After a day on the water, Ripsaw Saloon serves the best fish frys in the county.
See also: our complete Price County fishing guide
See also: our guide to free camping in Wisconsin
See also: our 48-hour Price County itinerary
See also: our complete Price County dining guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fishing lakes in Price County?
Popular fishing lakes in Price County include Butternut Lake, Round Lake, Wilson Lake, and the Phillips Chain of Lakes. Each offers different species profiles — from walleye and muskie to panfish and bass — with public boat landings maintained by the county.
Do I need a Wisconsin fishing license in Price County?
Yes. Anyone 16 or older needs a valid Wisconsin fishing license to fish Price County waters. Licenses are available online through the Wisconsin DNR Go Wild system or at local bait shops and sporting goods stores. Out-of-state visitors need a nonresident license.
What fish species are most common in Price County lakes?
Walleye, northern pike, muskie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and perch are the most commonly targeted species. Several lakes are classified as muskie waters by the Wisconsin DNR, with specific regulations on size and bag limits.
Are there fishing guides available in Price County?
Several local guides operate on Price County waters, particularly for muskie and walleye. Guide services is through the Price County Tourism website or local bait shops. Rates typically range from $300-$500 for a half-day trip as of 2026.
Price County has 100+ named lakes and 330 miles of trout streams. The fishing is better than most Wisconsinites realize — because the tourism boards don’t promote it. Here’s the angler’s guide the county doesn’t want published.
Quick Answer: Price County is an angler’s paradise: 100+ lakes, 330 miles of trout streams, world-class musky fishing on Butternut Lake, and Class I trout water on the Elk River.
Price County has 100+ named lakes and 330 miles of trout streams. The fishing is better than most Wisconsinites realize — because the tourism boards don’t promote it. Here’s the angler’s guide the county doesn’t want published.
Quick Answer: Price County is an angler’s paradise: 100+ lakes, 330 miles of trout streams, world-class musky fishing on Butternut Lake, and Class I trout water on the Elk River.
Price County has 100+ named lakes and 330 miles of trout streams. The fishing is better than most Wisconsinites realize — because the tourism boards don’t promote it. Here’s the angler’s guide the county doesn’t want published.
Quick Answer: Price County is an angler’s paradise: 100+ lakes, 330 miles of trout streams, world-class musky fishing on Butternut Lake, and Class I trout water on the Elk River.
Price County has 100+ named lakes and 330 miles of trout streams. The fishing is better than most Wisconsinites realize — because the tourism boards don’t promote it. Here’s the angler’s guide the county doesn’t want published.
Quick Answer: Price County is an angler’s paradise: 100+ lakes, 330 miles of trout streams, world-class musky fishing on Butternut Lake, and Class I trout water on the Elk River. Here’s where to fish and what to use.