Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, Eagle River is a dream destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. Known for its pristine chain of 28 connected lakes — the largest freshwater chain in the world — Eagle River offers unmatched opportunities for fishing, boating, and paddling. Anglers flock here for legendary walleye, muskie, bass, and panfish action, while boaters and kayakers explore miles of scenic shoreline surrounded by tall pines and calm waters. Whether you’re casting from a dock, cruising at sunset, or enjoying a quiet morning paddle, Eagle River delivers the kind of natural beauty and adventure that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
Eat & Drink Eagle River, Wisconsin
🍽️ Diverse Dining in Eagle River, WI
Eagle River offers a surprisingly rich dining scene for a Northwoods town, with something for every craving:
🍤 Cozy Supper Clubs & Rustic Grills
Classic, hearty meals in warm, welcoming settings
☕ Lakeside Cafés & Family Diners
Perfect for relaxing meals with a view
🍕 Wood-Fired Pizza & Fresh-Caught Fish
Flavorful, local favorites you won’t want to miss
🍔 Quick Bites & Fast Food
Convenient spots near town center for grabbing food on the go
Many restaurants feature outdoor seating during warm months — ideal for unwinding after a day on the water.
🛏️ Lodging in Eagle River, WI
🏕️ Stay Your Way in the Northwoods
Eagle River offers a wide range of lodging options — whether you’re after rustic charm or modern comfort.
🏡 Cabin & Resort Life
Cozy lakeside cabins tucked in the pines
Classic Northwoods resorts with boat docks, playgrounds & firepits
Many right on the water for easy access to fishing, boating, & swimming
🏨 Hotels & Motels
Conveniently located near shops, restaurants, and attractions
Great for quick weekend getaways or extended stays
⛺ Campgrounds
Family-friendly camping options with amenities
Ideal for those looking to relax and reconnect with nature
🎣 Built for Outdoor Adventure
No matter where you stay, you’re never far from Eagle River’s legendary lakes, scenic trails, and small-town charm.
🌲 There’s More Than Fishing in Eagle River, WI
🛶 Outdoor Fun for Everyone
Explore the lakes by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, or enjoy floating water toys & inflatable playgrounds at many resorts and campgrounds.
🏴☠️ Set Sail on a Pirate Ship
Hop aboard a themed cruise for a family-friendly adventure — complete with laughs and lake views.
🛍️ Small-Town Charm
Stroll through downtown for:
🎁 Unique gift shops
🍫 Homemade fudge & sweets
🍦 Ice cream parlors
🪵 Classic Northwoods merch
🏁 High-Speed Action
Catch stock car & sprint races at Eagle River Speedway — a local favorite for adrenaline-packed summer nights.
🍷 Farm Fresh & Local
Visit a nearby cranberry farm for tours, treats, tastings, and locally made wine.
☀️ Something for Every Season
Whether you’re soaking up lake life or chasing excitement on land, Eagle River delivers far beyond the fishing rod.
Learn About The Fishing
🎣 Muskie Fishing in Eagle River, Wisconsin
🏆 Top Muskie Destination
Eagle River is one of Wisconsin’s premier spots for muskie fishing — perfect for anglers seeking steady action and a genuine shot at landing “the fish of 10,000 casts.”
🌊 The Eagle River Chain of Lakes
Known as one of the best “action chains” in the state, the Eagle River Chain offers a higher-than-average chance of hooking muskies. While trophy-size catches aren’t guaranteed, consistent follows, bites, and hookups make it ideal for both seasoned anglers and newcomers.
🏞️ Explore Smaller Lakes
Surrounding the main chain are numerous smaller, quieter lakes holding quality muskie — great for anglers looking for a more secluded experience.
🎯 Major Muskie Tournament Hub
Eagle River hosts several major muskie tournaments, including:
The National Championship Musky Open
The Muskies Inc. Spring Classic
The Professional Walleye Trail (PWT) Muskie Tournament
With plenty of lakes and abundant fish, Eagle River offers unmatched muskie fishing for both competitors and casual anglers alike.
