The Eagle River Chain of Lakes is made up of nine connected lakes totaling nearly 3,600 acres of fishable water, offering anglers and vacationers an ideal Northwoods experience. The area is packed with resorts, lodges, cabins, and cottages, making it easy to stay right on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, you’ll find plenty of bait shops and professional fishing guides ready to share local knowledge to help you catch more fish.
The chain is especially well known for its strong walleye and muskie populations, but you’ll also find excellent opportunities for crappie, perch, smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, rock bass, and bluegill. The nine lakes that make up the chain include Catfish Lake, Cranberry Lake, Duck Lake, Eagle Lake, Lynx Lake, Otter Lake, Scattering Rice Lake, Voyageur Lake, Watersmeet Lake, and Yellow Birch Lake. Keep reading to learn more about each of these productive and scenic waters.
Catfish Lake
Catfish Lake, part of the Eagle River Chain of Lakes in Vilas County, Wisconsin, spans 1,012 acres with a maximum depth of 30 feet. It’s widely recognized as one of the top lakes on the chain for walleye and muskie fishing. While smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and northern pike are also present, the lake’s main draw remains its strong populations of these prized gamefish. Panfish enthusiasts can find crappie, perch, rock bass, and bluegill as well, making Catfish Lake a well-rounded destination for anglers of all interests.
Cranberry Lake
Cranberry Lake is a sizeable and popular destination on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes, well-regarded for its walleye fishing. In addition to walleye, anglers commonly catch muskie and panfish, with the Wisconsin DNR listing these species as abundant throughout the lake. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass are also present, providing diverse fishing opportunities. Cranberry’s varied habitat supports healthy populations of gamefish, making it a favorite for anglers seeking a mix of action and variety within the Eagle River Chain.
Duck Lake
Duck Lake is a smaller 108-acre lake in the Eagle River Chain of Lakes, located near Eagle River in Vilas County. With a maximum depth of 20 feet, it sees considerable boat traffic during summer, which can make fishing its deep hole challenging at times. The lake supports good populations of walleye and muskie, though trophy-sized fish are less common. Anglers will also find smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and northern pike, along with panfish species such as crappie, perch, bluegill, and rock bass, offering a well-rounded fishing experience despite the lake’s smaller size.
Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake, spanning 572 acres with a maximum depth of 34 feet, is one of the premier lakes on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes near Eagle River in Vilas County. Known for its excellent fishing opportunities, Eagle Lake offers anglers a solid chance at trophy-sized walleye and muskie, alongside healthy populations of both species. In addition, the lake supports smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as northern pike. Panfish enthusiasts can enjoy abundant crappie, perch, bluegill, and rock bass, making Eagle Lake a diverse and rewarding destination for anglers of all interests.
Lynx Lake
Lynx Lake is a small, 31-acre lake on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes near Eagle River in Vilas County, with a maximum depth of 20 feet. Despite its size and the summer boat traffic, it offers anglers opportunities to catch walleye and muskie, though trophy-sized fish are less common. The lake also supports populations of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and northern pike, along with panfish species such as crappie, perch, bluegill, and rock bass. While fishing can be hit or miss, those who time their visits well can enjoy productive outings on Lynx Lake.
Otter Lake
Otter Lake, covering 174 acres with a maximum depth of 30 feet, is part of the Eagle River Chain of Lakes near Eagle River in Vilas County. This popular lake experiences heavy boat traffic, which can sometimes make fishing challenging. However, it remains a productive destination for walleye and muskie anglers. The lake also supports populations of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and northern pike, along with panfish species including crappie, perch, bluegill, and rock bass, offering a well-rounded fishing experience.
Scattering Rice Lake
Scattering Rice Lake spans 267 acres with a maximum depth of 17 feet and is part of the Eagle River Chain of Lakes near Eagle River in Vilas County. Known for offering solid fishing opportunities, this lake supports healthy populations of walleye, muskie, and panfish. It’s often less crowded than some of the larger lakes on the chain, providing a quieter fishing experience during busy summer months. Anglers can also target smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and northern pike, along with abundant panfish species like crappie, perch, bluegill, and rock bass, making it a well-rounded destination for a variety of fishing styles.
Voyageur Lake
Voyageur Lake is a 130-acre lake on the Eagle River Chain near Eagle River in Vilas County, with a maximum depth of 14 feet, though much of it is shallower. Its extensive weed growth and abundant wood structure provide excellent habitat for walleye, muskie, panfish, and bass. While summer fishing can be slow due to the shallowness, spring and fall offer more productive opportunities, especially as the water warms. Anglers seeking variety and structure will find Voyageur Lake a rewarding spot during the cooler seasons.
Watersmeet Lake
Watersmeet Lake, a 100-acre lake with a maximum depth of 12 feet, is part of the Eagle River Chain near Eagle River in Vilas County. Fed by four inlets, the lake features noticeable current, creating diverse fishing habitats. Anglers can expect good fishing for walleye and muskie, while largemouth bass tend to thrive here due to the abundant shallow water, wood, and weed cover. Smallmouth bass are also present, along with northern pike, making Watersmeet Lake a varied and productive fishery within the chain.
Yellow Birch Lake
Yellow Birch Lake is a 202-acre lake within the city limits of Eagle River, Wisconsin, and part of the Eagle River Chain of Lakes. With a maximum depth of 23 feet, it offers good fishing for walleye and muskie, while smallmouth bass are present but not abundant. Largemouth bass and northern pike also inhabit the lake, along with panfish species like crappie, perch, bluegill, and rock bass. Being centrally located, Yellow Birch sees heavy boat and angler traffic during peak summer, making fishing conditions variable depending on timing.
