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![Fishing on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest](index.jpg)
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090510173031im_/http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf/x/x.gif)
NEW! The Forest has finalized the Motor
Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM)for 2009. Maps for downloading and other information
can be seen at the MVUM Page.
Water, Water, Everywhere... Welcome to
the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, a water wonderland! The Forest
contains the headwaters of 3 major drainages; the Mississippi watershed,
the Lake Superior watershed, and the Lake Michigan watershed. Contained
within the forest boundaries are over 2000 miles of stream (nearly 1400
miles are classified as trout water), 607 lakes greater than ten acres
in size, over 400 spring ponds, and 324,000 acres of wetland.
It's Raining Fish... Over 50 species
of fish occur on the Forest. The more popular species include walleye,
brook trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill,
black crappie, yellow perch, northern pike, suckers, and of course the
official fish of Wisconsin - the mighty "Muskellunge".
Motor, Canoe, Hike... The Forest offers
a wide range of recreational fishing opportunities. Access ranges from
fully developed launching facilities to carry-in with a mile or more hike.
Road crossings provide access to a majority of our warm and coldwater
rivers. Remember, don't let the winter stop you; ice fishing is a Northwoods
tradition!
Wheelchair Access... A Barrier-free fishing
pier is located on the east side of Butternut Lake and Elvoy Springs in
the Eagle River/Florence Ranger District. Additional accessible fishing
piers can also be found on many of the lakes that are associated with
campgrounds and day use areas.
For those anglers that prefer stream fishing, we have the South Branch
Oconto Barrier Free Fishing Trail, one of few trails of its kind across
the country. This 1/4-mile fishing trail parallels the South Fork of the
Oconto River in the Lakewood/Laona Ranger District, which is a quality
brook and brown trout stream. The trail provides access to eleven fishing
sites, ranging from flat spots along the shoreline to cantilever decks
that allow the user to be out over the stream. The trail is a cooperative
effort of the Forest and nine partner organizations.
Have a Reel Safe Trip!...
- Make sure everyone in the boat has a life preserver. IT'S THE LAW!
- Fishing and water mix. Fishing and alcohol don't!
Ice should be at least 6 inches thick before walking on it.
- Driving your car on ice, no matter how thick it is, is dangerous.
Protect Our
Forests...Please do not bring firewood
from home to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The Forest has
issued a NEW closure order which prohibits the possession, storage
or transport of any firewood that originates from outside the State of
Wisconsin, AND from south of Wisconsin State Highway 29. This is
to protect our Forest from the spread of exotic insects such as Emerald
Ash Borer, Gypsy
Moth, and Asian
Longhorned Beetle.
Before You Drop a Line... The Forest
Service is responsible for providing habitat for a wide range of fish
and wildlife while the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)
is the agency primarily responsible for setting fishing seasons, size
and limits, as well as license fees. Wisconsin anglers must follow all
the laws of the WDNR. Fishing licenses are required for all fishing (both
residents and non-residents) and may be purchased through the WDNR at
agency field offices or at most bait & tackle stores, and sporting
goods stores in Wisconsin. Resident licenses are available for individual,
family, husband & wife, youth and the disabled. Non-resident licenses
are available to individuals and families for 4-days, 15-days, and the
entire season. In June each year the Wisconsin DNR offers a free fishing
weekend. For specific information on fishing regulations and license fees,
call or write the Wisconsin DNR or visit
them on the world wide web:
At the Madison State Office:
Wisconsin DNR
101 S. Webster St.
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 54707
Telephone: 608-266-2121
OR their Rhinelander Office:
Wisconsin DNR
107 Sutliff Ave.
PO Box 818
Rhinelander, WI 54501
Telephone: 715-365-8900
Or contact them on their World Wide Web at http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/fhp/fish
Contacting Us... The Chequamegon-Nicolet
National Forest can provide you with forest
and quadrangle maps, information about
campgrounds and camping, and much other information to help make your
visit to your National Forest enjoyable. Each Ranger District has specialized
fishing pamphlets and maps available for purchase, showing locations of
lakes, streams and boat landings in their respective District. Lake contour
maps are available at DNR field offices or local sporting goods stores.
National Forest Supervisor's Offices and Ranger District office addresses
and phone numbers may be found on our offices
and contacts web pages.
Other Contacts... Call the following
Chambers of Commerce for more information on private lodging, including
guide services:
Rhinelander
800-236-4386
Conover
800-236-4928
Lakewood
715-276-6500
Antigo
888-526-4523
Eagle River
800-359-6315
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Three Lakes
800-972-6103
Crandon
715-478-3450
Land O Lakes
800-236-3432
Laona
715-674-3007
Wabeno
715-473-2602
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