Planting Ground Lake

Oneida County, Wisconsin

1,010 acres 37 ft max depth 16 ft avg depth 6 fish species Invasives present

About Planting Ground Lake

Planting Ground Lake is a serious fishing destination in Oneida County, known for both its musky and walleye populations, covering 1,010 acres with a maximum depth of 37 feet. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. Anglers target Musky and Walleye. Note that invasive species (Chinese Mystery Snail, Purple Loosestrife, Rusty Crayfish) have been documented here — clean your boat before leaving.

Bottom composition: 70% sand, 15% gravel, 0% rock, 15% muck

Type: lake · Hydrology: DRAINAGE

Lake Location

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45.83540° N, 89.15710° W

WBIC 1609100 · Wisconsin DNR

Fish Species

Full table →
Largemouth BassMusky· CommonNorthern PikePanfishSmallmouth BassWalleye· Common

Fishing Tips

  • ·Musky fishing is best in early morning and evening. Work weedlines and structural transitions with large bucktails or soft swimbaits.
  • ·Wisconsin musky season typically opens the first Saturday in May. The fall bite (September–October) is peak for trophy fish.
  • ·Walleye feed most actively at dawn and dusk. Jig along deep structural breaks or troll crankbaits along weedlines at 6–8 ft depth.
  • ·Night fishing under a full moon can produce excellent walleye results from late June through August.
  • ·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.

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Nearby Dining

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

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Insider Tips

Local knowledge about Planting Ground 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

Chinese Mystery Snail, Purple Loosestrife, 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

Chinese Mystery Snail and Purple Loosestrife and Rusty Crayfish have been documented in Planting Ground 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 Planting Ground Lake?

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

Can you boat on Planting Ground Lake?

Planting Ground 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 Planting Ground Lake?

Planting Ground Lake has 1,010 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 37 feet, a mean depth of 16 feet.

What is the bottom of Planting Ground Lake like?

The lake bottom is composed of 70% sand, 15% gravel, 0% rock, 15% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.

Are there invasive species in Planting Ground Lake?

Yes — Chinese Mystery Snail and Purple Loosestrife and Rusty Crayfish have been documented in Planting Ground 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 Planting Ground Lake located?

Planting Ground Lake is located in Oneida County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 45.8354° N, 89.1571° W.

Are there vacation rentals on Planting Ground Lake?

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

Fishing Regulations

Current season regulations for Planting Ground 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 10.
Cisco And WhitefishOpen All YearNo minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10.
Lake SturgeonClosedNo fishing allowed.
Largemouth BassMay 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5.
Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth BassJune 20, 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, 2027No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5.
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.
Smallmouth BassMay 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026Fish may not be harvested (catch and release only).
TroutSee specific regulationshttps://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ .
Walleye, Sauger, And HybridsMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027No minimum length limit, but only 1 fish over 14" is allowed 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
1609100
County
Oneida County
Surface Area
1,010 acres
Max Depth
37 ft
Mean Depth
16 ft
Bottom
70% sand, 15% gravel, 0% rock, 15% muck
Lake Type
lake
Coordinates
45.8354, -89.1571
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 Planting Ground Lake? Let us know.

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