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
WalleyeAbundant · stocked9.7
MuskyCommon · stocked7.6
BluegillPanfish, common6.6
PerchPanfish, common6.6
CrappiePanfish, common6.6
LargemouthCommon6.6
Northern pikeCommon6.6
SmallmouthPresent4.1How 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 2026-10-07| Walleye | 18" min · 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 | No size limit · 5 a dayMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 | Open |
| Panfish | No size limit · 10 a dayOpen All Year | Open |
| Sturgeon | No fishing | Closed |
Launches & access
1 public- McCann Lake Public Boat LandingDirections
Stocking
DNR records| 2025 | 4,535 walleye large fingerling, 6.3" 1,569 walleye large fingerling, 7" |
| 2023 | 4,541 walleye large fingerling, 6.7" 195 muskellunge large fingerling, 11" |
| 2022 | 228 muskellunge large fingerling, 11" |
| 2021 | 4,541 walleye large fingerling, 6.2" 30 muskellunge large fingerling, 13.9" |
| 2019 | 4,541 walleye large fingerling, 6.2" 117 muskellunge large fingerling, 12.6" |
The DNR has 29 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 · Curly-Leaf Pondweed · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear LakeRusk | 0.5 | 95 | 74 ft |
| McCann LakeRusk | 1.1 | 133 | 38 ft |
| Pine LakeRusk | 1.5 | 262 | 115 ft |
| Potato LakeRusk | 1.7 | 534 | 40 ft |
| Island LakeRusk | 2.7 | 526 | 54 ft |
| Axhandle LakeChippewa | 2.9 | 84 | 73 ft |
| Round LakeChippewa | 3.2 | 216 | 18 ft |
| Long LakeChippewa | 3.4 | 1,052 | 101 ft |
Chain questions
How deep is Chain Lake?
Chain Lake is 74 feet at its deepest, and 18 feet deep on average. It covers 454 acres.
What fish are in Chain Lake?
The Wisconsin DNR lists walleye (abundant), musky (common), panfish (common), largemouth bass (common), northern pike (common) and smallmouth bass (present).
Where is the boat launch on Chain Lake?
There is 1 public launch: McCann Lake Public Boat Landing.
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?
18" min · 3 a day. Season: May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027.
Is Chain Lake stocked?
Yes. In 2025 the DNR and partners stocked 4,535 walleye (large fingerling) and 1,569 walleye (large fingerling).
Fish it longer
Today's sheet is always free. Planning ahead takes a report or Premium.Lake Sheet
- Today's best fishing times, all fish
- Wind, weather, sun and moon
- Depth map with depths labeled
- Rules, license and species ratings
- The printable two-page sheet
Lake Report
- Your trip, up to 14 days
- Pick your species
- What to use, where, when and how, every day
- Times by species on the bite clocks
Premium
- Every lake, every day: times by species
- Up to 25 full Lake Reports a season; more at $9 each or 25 for $49
- Tomorrow and the week ahead on any lake
- Stocking alerts for your lakes
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 2026-10-07.