🎣 Walleye Fishing in Eagle River, Wisconsin
🎯 A Good Destination for Walleye
Eagle River has been a solid place to fish for walleye with the Chain of Lakes getting the most attention, however, many anglers report good walleye fishing from the smaller lakes that aren’t a part of the chain in the Eagle River area.
🌊 The Eagle River Chain of Lakes
Offers solid chances for catching eater-size walleyes, with occasional trophy prospects. The bite is especially reliable in spring and fall.
🚤 Summer Boating Pressure
Heavy boating traffic during summer daylight hours can push walleyes deeper or into quieter spots, making midday fishing tougher.
🌅 Best Times to Fish
Early mornings, late evenings, and nighttime are often the most productive times for consistent walleye action.
🗺️ Explore Your Options
With smaller nearby lakes, anglers have plenty of spots to switch to when the bite slows down or the pleasure boaters become a little too much on the Eagle River Chain.
🎣 Techniques That Work
While there are many techniques that work, many anglers report that there are a good number of walleye found shallower along the weed lines throughout the Eagle River Chain from late spring through early fall. The murkier water helps some walleye to feel comfortable staying shallower even during summer months.
🎣 Bass Fishing in the Eagle River Area
📈 Largemouth Bass on the Rise
Largemouth bass fishing has improved significantly in the Eagle River area over the past decade. With most anglers focused on muskie and walleye, bass are often under-pressured, creating great opportunities for those who specifically target them.
🏆 What to Expect
Catch solid 2–3 lb bass consistently, with occasional reports of 4–5 lb fish. While true trophies are rare, the action is rewarding and steady for those who put in the time.
🌊 Best Local Waters
Look for quality largemouth fishing on:
🛶 Watersmeet Lake
🛶 Silver Lake
🛶 Kentuck Lake
🛶 Channels between lakes in the Eagle River Chain
🌲 Hidden Gems in the National Forest
For a quiet, motor-free experience, head into the Chequamegon National Forest. Some excellent walk-in and paddle-in lakes include:
🐟 Luna Lake
🐟 Three Johns Lake
🐟 White Deer Lake
🐟 McKinley Lake
These small lakes offer peaceful fishing and surprisingly good largemouth bass action — perfect for a half-day trip off the beaten path.
🐟 Smallmouth Bass Fishing in the Eagle River Area
🔥 Big Fish Potential, Close to Town
Smallmouth bass fishing in the Eagle River area can be excellent, especially just outside of town. The Eagle River Chain holds some nice smallmouths, but they tend to be scattered. If you find them, fish in the 3–5 lb range are very possible — quality over quantity.
📍 Top Lakes Just Outside of Town
While not technically in Vilas County, these nearby lakes are local favorites for smallmouth anglers:
🎣 Butternut Lake
Clear water, great launch, lots of smallmouth, and big ones too. A go-to for numbers and size.
🏕️ Franklin Lake
Strong action and quality fish; low water can make launching tricky, but there’s a campground right on the lake.
🌿 Kentuck Lake
Great early-season fishing; gets weedy by mid-summer. Try the deeper weed lines for success later in the year.
🌲 Anvil Lake
Steady bass fishing, though most anglers still prefer Butternut or Franklin.
For the best results, focus on structure like rocky points, submerged boulders, and deeper weed edges, especially in clear lakes. Smallmouth here love rocky bottoms and clean water.
🐊 Northern Pike Fishing in Eagle River, WI
🎣 Action-Packed Pike Fishing
Eagle River is a prime destination for Northern Pike, with tons of action on the Eagle River Chain and surrounding lakes. These toothy predators are aggressive, fun to catch, and available all season long.
🌿 Where to Find Them
Focus on:
🪻 Weed beds
🌊 Shallow bays
🧱 Weedline drop-offs
Many of the smaller lakes that are located off the Eagle River Chain will be home to pike, especially the lakes with plenty of aquatic vegetation.
⚡ Most Will Not Be Huge, But They are Still Fun
Pike in this region average mid-size, but fish over 36 inches are possible, but expect to find most pike in the 20 to 28 inch range.
👨👩👧👦 Perfect for All Anglers
Whether you’re a serious angler, a kid casting off the dock, or just looking for action, Northern Pike fishing here delivers thrills — and maybe even a surprise trophy.
