A walleye caught on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes. Walleye are one of the most sought-after fish on the chain, and can be found on the deep weed edges or in the deeper holes.
If you are looking for a great destination to fish for walleye, you might want to consider the Eagle River Chain of Lakes in Wisconsin. This chain consists of lakes that total nearly 3,600 acres of water, and offers plenty of opportunities to catch walleye, as well as other species of fish, such as muskie, bass, panfish and northern pike.
The Eagle River Chain of Lakes is known for its diverse habitats, ranging from shallow weedy bays to deep rocky points. Walleye can be found in different locations depending on the season, the weather and the water conditions. Here are some tips to help you locate and catch walleye on the chain:
– During mid-summer, the Eagle River Chain can be crowded with tourists and boat traffic in the middle of the day. This can make fishing challenging, especially on the smaller and shallower lakes. You might want to avoid fishing during peak hours and focus on early morning or evening bites, or fish during weekdays when there is less pressure.
– Walleye can be found on the deep weed edges, which are roughly at 8’ on the darker water lakes and 12’ on the deeper lakes. You can use a jig and minnow, a slip bobber and leech, or a bottom bouncer and crawler to probe these edges. Look for irregularities in the weedline, such as points, turns or gaps, where walleye tend to congregate.
– Smallmouth bass can be found along rock piles feeding on crayfish. Walleye will often follow them and feed on the same prey. You can use a crankbait, a jig and plastic, or a drop shot rig to target both species. Look for rocks near deep water or current areas.
– Some of the lakes on the chain have deeper holes that hold walleye year-round. You can use a jigging spoon, a blade bait, or a live bait rig to fish these holes. Look for changes in bottom composition, such as gravel or sand patches, where walleye might be feeding.
– In the fall, walleye will move shallow to feed on baitfish. You can use a minnow-imitating crankbait, a jerkbait, or a spinnerbait to cover water and trigger strikes. Look for areas with wind-blown shoreline, submerged wood or vegetation.
It is advisable to fish during off-peak hours or weekdays to avoid the crowds and noise.
Some of the best lakes on the chain for walleye fishing are:
– **Catfish Lake**: This is the largest lake on the chain, with 1,012 acres and a maximum depth of 30 feet. It is known as one of the better lakes on the chain for walleye and muskie. It also has good numbers of bass and panfish.
– **Eagle Lake**: This is one of the better lakes on the chain for trophy-sized walleye and muskie. It has 572 acres and a maximum depth of 34 feet. It also has good numbers of bass and panfish.
– **Cranberry Lake**: This is a good-sized lake on the chain with 956 acres and a maximum depth of 23 feet. It is a popular lake on the chain to fish for walleye. It also has good numbers of muskie, bass and panfish.
The Eagle River Chain of Lakes is a great place to enjoy fishing for walleye and other species of fish. You can find plenty of resorts, lodges, cabins and cottages to stay at, as well as bait shops and fishing guides to help you out. The fishing is very good on the chain of lakes for walleye and muskie. Anglers also target crappie, perch, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, rock bass and bluegill. Whether you are looking for quantity or quality, you can find it here.
Happy fishing!