Today on Chain
· Tomorrow & the week: Lake Report or Premium →Best fishing times
All fishTimes by species available in Premium
Wind & weather
National Weather ServiceWhat Chain is best for
DNR data
WalleyeCommon · stocked8.1
BluegillPanfish, abundant8.0
PerchPanfish, abundant8.0
CrappiePanfish, abundant8.0
MuskyCommon · stocked7.5
Northern pikeCommon6.5
LargemouthPresent4.0How we rate
Start from how common the DNR says the fish is (abundant 7.5, common 6, present 3.5). Add 1 if the DNR stocked it in the last 5 years, 0.6 for walleye in two-story or complex lakes, and up to 0.9 for lake size. The DNR counts bluegill, perch and crappie together as panfish, so they share a score.
Depth map
Wisconsin DNRTap a map to zoom. Pinch or scroll to zoom in, drag to move.
Not for navigation. Old survey; depths and weed lines change.
Rules on this lake
DNR · checked 2026-10-08| Walleye | 15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Musky | 40" min · 1 a dayMay 2, 2026 to December 31, 2026 on open water | Open |
| Northern pike | No size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
 Bass | 14" min · 5 a dayJune 20, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Panfish | No size limit · 25 a dayOpen All Year | Open |
| Sturgeon | No fishing | Closed |
Launches & access
1 public- AccessDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2024 | 7,736 walleye small fingerling, 1.9" |
| 2022 | 49 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.7" |
| 2018 | 50 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.7" |
| 2016 | 50 muskellunge large fingerling, 11.24" |
| 2014 | 110 muskellunge large fingerling, 9.7" |
The DNR has 12 fish surveys on file for this lake.
Before you go
DNRThis is health advice about eating fish, from the DNR. It is not how many you can catch or keep. Catch limits are in Rules.
Eat any amount Bluegill and Sunfish, Bullheads, Crappies, Inland Trout, Yellow Perch
Up to 1 meal a week Bass, Catfish, Pike, Walleye, All Other Species and Sizes
Up to 1 meal a month Muskies
Statewide advice; no lake-specific advisory. Stricter for women who may get pregnant and children under 15. DNR detailsChinese Mystery Snail · Purple Loosestrife · Rusty Crayfish
Drain all water, remove plants and animals, and never move live fish or bait to another lake.Ice on Chain
Reports & estimateReviews
No reviews yetNear Chain
Local dealsLocal bait shops, resorts and supper clubs can put a coupon here and on the printed sheet, free for a year. Add your business
Chain board
Catches & reportsLakes near Chain
Within 25 miles| Lake | Miles | Acres | Max depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand LakeOneida | 1.2 | 540 | 25 ft |
| Echo LakeOneida | 1.3 | 107 | 18 ft |
| Dam LakeOneida | 2.2 | 744 | 32 ft |
| Arbutus LakeOneida | 2.4 | 78 | 20 ft |
| Stone LakeOneida | 2.5 | 188 | 16 ft |
| Denton LakeOneida | 2.7 | 50 | 22 ft |
| Kathan LakeOneida | 3.1 | 189 | 15 ft |
| Paradise LakeOneida | 3.3 | 89 | 48 ft |
Chain questions
How deep is Chain Lake?
Chain Lake is 19 feet at its deepest, and 12 feet deep on average. It covers 201 acres.
What fish are in Chain Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists panfish (abundant), musky (common), northern pike (common), walleye (common) and largemouth bass (present).
Where is the boat launch on Chain Lake?
There is 1 public launch: Access.
Do I need a trout stamp to fish Chain Lake?
A Wisconsin fishing license covers this lake. No trout or Great Lakes stamp needed here.
What is the walleye limit on Chain Lake?
15" min · keep none 20–24" · 1 over 24" · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Chain Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2024 the DNR and partners stocked 7,736 walleye (small fingerling).
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Sources: Wisconsin DNR (lake facts, species, rules, stocking, consumption advice, survey map), National Weather Service (forecast). Sun and moon computed for the lake's location. Best times are a model of light and moon, not a promise. Checked 2026-10-08.