Buffalo Lake (Marquette County)
Buffalo Lake is a 2,179-acre shallow lake in Marquette County near Packwaukee and Montello, with a maximum depth of 8 feet and a muck bottom. WDNR lists panfish and catfish as common, with largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye present.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Bluegill
Panfish listed as common
Crappie
Panfish listed as common
Channel Catfish
Catfish listed as common by WDNR
Largemouth Bass
Listed as present by WDNR
Northern Pike
Listed as present by WDNR
Walleye
Listed as present by WDNR
Boat launches
2 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Buffalo Lake public boat landingsPublicWDNR lists 5 public access points (Lake-Link lists 4)Directions ↗
- More public accessPublicSee the WDNR lake page for all landingsDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye Walleye, sauger and hybrids; May 2, 2026 - Mar 7, 2027 | 15 in | 3 / day |
| Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass May 2, 2026 - Mar 7, 2027 (catch and release otherwise) | 14 in | 5 / day |
| Northern Pike May 2, 2026 - Mar 7, 2027 | 26 in | 2 / day |
| Muskellunge May 2 - Dec 31, 2026; open water only | 40 in | 1 / day |
| Panfish Open all year | See Wisconsin rules book ↗ | 25 / day |
| Channel Catfish 24 if a flathead is included; open all year | See Wisconsin rules book ↗ | 25 / day |
| Flathead Catfish May 2 - Sept 30, 2026; flathead 36 in to 42 in may not be kept | 30 in | 1 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Wisconsin DNR ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- The Minnow BucketNearby321 S Franklin Ave, Oxford, WI 53952(608) 586-5168Directions ↗
- Mason StationNearbyBriggsville, WI(608) 981-2119Directions ↗
- D & R LuresNearbyN9146 19th Ct, Neshkoro, WI 54960(920) 293-4964Directions ↗
Local tips
- Heavy weed growth: work openings and weed edges for bass
- Very shallow (max 8 ft): watch for winter oxygen issues and low water
- Check WDNR regulations before keeping fish
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches; blue pins are bait shops nearby.
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Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.