish are common in this lake. All of the other species of fish are listed as present.

Big Lake

Big Lake is a 827 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 61 feet with moderately clear water. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, smallmouth bass, walleye and panfish are considered common while largemouth bass and northern pike are listed as present.

Crab Lake

Crab Lake is a 909 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 60 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include walleye, muskie, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. It’s a very good numbers lake for smallmouth bass with some big smallies here too. Fish the rocky points, shorelines and islands and you’ll find plenty of smallmouth bass willing to bite. There is also some decent muskie fishing here too with some big fish available as well.

Horsehead Lake

Horsehead Lake is a 250 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 24 feet and there is one public boat landing. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. The lake has moderately clear water. According to the DNR, muskie, walleye and panfish are common in this lake. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and northern pike are considered present.

Katinka Lake

Katinka Lake is a 170 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 60 feet with very clear water. Fish include muskie, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie and panfish are considered common in the lake while largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and walleye are listed as present.

Lynx Lake

Lynx Lake is a 307 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 48 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include walleye, muskie, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie, walleye and smallmouth bass are common in this lake. Largemouth bass, northern pike and panfish are listed as present.

McCullough Lake

McCullough Lake is a 221 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 27 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, largemouth bass and panfish are considered common in the lake while the other species of fish are listed as present.

Morton Lake

Morton Lake is a 165 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 29 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, largemouth bass and panfish are considered common in the lake while the other species of fish are listed as present.

Oxbow Lake

Oxbow Lake is a 523 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 44 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include walleye, muskie, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, walleye are common in this lake and all of the other species of fish are listed as present.

Papoose Lake

Papoose Lake is a 422 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 65 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include walleye, muskie, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie and walleye are common in this lake. Northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish are listed as present. The lake’s water clarity is very clear.

Round Lake

Round Lake is a 173 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 25 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include walleye, muskie, largemouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie, largemouth bass, walleye and panfish are common in this lake.

Wildcat Lake

Wildcat Lake is a 293 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 38 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include muskie, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie, walleye, smallmouth bass and panfish are considered common in this lake. Largemouth bass are listed as present. The lake’s water is moderately clear.

Sayner & Star Lake, WI

The towns of Sayner and Star Lake are very small, but there are several lakes right here in this area. Muskie are available in many of the better lakes in this area. Plum Lake, Star Lake and Big Muskellunge Lake are the bigger lakes in this area with some quality muskie fishing. Don’t rule out the smaller lakes here either, but the larger lakes will give you more opportunities for quality fish if you put in the time.

Ballard Lake

Ballard Lake is a 503 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 25 feet with moderately clear water. Fish include muskie, northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass and panfish.

Big Muskellunge Lake

Big Muskellunge Lake is a 897 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 70 feet. Fish include muskie, northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, largemouth bass, walleye and panfish are considered common in the lake. Northern pike and smallmouth bass are listed as present.

Irving Lake

Irving Lake is a 419 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 8 feet with moderately clear water. Fish include muskie, largemouth bass, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, largemouth bass and panfish are considered common in the lake while walleye are listed as present.

Lake Laura

Lake Laura is a 628 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 43 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie and walleye are considered common in the lake while largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish are listed as present.

Partridge Lake

Partridge Lake is a 235 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 19 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, largemouth bass and panfish are considered common in the lake while muskie, smallmouth bass and walleye are listed as present.

Plum Lake

Plum Lake is a 1,057 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 57 feet with moderately clear water. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, walleye and panfish are considered common in the lake while largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and northern pike are listed as present.

Razorback Lake

Razorback Lake is a 381 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 35 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye and panfish are considered common in the lake while muskie are listed as present.

Star Lake

Star Lake is a 1,219 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 68 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, walleye and panfish are considered common in the lake. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and northern pike are listed as present.

St. Germain, WI

There are several good muskie lakes in the St. Germain area. Many anglers come here to fish for muskie and there are some very big fish reported from the area lakes every year. Big St. Germain Lake, Little St. Germain Lake, Found Lake and Lost Lake are some quality lakes to fish for muskie. This area produces fish in the low to mid 40 inch range routinely and fish up to 50 inches are possible here.

Big St. Germain Lake

Big Saint Germain Lake is a 1622 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 42 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from one public boat landing. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie, northern pike, walleye and panfish are common in this lake. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are listed as present. The lake’s water is moderately clear.

Found Lake

Found Lake is a 336 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 21 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from one public boat landing. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, panfish are abundant in this lake and the other species of fish are listed as common.

Lake Content

Lake Content is a 239 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 42 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, panfish and northern pike are abundant in this lake. Walleye are listed as common. Muskie and largemouth bass are listed as present.

Little St. Germain Lake

Little Saint Germain Lake is a 972 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 53 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, northern pike are abundant in this lake. Muskie, walleye, largemouth bass and panfish are common in this lake. Smallmouth bass are considered present.

Lost Lake

Lost Lake is a 539 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 20 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from one public boat landing. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, panfish are abundant in this lake and the other species of fish are listed as common.

Pickerel Lake

Pickerel Lake is a 270 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 26 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from one public boat landing. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie, panfish and walleye are common in this lake. Northern pike and largemouth bass are listed as present. The lake’s water clarity is low.

Rainbow Flowage

Rainbow Flowage is actually located in Oneida County, but is super close to St. Germain and it is definitely a body of water than anglers fish when visiting St. Germain, Wisconsin. Rainbow Flowage covers 3,153 acres and has a maximum depth of 28 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from 5 public boat landings. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, panfish are abundant on the flowage. Northern pike and walleye are listed as common. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are listed as present.

Winchester, WI

Winchester is a small town with some very good fishing lakes, but you won’t find the larger lakes here. You will usually see less fishing pressure this far north, but there are plenty of anglers that do fish for muskies here, so don’t think you’re going to find lots of uneducated muskie in these waters. If you’re looking for some small to medium-sized waters that get less fishing pressure and still have decent populations of muskie, this might be an area for you to visit. Most of the better lakes up here will have healthy population of muskie with some quality fish too.

Turtle Chain of Lakes

The Turtle Lake Chain is a small chain of 3 lakes that are located in the town of Winchester, Wisconsin. The lakes offer good fishing for a variety of fish such as northern pike, muskie, bass, walleye and panfish.

North Turtle Lake

North Turtle Lake is a 359 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 58 feet with moderately clear water. Fish include muskie, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, walleye and panfish are considered common in the lake. The other species of fish are listed as present.

Rock Lake

Rock Lake is a 120 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 18 feet. Fish include muskie, panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye. According to the DNR, largemouth bass are abundant in the lake while panfish and walleye are considered common. Muskie and northern pike are listed as present.

South Turtle Lake

South Turtle Lake is a 466 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 40 feet. Fish include muskie, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. According to the DNR, muskie, walleye and panfish are considered common in the lake. The other species of fish are listed as present.

Other Area Lakes

Birch Lake

Birch Lake is a 506 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 45 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include walleye, muskie, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye and panfish are common in this lake. Northern pike are listed as present. The lake’s water is moderately clear.

Harris Lake

Harris Lake is a 534 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 57 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include walleye, muskie, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the Wisconsin DNR, muskie, walleye and panfish are common in this lake. Northern pike, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are listed as present.

No Mans Lake

No Mans Lake is a 230 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 31 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, largemouth bass are common in the lake while the other species of fish are listed as present.