What You'll Find at Cisco Chain
The Cisco Chain of Lakes sits in the heart of Watersmeet, Michigan's backcountry—a cluster of connected lakes that hold walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass in water that feels genuinely remote. The chain consists of several lakes linked by shallow channels and portages, and the whole system sits within the Ottawa National Forest. This is not a destination for dock fishing or resort amenities; it's a place where you'll need a boat or canoe, where cell service is spotty, and where the fishing pressure stays light because access requires effort.
The walleye fishing here is the main draw. The lakes are relatively shallow and weedy, which means walleye hold in predictable spots—deeper holes between the shallows, weed edges at dusk, and the channels connecting the lakes. Pike are abundant and aggressive, and they'll hit the same presentations you're using for walleye. Smallmouth bass are present but secondary to the other two species.
Key Takeaways
- Cisco Chain requires a boat or canoe to fish effectively, and some lakes are connected only by portages that demand carrying your gear between water bodies.
- Walleye are the primary target, and they respond to live bait (shiners, crawfish) and jigs worked along weed edges and deeper channels during low-light hours.
- Northern pike are abundant and will strike the same presentations as walleye, so bring heavier tackle and steel leaders if pike are your focus.
- The system sits within Ottawa National Forest, and you'll need to understand which lakes allow motors and which are paddle-only before you plan your trip.
- Summer fishing is productive but crowded relative to spring and fall, when water temperatures favor walleye and pike activity.
Boat Access and Motor Restrictions
Not all lakes in the Cisco Chain allow motors, and the ones that do have horsepower limits. Before you launch, confirm which lakes permit motors and at what restriction level—some allow 10 hp, others are electric-only, and some are paddle-only. The Ottawa National Forest website and the Watersmeet area ranger station have current regulations, and they change periodically.
If you're bringing a larger boat, you'll need to know which access points can accommodate your trailer. Some launches are small and suited only to canoes or small johnboats. If you're planning to fish multiple lakes in the chain, you may need to portage between them, which means either a canoe or a willingness to carry a smaller boat overland. The portages are marked but can be muddy and overgrown depending on the season.
Walleye Tactics and Timing
Walleye in the Cisco Chain respond best to live bait presentations, especially during the day when light penetration is low. Shiners and crawfish are the standard baits; rig them on a simple slip-sinker rig or a jig head and work the deeper channels and weed edges. Early morning and late evening are prime times, but the shallow, weedy nature of these lakes means walleye will feed throughout the day if you're working the right depth.
Spring (May through early June) is excellent for walleye because the water is cool and fish are active after the spawn. Fall (September through October) is equally productive and often less crowded. Summer can be good, but the fish move deeper and become more nocturnal as water temperatures climb. Jigs tipped with minnows or crawfish work year-round, but don't overlook crankbaits that mimic the baitfish in the system—they can trigger aggressive strikes from both walleye and pike.
The channels connecting the lakes are often the most productive spots because walleye use them as travel corridors. Fish these areas during transitions between light and dark, and work your bait slowly along the bottom.
Northern Pike and Mixed-Species Fishing
Pike in the Cisco Chain are plentiful and will hit nearly everything you throw at them if you're using the right size. Larger shiners, spinnerbaits, and shallow-running crankbaits all produce. The weedy shallows are pike territory, so don't ignore the 3- to 8-foot zones even when you're targeting walleye. Many anglers bring heavier tackle specifically for pike and switch between presentations depending on what they're targeting in a given hour.
Steel leaders are worth carrying if pike are a serious target, though they'll reduce strikes from walleye. A compromise is a heavy monofilament bite tippet, which pike teeth can still break but less reliably than bare line. Smallmouth bass are present throughout the chain but are usually incidental catches when you're fishing for walleye or pike. They respond to the same jigs and live bait, and they're often found in slightly shallower, rockier areas than walleye prefer.
Seasonal Patterns and Water Conditions
Spring is the most reliable season for consistent walleye action. Water temperatures are cool, fish are aggressive after spawning, and the shallow lakes warm quickly as the season progresses. By mid-June, the bite can slow as fish move to deeper water and become more nocturnal. Summer fishing requires patience and a willingness to fish early, late, or at night.
Fall is underrated on the Cisco Chain. As water temperatures drop in September and October, walleye become active throughout the day again, and pike are feeding heavily in preparation for winter. The weather is unpredictable, but the fishing often rivals spring. Winter is possible but requires ice-fishing knowledge and equipment; the lakes freeze solid, and access changes entirely.
Lodging, Supplies, and Preparation
Watersmeet is a small town, and lodging options are limited. There are a few small motels and cabin rentals in the area, but they fill quickly during peak season. Camping is available at Ottawa National Forest campgrounds, some of which are close to Cisco Chain access points. The nearest larger town with more services is Ironwood, about 30 miles away.
Stock up on supplies in Watersmeet or Ironwood before you head to the lakes. Bait shops in Watersmeet can provide shiners and crawfish, and they're also your best source for current fishing reports and access information. Bring extra fuel if you're running a motor, because there are no services on the water. Cell service is unreliable, so plan your trip with someone who knows where you're going and when you expect to return.
Regulations and Catch Limits
Michigan's walleye and pike regulations apply to the Cisco Chain. Walleye have a daily catch limit and a minimum size; pike have their own limits. Regulations can change year to year, so check the current Michigan Department of Natural Resources fishing guide before you go. The guide is available online and at bait shops throughout the region.
The Cisco Chain sits within Ottawa National Forest, which has its own rules about camping, fires, and waste disposal. Pack out everything you pack in, and follow Leave No Trace principles. The remote nature of these lakes means they're fragile; heavy use can degrade access points and campsites quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish Cisco Chain, or can I wade?
A boat or canoe is essential. The lakes are too large to wade effectively, and the best fishing is in deeper water and along weed edges that require boat access. Some smaller lakes in the chain might be wadeable in shallow areas, but you'll miss most of the productive water without a boat.
What's the best time of year to fish here?
Spring (May through early June) and fall (September through October) are most productive and offer the most consistent walleye action. Summer can be good but requires fishing early, late, or at night. Winter is possible but demands ice-fishing experience and equipment.
Are there portages between the lakes, and how difficult are they?
Yes, some lakes are connected only by portages. Difficulty varies—some are short and well-maintained, others are longer and overgrown. Canoes are ideal for portaging. Check with the Watersmeet ranger station or a local bait shop for current conditions before you plan a multi-lake trip.
Can I use a large motorboat on all the lakes?
No. Motor restrictions vary by lake—some allow 10 hp, others are electric-only, and some are paddle-only. Confirm restrictions before you launch. The Ottawa National Forest website and the Watersmeet ranger station have current rules.
What should I bring for pike if I'm primarily targeting walleye?
Steel leaders or heavy monofilament bite tippet will reduce lost fish to pike teeth. Bring heavier tackle as a backup, and be prepared to switch presentations if pike are aggressive. Many anglers carry both setups and rotate depending on what they're targeting in a given hour.