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Eagle River Chain of Lakes, Wisconsin, USA

Also known as:  Cranberry Lake, Catfish Lake, Voyageur Lake, Eagle Lake, Scattering Rice Lake, Otter Lake, Lynx Lake, Duck Lake, Yellow Birch Lake, Watersmeet Lake.

The Eagle River Chain of Lakes in far northeastern Wisconsin is known to fishermen as prime Musky water, but the lakes are also a prime vacation destination for the entire family. The Eagle River Chain includes nine lakes that span 3,928 acres with 68 miles of shoreline: Catfish Lake, Voyageur Lake, Eagle Lake, Scattering Rice Lake, Otter Lake, Lynx Lake, Duck Lake, Yellow Birch Lake, and nearby…
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    • All About Eagle River Chain of Lakes, WI

    Lake Locations: USA - US Midwest Region - Wisconsin - Lake Superior Northwoods Region, WI -

    The Eagle River Chain of Lakes in far northeastern Wisconsin is known to fishermen as prime Musky water, but the lakes are also a prime vacation destination for the entire family. The Eagle River Chain includes nine lakes that span 3,928 acres with 68 miles of shoreline: Catfish Lake, Voyageur Lake, Eagle Lake, Scattering Rice Lake, Otter Lake, Lynx Lake, Duck Lake, Yellow Birch Lake, and nearby Watersmeet Lake. The chain, although partly natural lakes, is created and deepened by the Otter Rapids Hydroelectric Dam at the end of Watersmeet Lake. Vilas County, next to the Michigan state line, and adjoining Oneida County are in the Northern Highlands Lake District of Wisconsin, one of the highest densities of lakes in North America.

    The connecting Three Lakes Chain, also known as Burnt Rollways Reservoir, contains another 7,600 acres and 106 miles of shoreline. But, instead of three lakes, there are actually 20 connected in this chain, with several more not technically connected but a very short distance away. All are great fishing lakes: Long Lake, Planting Ground Lake, Rangeline Lake, Townline Lake, Round Lake, Island Lake, Little Fork and Big Fork Lakes, Fourmile Lake, Medicine Lake, Laurel Lake, Spirit Lake, Big Stone Lake, Deer Lake, Crystal Lake, Dog Lake, Big Lake, Whitefish Lake, Maple Lake, and Virgin Lake. Although it is popularly stated that there are 28 lakes in the chain, it appears there are more than that indirectly connected. Together the two chains create the largest inner coastal freshwater chain in the world.

    The Eagle River Chain of Lakes and the Three Lakes Chain are connected and navigable by boat via an ingenious tramway at the Burnt Rollways Dam, operated by the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company (WVIC). In operation since 1911, the hoist system moves boats from the lower Eagle River Chain (1614 feet) to the somewhat higher Three Lakes Chain (1625 feet). WVIC also maintains the 2.5-mile channel below the hoist into Cranberry Lake (955 acres). Other popular lakes nearby are Dam Lake, North Twin Lake, and Bass Lake. The lakes are relatively shallow; the deepest spot is 57 feet. Although the water is clean, clarity is poor as the water is stained with tannin, a naturally occurring harmless byproduct of vegetation. (Hint for the Musky Hunter: use fluorescent baits at the edges of the weed beds.)

    The two chains are bound by Eagle River on the north and Three Lakes on the south. The area saw sporadic settlement throughout the 1800s, but settlers soon found the soil too thin for much farming. As a local wit says, the land wasn’t good for much except growing trees, and it did that in abundance. The few settlers coexisted with local Native Americans for several years.

    It wasn’t until the 1880s that there was a major influx of lumbering men and lumber interests to the Eagle River Chain of Lakes area. Coming across from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, loggers flooded into the small settlement of Eagle River. At one point, the town had over 2500 residents, mostly living in hotels and boarding houses. Rail lines soon were laid to transport out the lumber produced. Rail travel opened up the possibility of visits to the northern lakes for many, and the area quickly became popular for hunting, fishing and camping. Currently the population is around 1500 and stays stable at that number. Smaller Three Lakes saw a similar temporary lumber boom and settled back to become a sleepy small town that enjoys its visitor population immensely. Most of the harvestable timber was exhausted by 1910 and has since been replanted and re-grown.

    Fishermen come here to pursue the famed and wily Muskellunge but can also catch Walleye, Northern Pike, Crappie, Perch, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegills, Rock Bass, several varieties of Bullhead Catfish, and Shiners. The Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center and Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin, Inc. sponsor the Annual National Championship Musky Open Tournament in August each year. There are several other fishing tournaments scheduled annually for the angler’s enjoyment. In winter, there is ice fishing on the lakes. Truly, fisher folk could be happy here year round.

    The Eagle River Chain of Lakes never saw the intense resort development of many lakes farther south, likely due to its remote location. It has always sported a few resorts scattered among the lakes and is beginning to develop more resort properties and condos. Some lakes are sparsely populated; none are crowded. There is everything here from exclusive resort complexes with all desired amenities to small fish camp-type properties to family homes. Although some are year-round residences, more are summer cottages. Most services are accessible by boat, and Eagle River has a solid supply of restaurants, activities and entertainment. Water sports enjoyed here include rafting, kayaking, sailing, boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing, so there’s always plenty for the non-fisherman to do on the water.

    The Eagle River Chain of Lakes offers plentiful off-lake activities, too, including golf, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, sledding, tubing, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, and miniature golf. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, particularly the many bald eagles in the area. Combine two of these while hiking or biking the Three Eagle Trail starting near Three Lakes. Groomed snowmobile trails add to the enjoyment of the winter months. And the Town of Eagle River is prepared to entertain any discerning visitor with shopping and fine dining.

    Visitors to the Eagle River Chain of Lakes soon find that Eagle River is nicknamed the “Snowmobile Capital of the World,” because the World Championship Snowmobile Derby is held at an ice oval on the north side of the city. The Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame is at the Eagle River Stadium in Eagle River. The Historical Depot has displays from early Eagle River area logging days. And, each winter, the historically faithful Klondike Days Voyageur Encampment is held near town.

    Yes, the Eagle River Chain of Lakes demands more than a cursory look. It’s a beautiful setting for outdoor activities and year round fun.

    Things to Do at Eagle River Chain of Lakes

    These are some activities in the Eagle River Chain of Lakes, WI area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Fishing Tournaments
    • Ice Fishing
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Kayaking
    • Jet Skiing
    • Water Skiing
    • Tubing
    • Snorkeling
    • Golf
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Downhill Skiing
    • Snowboarding
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Snowmobiling
    • Horseback Riding
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • Miniature Golf
    • Shopping

    What Kind of Fish Are in Eagle River Chain of Lakes?

    Eagle River Chain of Lakes has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Bullhead Catfish
    • Carp
    • Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Muskellunge
    • Northern Pike
    • Perch
    • Pike
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Sunfish
    • Walleye
    • Whitefish
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    Find Places to Stay at Eagle River Chain of Lakes

    If you’re considering a Eagle River Chain of Lakes lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Eagle River Chain of Lakes Vacation

    Our interactive Eagle River Chain of Lakes lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Eagle River Chain of Lakes Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

    Surface Area: 11,528 acres

    Shoreline Length: 174 miles

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 1,614 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 1,625 feet

    Average Depth: 13 feet

    Maximum Depth: 57 feet

    Trophic State: Mesotrophic

    Eagle River Chain of Lakes Map
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