Fishing at Chain Lake, Rusk County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  Chain Lake is set in Rusk County, Wisconsin. Height above sea level is 1,063 feet. At 487 acres this is proper open water rather than a pond. Few waters listed in Rusk County are bigger. The closest town, Chetek, is 11 miles away. The nearest city of size is Saint Paul, 85 miles away. Water in the same corner: Clear Lake near enough 1 mile, Pine Lake 1.1 miles, McCann Lake near enough 1.7 miles, Lake Four 1.7 miles and Lake Two near enough 1.9 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Chain Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Open biodiversity records for Rusk County list rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, largemouth bass and black crappie. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. At Chain Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 69°F for July and 10°F for January. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Break-up comes around early April, and the run that follows is short and strong. In an average year the thaw lands around early April and the freeze near late November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. Chain Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Overnight stays are possible about half a mile out, where camping is mapped. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Clear Lake, 1 mile away. Confirm before you fish Chain Lake.