🐟 Panfish Fun in Eagle River, WI
🎉 Easygoing, Family-Friendly Fishing
Eagle River is a panfish paradise, teeming with bluegill, crappie, perch, and rock bass. These fish offer steady, simple fun for anglers of all ages — perfect for families, beginners, and kids.
🌸 Spring Spawning Action
In spring, panfish pile into shallow bays and backwaters to spawn, making for fast-paced action right from shore or the dock.
🌿 Where to Find Them
As water warms, look for them along:
🍃 Weed edges
🌲 Submerged wood
🌊 Mid-depth structure
🎣 Simple Gear, Big Results
All you need is:
🪱 A bobber & worm
🎯 Tiny jigs
🐛 Soft plastics
Easy rigs = big smiles all day long.
🍽️ From Fun to Fryer
Whether you’re filling a basket with tasty bluegill, hunting for jumbo perch, or just catching nonstop rock bass under the sun, Eagle River delivers relaxing, reliable fishing all season long.
🚤 Boat Rentals in Eagle River, WI
🛥️ Choose Your Adventure on the Water
Eagle River offers a wide range of boat rentals so you can enjoy the lakes your way — whether it’s fishing, cruising, paddling, or playing.
🎣 Fishing Boats
Aluminum boats with outboards
Quiet rowboats for back bays
Many rentals can be delivered dockside to your resort or cabin
🛶 Paddling & Peace
🚣 Canoes
🛶 Kayaks
🏄 Stand-Up Paddleboards
Perfect for scenic, slow-paced exploration
🛟 Family Fun & Water Sports
Pontoons and deck boats for groups up to 13
Many come with tubes, skis, or water toys
Life jackets and safety gear included
⚡ High-Speed Thrills
Jet skis & Sea-Doos
Often bundled with ski equipment for added fun
🚚 Convenient & Flexible
Full-day or weekly rentals
Many businesses offer dockside delivery & pickup, making it effortless to get on the water
🎣 Fishing Guides in Eagle River, WI
🧭 Local Experts, Big Results
Eagle River is home to a strong lineup of professional fishing guides who know every bay, weedline, and rock pile on the chain and beyond.
🏆 Tailored Trips for Every Angler
Whether you’re:
🎯 Chasing trophy muskie
🐟 Targeting walleye and northern pike
👨👩👧👦 Planning a fun, family-friendly panfish trip
There’s a guide ready to match your goals and experience level.
🛥️ All-Inclusive Convenience
High-quality boats & equipment provided
Bait, tackle, and safety gear included
🎓 Beginner instruction available
⏰ Flexible Trip Options
Full-day, half-day, or evening trips
Guides adjust to seasonal patterns & boat traffic
Some offer wildlife tours & scenic outings too
📍 Know the Lakes Like Locals Do
With guides who fish these waters year-round, you’ll benefit from decades of knowledge to help maximize your time and success on the water.
Where to Fish
The Eagle River Chain of Lakes is made up of 9 connected lakes spanning nearly 3,600 acres of water, offering one of the best multi-lake fishing experiences in Wisconsin. With a wide range of resorts, lodges, cabins, and cottages, it’s easy to find the perfect place to stay right on the water. Anglers benefit from numerous local bait shops and experienced fishing guides, all ready to help you make the most of your time on the chain.
Fishing here is especially strong for walleye and muskie, but you’ll also find great action for crappie, perch, smallmouth bass, northern pike, rock bass, and bluegill.
The 9 lakes of the chain are:
Catfish Lake, Cranberry Lake, Duck Lake, Eagle Lake, Lynx Lake, Otter Lake, Scattering Rice Lake, Voyageur Lake, Watersmeet Lake, and Yellow Birch Lake.
Learn more about the Eagle River Chain of Lakes
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Lakes
Anvil Lake is a scenic 377-acre lake located in Vilas County, Wisconsin, with a maximum depth of 32 feet and moderately clear water. It offers a quiet, natural setting and a mix of fishing opportunities. According to the Wisconsin DNR, walleye are common, while smallmouth bass, northern pike, and various panfish are also present in the lake.
