Is it Muskie You’re After?

The Eagle River Chain of Lakes is a chain of 28 lakes located in Vilas County, Wisconsin. The chain covers over 10,000 acres and is one of the most popular fishing destinations in the state. The chain of lakes is home to a variety of fish, including walleye, muskie, bass, panfish, and northern pike. Walleye are the most popular species to fish for on the chain, and the lakes are known for producing good numbers of trophy fish. Muskie are also a priority target, and the chain is home to some of the largest muskie in the world. The best time to fish the Eagle River Chain of Lakes depends on the species of fish you are targeting. Walleye fishing is best in the spring and fall, while muskie fishing is best in the summer. Panfish and northern pike can be fished for year-round. There are a variety of ways to fish the Eagle River Chain of Lakes. You can fish from shore, from a boat, or from a kayak. If you are fishing from a boat, you can hire a guide or rent a boat from one of the many resorts and marinas on the chain.

The SCHADEO clan had been planning A fishing trip to Eagle River Chain of Lakes for months. We were all hoping to catch a trophy fish, but we were also just looking to have a good time. Bites had been few and far between on the first two days of the trip. Chalk it up to the changing seasons and the fall weather upon us. Or maybe it was the trial and error throwing frogs, buzz baits, and spinners. We had more success with crankbaits, jigs, and nightcrawlers. On the final day, we woke early and headed to the lake. We casted with crankbaits, hoping to entice a bite. Just as the morning sun showed at full strength, I had a bite. The rod bent in half as I reeled in the catch. We couldn't believe our eyes when we saw a massive muskie emerge from the water. After a brief but spirited battle, we landed the fish. It was a trophy musky, measuring 32 inches in length. We were ecstatic!

The rest of the day we caught crappie and walleye. We caught plenty of nice fish, but our minds were on the trophy musky. It was a catch I would never forget. That evening, we returned to our cabin happy. Plenty of Crappie/Walley to fry up and go around. We cleaned/cooked our catch and shared stories of our day on the water. We were grateful for the opportunity to bond over our shared passion for the outdoors.

As I sat around the campfire that night, I reflected on our trip. I had caught a trophy musky, but more importantly, I had created memories that would last a lifetime. The Eagle River Chain of Lakes is a special place, and I was grateful to have experienced it with my brothers. We plan to return soon.