Nebish Lake
Vilas County, Wisconsin
About Nebish Lake
Nebish Lake is a consistent bass fishery tucked into Vilas County — the kind of lake that rewards anglers who know it, a intimate 93-acre lake reaching 52 feet at its deepest. The lake has public boat landing access, making it easy to launch for a day on the water. Anglers target Panfish and Smallmouth Bass.
Bottom composition: 0% sand, 50% gravel, 40% rock, 10% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
46.05200° N, 89.59070° W
WBIC 1869700 · 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
Nebish Lake has limited visibility and a gravel and sand bottom, making it better suited for boating and fishing than swimming. The 93-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for Nebish Lake are coming soon. Know a great spot near Nebish Lake? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Vilas County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
Nebish Lake is one of Vilas County's lesser-known gems — the kind of place locals return to year after year. Early mornings before 9am offer the calmest water and best fishing before boat traffic picks up. If you're visiting for the first time, check the DNR boat landing locations before you arrive — some are well-marked, others take a local to find. Know something about Nebish Lake that visitors should? Share a tip at staynorthern.com/contact — we add the best ones to this page.
Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Not documented
Clean lake
Seasonal Notes
See below
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Ice typically goes out in late April to early May on northern Wisconsin lakes. Walleye and bass fishing peaks from late May through June and again in September and October. Summer brings warm water temps ideal for swimming from late June through August. Fall color peaks in late September — some of the most dramatic foliage in the state. Snowmobile and ice fishing season runs December through March, with hard ice typically forming by late December.
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Nebish Lake?
Nebish Lake is home to Panfish (Common), and Smallmouth Bass (Abundant). Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Is there a public boat launch on Nebish Lake?
Yes — Nebish Lake has a public boat landing providing watercraft access. Check for posted local ordinances at the landing before launching.
How big is Nebish Lake?
Nebish Lake has 93 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 52 feet, a mean depth of 18 feet.
What is the bottom of Nebish Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 0% sand, 50% gravel, 40% rock, 10% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Nebish Lake?
No invasive species are currently documented in Nebish Lake by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is Nebish Lake located?
Nebish Lake is located in Vilas County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 46.0520° N, 89.5907° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Nebish Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Vilas County lakes. Check our Nebish Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Vilas County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Nebish Lake
| Species | Season | Min. Length | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullheads | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Catfish | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Cisco And Whitefish | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Lake Sturgeon | Closed | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Largemouth Bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| 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 | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Paddlefish | Closed | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Panfish | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rock, Yellow, And White Bass | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rough Fish | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Round Goby | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Ruffe | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Closed | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Smallmouth Bass | Open All Year | Smallmouth bass must be less than 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Trout | See specific regulations | https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ . | — |
| Walleye, Sauger, And Hybrids | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| White Perch | Open All Year | There is no minimum length and the bag limit is unlimited, 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
- 1869700
- County
- Vilas County
- Surface Area
- 93 acres
- Max Depth
- 52 ft
- Mean Depth
- 18 ft
- Bottom
- 0% sand, 50% gravel, 40% rock, 10% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 46.0520, -89.5907
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Nebish Lake? Let us know.
Boat Landings (1)
NHAL Recreation Team Leader · (715) 385-3355 Ext.119
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/29/2026.