Whitefish Lake (Sawyer County)
Whitefish Lake is an 800-acre, moderately clear Sawyer County lake with a maximum depth of 105 feet. WDNR lists northern pike as abundant, and musky, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and walleye as common.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Northern Pike
Listed as abundant by WDNR
Muskellunge
Listed as common by WDNR
Largemouth Bass
Listed as common by WDNR
Smallmouth Bass
Listed as common by WDNR
Walleye
Listed as common by WDNR
Bluegill
Panfish listed as present
Crappie
Panfish listed as present
Lake Trout
WDNR lists trout as present
Boat launches
2 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Whitefish 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 Walleye, sauger and hybrids; May 2, 2026 - Mar 7, 2027 | 18 in | 3 / day |
| Largemouth Bass May 2 - Jun 19, 2026 (smallmouth catch and release only) | See Wisconsin rules book ↗ | 5 / day |
| Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass Jun 20, 2026 - Mar 7, 2027; only one smallmouth may be kept and it must be over 18 in | See Wisconsin rules book ↗ | 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 |
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.
- Jenks Bait & TackleNearby11050 W County Road B, Hayward, WI 54843(715) 462-3055Directions ↗
- Happy Hooker Bait & TackleNearby12272 N Upper A Rd, Hayward, WI 54843(715) 462-3984Directions ↗
- Hayward BaitNearby15737 W US Highway 63, Hayward, WI 54843(715) 634-2921Directions ↗
Local tips
- Very deep water: learn the structure and thermocline before fishing
- Moderately clear water suits natural lure colors
- Check WDNR regulations before keeping fish; a 2024-25 WDNR creel survey exists for this lake
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
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Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.