EAGLE RIVER, Wisconsin – The Eagle River Chain of Lakes, with its 3,600 acres of accessible water, is recognized as one of the Midwest’s best fisheries – particularly with anglers interested in the state’s iconic gamefish, the musky.
From August 17th through 19th, the chain along with many other Vilas County lakes will again host the National Championship Musky Open Tournament. Now in its 33rd year, the Musky Open is one of the biggest events of its type in North America, drawing both professionals and amateurs, including lots of families, from all over the country.
The tournament is ideally situated, as the Eagle River Chain of Lakes and surrounding Vilas County account for nearly 17 percent of what the Wisconsin DNR defines as Class A1 “trophy waters,” where the highest percentage of large musky can be found. Vilas County also leads the state with 29 percent of its Class A2 lakes – waters that have the greatest overall numbers of fish and provide the most consistent musky action.
June 21 was the official start of summer, and local water temperatures are rising accordingly, stimulating activity across the food chain, including its top predator. While highest musky catch rates occur during summer, sunny days tend to be less productive for anglers than overcast ones, particularly if weather patterns are changing due to a coming front.
Premiere fishing lakes on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes include Cranberry Lake, where recent DNR research found 75 adult musky with 16 percent of them 40 inches or longer, and Eagle Lake, where 68 adult musky were found with 16 percent over 40 inches. Other notable musky lakes near Eagle River include Catfish, Duck, Otter, Lynx, Scattering Rice and Yellow Birch.
For more information on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes and other great fishing holes in Vilas County, contact the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center by calling 1-800-359-6315 or by visiting their website, www.EagleRiver.org. Registration information for the National Championship Musky Open can be found on the event page https://eagleriver.org/featured/musky-open/ of the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce website.