Lake Vieux Desert

Vilas, Wisconsin

Lac Vieux Desert straddles the Wisconsin-Michigan border and is the source of the Wisconsin River. WDNR lists 4,017 acres on the Vilas County side with a maximum depth of 38 feet, and a tiger muskellunge caught here in 1919 is recognized as the IGFA all-tackle record.

Air temp in Phelps, WI Loading current temperature…

Red pins match the numbered boat launches below. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Current air temperature at Lake Vieux Desert (National Weather Service) ↗

Surface area4,017 acres

Max depth38 ft

Shoreline—

Boat motorsCheck local ordinances

Species

Fishery rating out of 5.

Muskellunge●●●●○

WDNR lists musky as common

Walleye●●●○○

Common per WDNR

Northern Pike●●●○○

Common per WDNR

Largemouth Bass●●●○○

Common per WDNR

Smallmouth Bass●●●○○

Common per WDNR

Bluegill●●●○○

Panfish common per WDNR

Yellow Perch●●●○○

Panfish common per WDNR

Boat launches

4 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.

1Thunder Bay Boat RampPublic
Public ramp, Wisconsin sideDirections ↗
2National Forest Campground Boat AccessPublic
Public boat accessDirections ↗
3Carry-in Access, SW sidePublic
Carry-in onlyDirections ↗
More public accessPublic
See 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
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 ↗

Verified October 2026. Rules change, so confirm current limits with the Wisconsin DNR before you fish.

Bait & tackle nearby

Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.

The Tackle BoxNearby
4267 Hwy B, Land O' Lakes, WI 54540715-547-3434 Directions ↗

Search more bait shops near Lake Vieux Desert ↗

Local tips

The lake borders Michigan; check which state's license and rules apply where you fish
Bottom is mixed muck, sand, gravel and rock, so look for the harder-bottom transitions
Three public accesses are on the Wisconsin side including Thunder Bay

View on interactive map

Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.

More Wisconsin lakes

Lake Puckaway Lake DuBay Lake Winneshiek Lake Winneconne Willow Flowage Lac Vieux Desert Trout Lake Pelican Lake (Oneida County) All Wisconsin lakes →

Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.