The Manitowish Chain of Lakes consists of 10 connected lakes in Vilas County, Wisconsin, offering excellent fishing for northern pike, muskie, walleye, bass, and panfish. These waters—Alder, Clear, Fawn, Island, Little Star, Manitowish, Rest, Spider, Stone, and Wild Rice—are prime Northwoods angling destinations.
The Manitowish Chain of Lakes is widely regarded as a Class A muskie fishery, offering anglers a real shot at trophy-sized muskellunge in a classic Northwoods setting. These clear, interconnected lakes also support strong populations of walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, and panfish like bluegill, crappie, and perch. Survey data and angler reports confirm that muskie, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye are especially common in key waters like Manitowish and Rest lakes. Central lakes such as Rest, Stone, and Clear consistently produce steady action for walleye and bass, along with muskie over 40 inches, attracting both numbers-focused anglers and those chasing big fish.
Whether you’re after trophy muskie, chasing walleye and bass, or enjoying panfish action with family, the Manitowish Chain delivers a diverse, scenic Northwoods fishing experience.
Alder Lake
At 264 acres and 30 feet deep, Alder Lake (map) supports a healthy mix of muskie, common panfish, bass, northern pike, and strong walleye populations.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake (515 acres, 45 ft) with clear water, offers strong angling for Clear Lake (map), known for robust populations of muskie, northern pike, walleye, and panfish. Both bass species are also present.
Fawn Lake
This 70-acre, shallow lake (14 ft) sees consistent action from Fawn Lake (map): muskie, walleye, panfish, pike, and bass.
Island Lake
Island Lake spans 865 acres to 35 feet deep. Island Lake (map) features excellent angling for muskie, walleye, northern pike, panfish, and supporting bass among its many bays and shorelines.
Little Star Lake
Little Star Lake (260 acres, 67 ft): map is recognized for muskie and walleye, plus bass, pike, and panfish—ideal around structure.
Manitowish Lake
At 496 acres and 61 feet deep, Manitowish Lake (map) is a standout destination, known for common muskie, walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish around weed edges and drop-offs.
Rest Lake
Rest Lake covers 655 acres and reaches 53 feet deep. Rest Lake (map) supports strong populations of muskie, walleye, pike, and panfish, along with both bass species in its deep basins.
Spider Lake
Spider Lake (278 acres, 43 ft): Spider Lake (map) offers great action for muskie, walleye, pike, panfish, and bass in coves and shoreline breaks.
Stone Lake
Stone Lake (138 acres, 43 ft): Stone Lake (map) is known for muskie, walleye, panfish, and both bass species in structure-rich areas.
Wild Rice Lake
Wild Rice Lake spans 384 acres with a max depth of 26 ft. Wild Rice Lake (map) features common muskie, walleye, panfish, and bass—often found near shallows and weed beds.
