Paya Lake
Oconto County, Wisconsin
About Paya Lake
Paya Lake is a consistent bass fishery tucked into Oconto County — the kind of lake that rewards anglers who know it, a mid-sized lake at 105 acres and up to 40 feet deep. The lake has public boat landing access, making it easy to launch for a day on the water. Anglers target Largemouth Bass and Panfish. Note that invasive species (Rusty Crayfish) have been documented here — clean your boat before leaving.
Bottom composition: 40% sand, 40% gravel, 10% rock, 10% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
45.27600° N, 88.48480° W
WBIC 425600 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·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.
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Nearby Dining
Looking for supper clubs and bait shops near Paya Lake? Local dining recommendations coming soon.
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Insider Tips
Local knowledge about Paya Lake — best times to visit, quiet spots, and what the regulars know. Contributed tips coming soon.
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Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Present
Rusty Crayfish
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
Rusty Crayfish has been documented in Paya 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 Paya Lake?
Paya Lake is home to Largemouth Bass (Common), Panfish (Common), and Smallmouth Bass. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Is there a public boat launch on Paya Lake?
Yes — Paya Lake has a public boat landing providing watercraft access. Check for posted local ordinances at the landing before launching.
How big is Paya Lake?
Paya Lake has 105 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 40 feet, a mean depth of 20 feet.
What is the bottom of Paya Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 40% sand, 40% gravel, 10% rock, 10% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Paya Lake?
Yes — Rusty Crayfish has been documented in Paya 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 Paya Lake located?
Paya Lake is located in Oconto County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 45.2760° N, 88.4848° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Paya Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Oconto County lakes. Check our Paya Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Oconto County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Paya Lake
| Species | Season | Min. Length | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullheads | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Catfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Cisco And Whitefish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Lake Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Largemouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length for largemouth bass, and bag limit for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass is 5 in total. | — |
| Largemouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length is 18, but largemouth bass from 14" to 18" may not be kept.The daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | June 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Five smallmouth and largemouth bass may be kept. Smallmouth bass must be at least 14". Largemouth bass between 14-18" may not be kept and only one over 18" may be kept. | — |
| Muskellunge And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | The minimum length limit is 40" and the daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| Northern Pike | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Paddlefish | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Panfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Rock, Yellow, And White Bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rough Fish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Round Goby | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Ruffe | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Smallmouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | The daily bag limit is 0. | — |
| Smallmouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Minimum length for smallmouth bass is 14" and bag limit for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass is 5 in total. | — |
| Trout | See specific regulations | https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ . | — |
| Walleye, Sauger, And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length is 15", but walleye, sauger, and hybrids from 20" to 24" may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 24" is allowed. The daily bag limit is 3. | — |
| White Perch | Open All Year | The 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
- 425600
- County
- Oconto County
- Surface Area
- 105 acres
- Max Depth
- 40 ft
- Mean Depth
- 20 ft
- Bottom
- 40% sand, 40% gravel, 10% rock, 10% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 45.2760, -88.4848
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Paya Lake? Let us know.
Boat Landings (1)
Public Boat Landing
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 3/24/2026.