What You'll Find at Cisco Chain of Lakes

The Cisco Chain—a string of seven connected lakes in Vilas County near Lac du Flambeau—holds some of the deepest, coldest water in Wisconsin. That cold water means walleye, northern pike, and lake trout that stay active through the season when other lakes warm up. The chain runs roughly north to south: Cisco Lake itself, then Fence, Catfish, Lynx, Grindstone, Sparkling, and Round Lake, each one connected by narrow channels or portages.

What makes the Cisco Chain distinct is depth. Cisco Lake drops to 140 feet; Sparkling Lake reaches 160 feet. That depth keeps the water cool enough for walleye to hunt in the shallows even in July and August, when they've retreated to 40 feet or deeper in warmer lakes. Pike grow fat here too, and the lake trout population draws serious cold-water anglers. The chain sits in classic Northwoods terrain—rocky shorelines, deep basins, and clear water that rewards both structure fishing and open-water trolling.

Key Takeaways

  • Cisco Chain walleye bite best in spring (May through early June) and fall (September through October) on shallow rock structure and drop-offs.
  • Summer walleye move to 40 to 60 feet, but the chain's extreme depth means you can find them shallower here than on warmer lakes.
  • Northern pike patrol the channels between lakes and the shallow bays; live bait and large crankbaits work year-round.
  • Public boat launches exist on Cisco Lake and Sparkling Lake; some lakes require portaging or have limited access.
  • The chain is catch-and-release only for lake trout; walleye and pike follow standard Wisconsin seasons and bag limits.

Spring Walleye: May Through Early June

Spring is the most predictable time to fish the Cisco Chain. Walleye spawn in April and May on the rocky reefs and shallow drop-offs that ring most of the lakes. By late May, post-spawn fish move into 8 to 15 feet of water to feed, and they stay shallow enough to reach from shore or in a small boat. Focus on the rocky points and reefs that break the shoreline—Cisco Lake's east shore and the channels between Cisco and Fence Lake hold concentrations of fish.

Jigging is the standard approach: a 1/4-ounce jig tipped with a live leech or minnow, worked slowly along the bottom. Walleye in spring are not aggressive, so patience matters more than speed. If you see a rocky shelf that drops from 6 feet to 15 feet, work it methodically. Crankbaits in the 2 to 4-inch range also work, especially in low-light conditions—dawn, dusk, and overcast days produce more strikes than bright midday.

Summer: Deep Water and Twilight Hours

By mid-June, the surface water warms and walleye move deeper. On the Cisco Chain, that means 40 to 60 feet rather than the 80-foot depths they seek on shallower lakes. The deep basins of Cisco and Sparkling lakes hold the most summer fish. Trolling with live-bait rigs—a three-way rig with a sinker and a trailing live minnow—covers water efficiently and keeps you in the zone longer than stationary jigging.

Summer fishing improves dramatically in the last two hours before dark and the first two hours after sunrise. Walleye move shallower to feed when light is low, and you can catch them in 20 to 30 feet during these windows. Night fishing is also productive; some anglers fish the shallow reefs and drop-offs with live bait under a lantern after dark. The channels between lakes—Cisco to Fence, Fence to Catfish—concentrate fish and are worth exploring at dawn.

Fall: The Second Peak Season

September and October bring a second strong bite as water cools and walleye return to shallower structure. The pattern mirrors spring: rocky points, reefs, and drop-offs in 8 to 20 feet of water hold active fish. Fall walleye are often more aggressive than spring fish, and they feed throughout the day rather than concentrating in low-light hours. Jigging and crankbaits both work well.

Pike fishing also peaks in fall. The channels and shallow bays warm slightly during the day, and pike move into 6 to 12 feet to hunt. Large crankbaits (4 to 6 inches), spinnerbaits, and live baitfish all produce. The shallower lakes in the chain—Fence, Catfish, and Lynx—often hold pike in water you can see from the boat, making them good targets for anglers who like visual hunting.

Northern Pike and Lake Trout

Pike are present year-round on the Cisco Chain and do not require the same deep-water hunting as walleye. They patrol the channels between lakes, hunt the shallow bays, and follow the shoreline structure. Spring and fall are most productive, but summer pike fishing can be excellent in the early morning and late evening. Live baitfish—shiners or small perch—work better than lures for consistent results, though large crankbaits and spinnerbaits draw strikes from aggressive fish.

Lake trout are a bonus species here and draw dedicated trollers. They live in the deepest basins and are caught year-round, but spring and fall produce the most consistent action. All lake trout must be released; Wisconsin's catch-and-release rule for lake trout applies statewide. Trolling with small spoons or live-bait rigs in 60 to 100 feet of water is the standard method. The extreme depth of Cisco and Sparkling lakes makes them the best targets for trout.

Access and Boat Launches

Cisco Lake has a public boat launch on the north end, accessible from County Road M near Lac du Flambeau. Sparkling Lake also has public access on its east shore. The other lakes in the chain—Fence, Catfish, Lynx, and Grindstone—have limited or no public launches; anglers typically reach them by portaging from Cisco or Sparkling or by using private access points.

The channels between lakes are navigable by small boat, but they are narrow and shallow in places. Scout them at low speed before committing. Some anglers use canoes or kayaks to access the smaller lakes, which can be productive for pike and panfish. Parking at the public launches is limited, so arrive early during peak season (May through October).

Seasons, Regulations, and What to Bring

Wisconsin's standard walleye season runs from the Saturday nearest May 1 through March 31 the following year. Pike season follows the same calendar. The daily bag limit for walleye is five fish; for pike, it is five fish as well. Lake trout are catch-and-release only. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you go, as rules can change.

The Cisco Chain sits at elevation and can be windy, especially in spring and fall. Bring layers and a windbreaker even if the forecast looks calm. The water is cold year-round—hypothermia is a real risk if you go overboard. A life jacket is not optional. Bring more live bait than you think you'll need; the chain's depth and structure mean fish can be scattered, and having options keeps you fishing rather than running back to shore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the Cisco Chain in winter?

Yes. Ice fishing for walleye and pike is popular from December through February. The same structure that holds fish in open water—rocky points, drop-offs, and channels—holds them under ice. Tip-ups with live bait and jigging with spoons are the standard methods. Check ice thickness before going out, and fish with a partner.

What's the difference between the Cisco Chain and other Vilas County lakes?

The Cisco Chain's extreme depth and cold water make it unique. Walleye stay shallower here in summer than on warmer lakes, and the lake trout population is a bonus. The chain also has more rocky structure and clearer water than many regional lakes, which rewards sight-fishing and structure-based approaches.

Do I need a guide to fish the Cisco Chain?

No, but the chain's size and depth can be intimidating for first-time visitors. A guide can show you the productive structure, the channels between lakes, and the seasonal patterns in a day or two. Local tackle shops in Lac du Flambeau can recommend guides and provide current conditions reports.

What's the best time to visit if I want to catch pike?

Spring (May through early June) and fall (September through October) are most productive. Summer pike fishing is possible in early morning and late evening, but midday action is slow. Winter pike fishing under ice is also excellent for anglers with ice-fishing experience.

Are there panfish on the Cisco Chain?

Yes, but they are not the focus. Bluegill and crappie inhabit the shallower bays and the smaller lakes in the chain (Fence, Catfish, Lynx). They are most active in summer and early fall. Panfish fishing is best from shore or a canoe in water less than 15 feet deep.