Bernice Lake

Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin

32 acres 11 ft max depth 5 ft avg depth 3 fish species Invasives present

About Bernice Lake

Bernice Lake offers the classic northern Wisconsin combo: northern pike and bass in a Fond du Lac County setting that draws anglers and families alike, a intimate 32-acre lake reaching 11 feet at its deepest. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. The fishery includes Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Panfish. Note that invasive species (Eurasian Water-Milfoil) have been documented here — clean your boat before leaving.

Bottom composition: 0% sand, 0% gravel, 20% rock, 80% muck

Type: flowage · Hydrology: DRAINAGE

Lake Location

Loading map…

43.56500° N, 88.30290° W

WBIC 40900 · Wisconsin DNR

Fish Species

Full table →
Largemouth Bass· CommonNorthern Pike· AbundantPanfish· Common

Fishing Tips

  • ·Northern pike are ambush predators — target weed edges, fallen timber, and points with large spoons or swimbaits.
  • ·Spring pike fishing (ice-out through June) can be outstanding as they move into shallow, warming bays to spawn.
  • ·Largemouth bass relate to shallow structure. Work topwater lures at dawn in summer, then switch to soft plastics rigged weedless around lily pads and fallen wood.
  • ·Bluegill and crappie stack up in 8–15 ft of water near weedlines. Small jigs tipped with a waxworm are hard to beat.
  • ·Panfish are often excellent for kids and beginners — look for them around any dock or submerged brush piles.

Local's Guide

Fishing

Species-specific tips above. Wisconsin fishing license required for ages 16+. See current season regulations below.

View fishing regulations ↓

Swimming

Sandy bottom sections make for good swimming. No lifeguard on duty — swim at your own risk.

Content coming soon

Nearby Dining

Looking for supper clubs and bait shops near Bernice Lake? Local dining recommendations coming soon.

Content coming soon

Insider Tips

Local knowledge about Bernice Lake — best times to visit, quiet spots, and what the regulars know. Contributed tips coming soon.

Content coming soon

Lake Conditions

Water Clarity

No data

Trophic Status

No data

Invasive Weeds

Present

Eurasian Water-Milfoil

Seasonal Notes

Coming soon

Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows

Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.

Invasive Species Present

Eurasian Water-Milfoil has been documented in Bernice Lake. Clean, drain, and dry all watercraft and equipment before leaving.

Report sightings to the Wisconsin DNR invasive species hotline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Bernice Lake?

Bernice Lake is home to Largemouth Bass (Common), Northern Pike (Abundant), and Panfish (Common). Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.

Can you boat on Bernice Lake?

Bernice Lake does not currently have a public boat landing listed in the Wisconsin DNR database. Shore fishing or kayak/canoe access may still be available — check local access points.

How big is Bernice Lake?

Bernice Lake has 32 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 11 feet, a mean depth of 5 feet.

What is the bottom of Bernice Lake like?

The lake bottom is composed of 0% sand, 0% gravel, 20% rock, 80% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.

Are there invasive species in Bernice Lake?

Yes — Eurasian Water-Milfoil has been documented in Bernice Lake. Please clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and all equipment before leaving any Wisconsin water body to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Where is Bernice Lake located?

Bernice Lake is located in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 43.5650° N, 88.3029° W.

Are there vacation rentals on Bernice Lake?

Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Fond du Lac County lakes. Check our Bernice Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Fond du Lac County lake rentals.

Fishing Regulations

Current season regulations for Bernice Lake

SpeciesSeasonMin. LengthDaily Bag
BullheadsOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited.
CatfishOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25.
Cisco And WhitefishOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10.
Lake SturgeonClosedNo fishing allowed.
Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth BassMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5.
Muskellunge And HybridsMay 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open waterThe minimum length limit is 40" and the daily bag limit is 1.
Northern PikeMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027The minimum length limit is 26" and the daily bag limit is 2.
PaddlefishClosedNo fishing allowed.
PanfishOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25.
Rock, Yellow, And White BassOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited.
Rough FishOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited.
Round GobyOpen All YearThe daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office.
RuffeOpen All YearThe daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office.
Shovelnose SturgeonClosedNo fishing allowed.
TroutSee specific regulationshttps://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ .
Walleye, Sauger, And HybridsMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027The minimum length limit is 15" and the daily bag limit is 3.
White PerchOpen All YearThe daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office.

Regulations sourced from Wisconsin DNR fisheries data. Always verify current regulations before fishing.

Lake Details

WBIC
40900
County
Fond du Lac County
Surface Area
32 acres
Max Depth
11 ft
Mean Depth
5 ft
Bottom
0% sand, 0% gravel, 20% rock, 80% muck
Lake Type
flowage
Coordinates
43.5650, -88.3029
Full Facts & Figures

Boat Rentals Nearby

Pontoon

Listing soon

Fishing Boat + Motor

Listing soon

Kayak / Canoe

Listing soon

Know a local boat rental operator near Bernice Lake? Let us know.

Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 3/24/2026.