The Stunning Cisco Chain of Lakes in Wisconsin

The Stunning Cisco Chain of Lakes in Wisconsin

Nestled among northern Wisconsin's wooded landscapes lie the pristine Cisco Chain of Lakes. This intricate web of lakes offers a breathtaking scene of interconnected bodies of water that provide world-class fishing, boating, swimming, and outdoor recreation. Spanning parts of Vilas and Oneida counties, the chain comprises 23 lakes, most of which are spring-fed and boast crystal clear waters.

The Lakes of the Cisco Chain

The lakes that make up the Cisco Chain include Rest, Genesee, Fishtrap, Indian, Deer, Otter, Crane, Delmarsh, Cattail, Little Bass, Bass, Stone, Spruce, McCullough, Long Interlaken, Palmer, Krueger, Dam, and the Twin Lakes of Littles and Bigs. Ranging from small 13-acre ponds to the large 373-acre Big Twin Lake, each lake has its own unique character and charm.

Rest Lake sits at the northernmost point of the chain and flows south via a stream into Genesee Lake. After Genesee comes Fishtrap, which connects to Indian Lake through a narrow channel. The middle lakes of Otter, Deer, and Crane feature crystal clear waters that reflect the surrounding hardwood forests. Further south lie marshy Delmarsh and lily-pad dotted Cattail Lakes.

The chain then opens up to larger lakes like Big and Little Bass, Stone, Spruce, and McCullough. These lakes offer open water vistas and excellent fishing opportunities. The scenic channel connecting Stone and Spruce is a highlight for paddlers, who often spot eagles and osprey fishing for the chain's plentiful walleye and muskie.

Recreational Opportunities

The pristine Cisco Chain of Lakes provides limitless outdoor recreation. Anglers flock here to catch walleye, muskie, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and panfish. The best fishing lakes include Rest, Otter, Big Bass and the Twin Lakes. Ice fishing is also popular once the lakes freeze over in winter.

The clear waters also make for excellent swimming in the warmer months. Public beaches at Rest Lake County Park and Dewey-Mac Park on Big Twin Lake provide sandy shores and bathhouses. Boaters appreciate the chain's interconnected lakes that allow endless paddling and cruising options. Sections like the Stone-Spruce channel and the marshy South Bay of Big Twin offer scenic trips for kayakers and canoeists.

In addition to boating and fishing, the Cisco Chain offers plenty of waterside camping. Rest Lake, Lost Land Lake, and Dewey-Mac all have campgrounds ranging from primitive sites to full hook-up spots. Hiking and biking trails circle many of the lakes, providing easy access for anglers. Winter activities include ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing.

History and Formation

The Cisco Chain's unique glacial formation spans back thousands of years. During the last ice age, the massive glaciers that covered this region melted and receded, leaving behind depressions that filled with water to form lakes. The retreating glaciers also deposited rock debris that interrupted water drainage, which led to the damming of streams and creation of even more lakes.

This complex natural process formed the chain of spring-fed, interconnected lakes that exists today. Throughout the centuries, the local Chippewa tribes then settled this area and sustained themselves by fishing the lakes' bountiful waters, eventually dubbing the chain "Ottigaunigummigishkodewinini Gummi," meaning "Lake of Many Fish."

In the late 1800s, a lumber town named Cisco sprang up along the chain. Rail tracks were laid to transport lumber harvested from the surrounding Northwoods. The town was later renamed Land O' Lakes. Tourism also boomed during this era, with visitors coming to fish and relax in the lakeside resorts and sporting camps.

Now known again as the Cisco Chain, this waterscape endures as a top recreation destination. The unique landscape remains much unchanged from its origins thousands of years ago. The Cisco Chain of Lakes continues to offer pristine, spring-fed waters and serene Northwoods beauty at its finest.

Visiting and Exploring the Cisco Chain

The Cisco Chain of Lakes provides endless possibilities for outdoor adventures and relaxing Up North vacations. Here are some tips for making the most of your visit to this Wisconsin treasure.

Getting There

The Cisco Chain sits just west of Wisconsin Highway 51 between the towns of Land O Lakes, Arbor Vitae, and Boulder Junction. The nearest large city is Wausau, about a 45 minute drive southwest. Access points dot the chain's 23 lakes, including boat launches and public beaches.

Where to Stay

Lodging options include lakeside resorts, inns, cabins, and campgrounds. For luxury, choose The Waters of Minocqua or Lakeland Lodge, both situated on Big Twin Lake. Budget travelers can camp at Rest Lake, Lost Land Lake, or Dewey-Mac county parks. Rent vacation homes or look for hotels in Land O' Lakes or Boulder Junction.

Water Activities

Paddling, boating, swimming, and fishing top the list of favored water activities. Rent canoes or kayaks to explore the marshy channels and quiet bays, launch motor boats at public ramps, and cast lines for walleye and bass. Be sure to also spend time simply relaxing by the lakeshore and enjoying the pristine Northwoods scenery.

Hiking and Biking

Miles of trails allow hiking and biking around many of the lakes. Look for paths at Rest Lake, Genesee Lake, Lost Land Lake, and Dewey-Mac parks. Vacation rentals often provide complimentary bikes to cruise around the lakes. For longer treks, head to nearby trail networks in Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, and the Northern Highlands American Legion State Forest.

Winter Adventures

Once the lakes freeze over come winter, enjoy ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice skating. Most ice fishing happens on Big Twin, Little Twin, Big Bass and Otter Lakes. Groomed cross-country ski trails loop around Rest Lake. Lost Land Lake offers skating and a winter warming shelter.

Wildlife Viewing

Keep eyes peeled for eagles, osprey, loons, deer, foxes, otters, and more. Bird watch from kayaks or spot wildlife along hiking trails. Lost Land Lake and Spruce Lake have observation decks for waterfowl viewing. Remember to keep proper distance from wildlife and be aware of nesting seasons.

With its unspoiled waterscapes and wealth of outdoor opportunities, the Cisco Chain of Lakes is a special place to experience Northwoods nature at its finest. Plan your Wisconsin lake getaway to this one-of-a-kind glacial wonderland.

FAQs

How many lakes are in the Cisco Chain?

There are 23 lakes that make up the Cisco Chain of Lakes in northern Wisconsin.

What fish species can I catch in the Cisco Chain?

Popular fish species include walleye, muskie, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and panfish like bluegill and perch.

When is the best time to visit the Cisco Chain?

Summer and early fall provide ideal weather for boating, swimming, and fishing. The colors are beautiful in autumn. Winter offers ice fishing and snow sports.

What activities can I do on the Cisco Chain besides fishing?

Some other popular activities include boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, hiking, biking, camping, wildlife viewing, and cross-country skiing in winter.

Where can I launch my boat on the Cisco Chain?

Public boat launches provide access to Rest Lake, Genesee Lake, Lost Land Lake, Crane Lake, Big Bass Lake, Big Twin Lake, and other lakes.