What You'll Find on the Moen Lake Chain

The Moen Lake Chain is a series of connected lakes just outside Rhinelander that holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass in water that ranges from shallow bays to deeper holes. The chain consists of several smaller lakes linked by channels and portages, making it popular with both boat anglers and those who want to explore multiple bodies of water in one trip. The water is generally clear to moderately stained, and the bottom is a mix of sand, muck, and rock depending on which lake you're on.

What makes this chain distinct from other Northwoods systems is how accessible it is—you can launch from public access points and fish multiple lakes without a long drive between them. The shallow bays warm up quickly in spring and early summer, drawing walleye into feeding zones earlier than deeper lakes. By mid-summer, the fish move to deeper structure, but the channels between lakes often hold active fish year-round.

Key Takeaways

  • The Moen Lake Chain holds walleye, pike, and largemouth bass across several connected lakes with public access points near Rhinelander.
  • Spring and early summer favor shallow bays and weed edges; summer fishing requires moving to deeper holes and structure.
  • Jigs tipped with live minnows or crawlers work consistently across the chain, and trolling crankbaits produces pike in the channels.
  • Water clarity varies by lake, so adjust your lure color and presentation based on what you see when you arrive.

Spring and Early Summer Walleye Patterns

When the ice goes out, walleye on the Moen Chain move shallow to feed and spawn. The bays warm faster than the main basins, and that's where you'll find the first active fish. Focus on the transition zones where shallow water meets deeper structure—typically 6 to 12 feet—and work jigs tipped with live minnows along the edges of weeds and rock.

By late May and June, as the water warms and weeds fill in, walleye move to the edges of weed beds and the channels between lakes. Casting or trolling crankbaits that reach 8 to 12 feet works well during this window. Early morning and evening produce better than midday, but on cloudy days the bite can stay strong all day. The shallower lakes in the chain warm faster, so if you're fishing in May, start there before moving to the deeper basins.

Summer Structure and Deeper Water

By July, the shallow bays become too warm and the walleye retreat to deeper holes, channel ledges, and the base of weed beds. This is when knowing the bottom contours matters. The channels connecting the lakes often drop off sharply and hold concentrated fish. Vertical jigging with live minnows or crawlers in 15 to 25 feet of water produces steady catches during the heat of the day.

Pike also become more active in summer on the Moen Chain, especially around weed edges and in the shallower bays early and late in the day. Casting larger crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or live shiners in 8 to 15 feet of water can produce aggressive strikes. The channels between lakes are natural travel corridors for pike, so don't overlook those areas even if they look featureless on the map.

Fall and Winter Considerations

As the water cools in September and October, walleye move back to shallower structure and become more aggressive. The weed edges that were too warm in July now hold feeding fish again. Jigs and live minnows work well, and you can also find fish on rocky points and the shallow ends of the channels. This is often the most consistent time to catch numbers of walleye on the chain.

Winter fishing on the Moen Chain is possible but requires checking current ice conditions and local access rules. The shallower lakes freeze first and are safest earliest in the season. Tip-ups with live minnows and jigging with small spoons work for both walleye and pike under the ice. Always fish with a partner and carry safety equipment.

Tackle and Presentation That Works

A 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braided line gives you sensitivity for jigging and the backbone to handle pike. Jigs in the 1/8- to 3/8-ounce range work across the chain depending on depth and current. Live minnows—shiners, chubs, or fatheads—are the most consistent bait, but crawlers work well for walleye in spring and fall.

Crankbaits in the 2- to 4-inch range that reach 8 to 15 feet cover water efficiently when you're exploring or trolling the channels. Natural colors like perch, shad, and crawdad patterns work in clear water; brighter colors and chartreuse help in stained water. Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits for pike should be 1/2 to 3/4 ounce, and casting them along weed edges and into the channels produces strikes throughout the open-water season.

Access Points and Launch Information

Public boat access to the Moen Lake Chain is available through Rhinelander area launches. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources maintains public access sites, and local bait and tackle shops in Rhinelander can direct you to the best launch for the lake you want to fish. Some of the smaller lakes in the chain are accessible by portage from the main launch, which keeps them less crowded.

Parking and facilities vary by access point. Call ahead or stop at a local shop to confirm current conditions, water levels, and whether any launches are temporarily closed. The chain is popular with anglers, so arriving early on weekends is wise if you want a good spot.

Local Regulations and Seasonal Limits

Wisconsin's walleye and pike seasons and catch limits apply to the Moen Lake Chain. Walleye season typically opens in early May and runs through March, with daily bag limits and minimum size requirements that vary by year. Pike season is year-round in most of the chain, though some sections may have special regulations. Largemouth bass have their own season, usually opening in mid-May.

Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you go—they change annually and sometimes by specific water body. The DNR website and printed regulation booklets available at bait shops have the details. Some lakes in the chain may have slot limits or other special rules designed to protect the fishery, so reading the fine print matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish the Moen Lake Chain?

Late May through June and September through October are the most consistent. Spring offers good shallow-water fishing as walleye move to spawn. Summer requires deeper presentations but still produces. Fall combines active fish with easier shallow-water access.

Can I fish the whole chain in one day?

Yes, if you have a boat and know the channels. The connected lakes let you move between them without leaving the water. Plan to spend 2 to 4 hours on each lake depending on size and how much you want to explore. Portages between some lakes are short and manageable.

Is the Moen Lake Chain good for pike?

Yes. Pike are present throughout the chain, especially in the shallower bays and weed edges. They're more active in early morning and evening during summer, and throughout the day in spring and fall. Casting larger lures and live shiners produces the best results.

What should I do if the water is very stained or murky?

Use brighter lure colors—chartreuse, orange, and white—and fish shallower than you normally would. Stained water reduces visibility, so fish hold closer to structure. Jigs tipped with live bait work better than crankbaits because the fish can feel the vibration.

Do I need a guide to fish the Moen Lake Chain?

No, but a guide can save time if you're unfamiliar with the bottom contours and seasonal patterns. Local bait shops and Rhinelander tourism information can recommend guides who know the chain well. Self-guided fishing is very possible if you have a map and are willing to explore.