Anglers targeting walleye in Anvil Lake should consider fishing during low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk, and utilize techniques like trolling with crankbaits or jigging with a variety of live baits. For northern pike, casting large spinnerbaits or using live bait near weed beds can be effective. Smallmouth bass often inhabit rocky structures; using soft plastics or crankbaits along these areas can yield good results. Panfish are available and can be caught using small jigs tipped with worms or minnows.
Franklin Lake is a 839 acre lake located in the Nicolet National Forest of Forest County. It has a maximum depth of 46 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. The Wisconsin DNR lists smallmouth bass, panfish and walleye as common on this lake, but many anglers report it is also a good northern pike lake even though the DNR has pike listed only as “present” for this lake. The water is very clear on this lake.
Kentuck Lake is a 1001 acre lake located in Vilas, Forest Counties. It has a maximum depth of 40 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from public boat landings. Fish include muskie, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and walleye. According to the DNR, muskie, panfish, smallmouth bass and walleye are common in the lake. Largemouth bass are considered present.
Luna Lake is a 64 acre lake located in Forest County. It has a maximum depth of 35 feet. It is “no motor lake” so bring your small watercraft if you want to come here to fish for largemouth bass and panfish. It is a good largemouth bass lake for numbers with some quality fish too.
White Deer Lake is a 62 acre lake located in Forest County. It has a maximum depth of 50 feet. It is “no motor lake” so bring your small watercraft if you want to come here to fish for largemouth bass, trout and panfish. This lake’s clear waters are also very deep. Many anglers report good success here by using lighter line with finesse tactics for largemouth bass.
Three Johns Lake & McKinley Lake
Three Johns Lake is a 48 acre lake located in Forest County. It has a maximum depth of 42 feet. It is “no motor lake” so bring your small watercraft if you want to come here to fish for largemouth bass and panfish. It is a good largemouth bass lake for numbers with some quality fish too.
McKinley Lake is a 48 acre lake located in Forest County. It has a maximum depth of 20 feet. It is located close to Three Johns Lake and Butternut Lake. McKinley Lake is a decent largemouth bass lake with some panfish too. It is “no motor lake” so bring your small watercraft.
Spectacle Lake is a 166 acre lake located in Nicolet National Forest of Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 35 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout and walleye. The lake’s water clarity is very clear. This lake is uncrowded and it is known as a good bass fishing lake for both largemouth & smallmouth bass.
Other Area Lakes
Bass Lake is a 272 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 15 feet with moderately clear water. Fish include muskie, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, largemouth bass and panfish are considered common in the lake. Muskie, northern pike and walleye are listed as present.
Boot Lake is a 286 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 15 feet. Fish include muskie, northern pike, largemouth bass, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, panfish are abundant in the lake while muskie, northern pike, largemouth bass and walleye are considered common.
Carpenter Lake is a 339 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 16 feet. Fish include panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Walleye and panfish are listed as common and the other species of fish are only list as present according to the Wisconsin DNR. The lake’s water is moderately clear.
Deerskin Lake is a 301 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 18 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from 2 public boat landings. Fish include muskie, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Muskie, walleye and largemouth bass are listed as common on this lake according to the Wisconsin DNR with panfish being abundant. This lake also has a reputation for small northern pike to along with some good sized ones. The lake’s water is moderately clear.
Lower Ninemile Lake is a 849 acre lake located in the Nicolet National Forest of Vilas County. This lake is very shallow with a maximum depth of 5 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include muskie, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye, but don’t expect to catch a lot of big fish in this lake with all the shallow water.
Meta Lake is a 175 acre lake located in Oneida, Vilas Counties. It has a maximum depth of 25 feet. Fish include walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, walleye are considered common in the lake while the other species of fish are listed as present.
Muskellunge Lake is a 270 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 19 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, walleye, northern pike and panfish are considered common in the lake while largemouth bass are listed as present.
Snipe Lake is a 216 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 15 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish. According to the DNR, muskie, walleye and panfish are considered common in the lake. Largemouth bass are listed as present. The lake has moderately clear water.
Upper Ninemile Lake is a 108 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 5 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing, public lands or parks. Fish include panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike, but don’t expect to catch too many big fish because of the shallow water.
