Chain Lakes
Douglas County, Wisconsin
About Chain Lakes
Chain Lakes offers the classic northern Wisconsin combo: northern pike and bass in a Douglas County setting that draws anglers and families alike, a intimate 96-acre lake reaching 11 feet at its deepest. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. Anglers primarily target Northern Pike.
Bottom composition: 58% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 42% muck
Type: lake · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
46.18880° N, 91.72370° W
WBIC 2479800 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·Northern pike are ambush predators — target weed edges, fallen timber, and points with large spoons or swimbaits.
- ·Spring pike fishing (ice-out through June) can be outstanding as they move into shallow, warming bays to spawn.
- ·Largemouth bass relate to shallow structure. Work topwater lures at dawn in summer, then switch to soft plastics rigged weedless around lily pads and fallen wood.
- ·Bluegill and crappie stack up in 8–15 ft of water near weedlines. Small jigs tipped with a waxworm are hard to beat.
- ·Panfish are often excellent for kids and beginners — look for them around any dock or submerged brush piles.
Local's Guide
Fishing
Species-specific tips above. Wisconsin fishing license required for ages 16+. See current season regulations below.
View fishing regulations ↓Swimming
Sandy bottom sections make for good swimming. No lifeguard on duty — swim at your own risk.
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Nearby Dining
Looking for supper clubs and bait shops near Chain Lakes? Local dining recommendations coming soon.
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Insider Tips
Local knowledge about Chain Lakes — best times to visit, quiet spots, and what the regulars know. Contributed tips coming soon.
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Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Not documented
Clean lake
Seasonal Notes
Coming soon
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Chain Lakes?
Chain Lakes is home to Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike (Common), and Panfish. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Can you boat on Chain Lakes?
Chain Lakes does not currently have a public boat landing listed in the Wisconsin DNR database. Shore fishing or kayak/canoe access may still be available — check local access points.
How big is Chain Lakes?
Chain Lakes has 96 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 11 feet, a mean depth of 5 feet.
What is the bottom of Chain Lakes like?
The lake bottom is composed of 58% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 42% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in Chain Lakes?
No invasive species are currently documented in Chain Lakes by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is Chain Lakes located?
Chain Lakes is located in Douglas County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 46.1888° N, 91.7237° W.
Are there vacation rentals on Chain Lakes?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Douglas County lakes. Check our Chain Lakes vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Douglas County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for Chain Lakes
| Species | Season | Min. Length | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullheads | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Catfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Cisco And Whitefish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. | — |
| Lake Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Largemouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Largemouth Bass And Smallmouth Bass | June 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length limit is 14" and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Muskellunge And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | The minimum length limit is 40" and the daily bag limit is 1. | — |
| Northern Pike | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5. | — |
| Paddlefish | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Panfish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 25. | — |
| Rock, Yellow, And White Bass | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Rough Fish | Open All Year | No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. | — |
| Round Goby | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Ruffe | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | Closed | No fishing allowed. | — |
| Smallmouth Bass | May 2, 2026 to June 19, 2026 | Fish may not be harvested (catch and release only). | — |
| Trout | See specific regulations | https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/ . | — |
| Walleye, Sauger, And Hybrids | May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | The minimum length is 15", but walleye, sauger, and hybrids from 20" to 24" may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 24" is allowed. The daily bag limit is 3. | — |
| White Perch | Open All Year | The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office. | — |
Regulations sourced from Wisconsin DNR fisheries data. Always verify current regulations before fishing.
Lake Details
- WBIC
- 2479800
- County
- Douglas County
- Surface Area
- 96 acres
- Max Depth
- 11 ft
- Mean Depth
- 5 ft
- Bottom
- 58% sand, 0% gravel, 0% rock, 42% muck
- Lake Type
- lake
- Coordinates
- 46.1888, -91.7237
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near Chain Lakes? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 3/24/2026.