Most lakes in the Eagle River area have catchable walleye, though fishing can be hit or miss depending on the lake and time of year. The Eagle River Chain of Lakes gets the most attention for walleye fishing due to its size and good fish populations, but it sees heavy fishing pressure, making summer fishing more challenging. Spring and fall are typically better, especially if you’re targeting weed-oriented walleye.
Smaller lakes outside the chain, like Butternut Lake, offer fewer walleye but are better known for smallmouth bass. While the smaller lakes have fishable walleye populations, the numbers and quality tend to be lower, with bass fishing often taking center stage in recent years.
Eagle River Chain of Lakes
The Eagle River Chain of Lakes is a top walleye fishing destination in northern Wisconsin, covering over 3,600 acres of water. The chain includes nine interconnected lakes, with Catfish Lake, Cranberry Lake, and Eagle Lake being especially known for their walleye populations. However, walleye can be found throughout the chain. The best fishing spots may vary depending on the time of day or season.
Best Times to Fish
Spring and Fall are the best seasons for walleye fishing, as the fish are more active and can be found in shallower waters. Summer fishing can be more challenging due to higher fishing and boating pressure, but focusing on weed beds and deeper areas can lead to success.
Learn more about the Eagle River Chain of Lakes
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Lakes
Anvil Lake
Anvil Lake is a 377 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 32 feet with moderately clear water. Fish include smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye and panfish. According to the DNR, walleye are common in the lake while the other species of fish are listed as present.
Franklin Lake
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
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.
Other Area Lakes
Boot Lake
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
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
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.
Meta Lake
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
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
Snipe Lake is a 216 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 15 feet. Fish include muskie, walleye, 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.
