Franklin Lake (Forest County)
Franklin Lake is an 839-acre, very clear lake in Forest County with a maximum depth of 46 feet and an average near 19 feet. WDNR lists panfish, smallmouth bass and walleye as common, with largemouth bass and northern pike present.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Walleye
Listed as common by WDNR
Smallmouth Bass
Listed as common by WDNR
Bluegill
Panfish listed as common
Crappie
Panfish listed as common
Yellow Perch
Panfish listed as common
Largemouth Bass
Listed as present by WDNR
Northern Pike
Listed as present by WDNR
Boat launches
2 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Franklin Lake public boat landingPublicWDNR and Lake-Link list 1 public landingDirections ↗
- 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 May 2, 2026-Mar 7, 2027 | 18 in | 3 / day |
| Largemouth Bass May 2-Jun 19, 2026; Jun 20, 2026-Mar 7, 2027 same rule applies to combined LMB/SMB | None (14-18 in may not be kept; only 1 over 18 in) | 5 / day |
| Smallmouth Bass Jun 20, 2026-Mar 7, 2027 (combined with largemouth); May 2-Jun 19 catch and release only | None (14-18 in may not be kept; only 1 over 18 in) | 5 / day |
| Northern Pike May 2, 2026-Mar 7, 2027 | See Wisconsin rules book ↗ | 5 / day |
| Muskellunge May 2-Dec 31, 2026; open water only | 40 in | 1 / day |
| Panfish Open all year | See Wisconsin rules book ↗ | 25 / day |
| Catfish Open all year | See Wisconsin rules book ↗ | 10 / day |
| Lake Sturgeon No fishing allowed | Closed | 0 |
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.
- Jokin' Joe's Bait & TackleNearby1674 Superior St, Three Lakes, WI 54562(715) 536-2150Directions ↗
- R & M Musky ShopNearby5196 State Highway 70 W, Eagle River, WI 54521(715) 477-0019Directions ↗
- Eagle Sports CenterNearby702 Wall St., Eagle River, WI 54521(715) 479-8804Directions ↗
Local tips
- Very clear water: natural colors and light line
- Fish deeper structure in bright conditions
- Walleye minimum is 18 inches and bass have a protected slot; confirm current rules
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.