Cisco Chain, Vilas County (all postings)

Sorry to say that the Cisco Chain (along with most lakes here) still has quite a bit of ice. It's supposed to rain later this week, but there is just too much ice to be gone by Opening Day. I did find a few small lakes in Vilas that today were starting to open around the shores, but without more open spots the wind & rain can't really melt ice very fast. Everyone pretty much agrees that if you want to fish open water Opening Day, your best bet will be the Wisconsin River near Eagle River. Hope this helps.

Whats your opinion on ice out, later than last year? Got our annual trip up to Jays for the open and the boys are nervous about ice. I told them to chill out, we will be fine. I even put away all my ice fishing stuff! Can't wait to get up, been a long slow fishing winter on 'Bago this year, looking forward to spring action, let me know what you think, thanks!

Musquatch how did your trip go?

Everyone else - how are things looking for the musky and walleye bite? According to the WDNR outdoor reports it sounds like they're starting to get pretty active.

Mark:

You are looking at the low 60's in all likelihood... It may get lower, but not by a lot as they are still callling for moderate air temps in to next week yet.

Musky Ben

Anyone know the water temp?

Drive from wilderness to bents--10 minutes. Watch out for deer.

Walleye in the woods with minnows and a weedless jig.

No real channel issues. Sand cut between west bay and Morley--just go slow and trim up your motor.

Don't drive too close to any point or island or you will hit a rock--pretty normal caution.

There is a very very good under water topo map of the chain that costs abt $9 and it is sold in the area. The tackle box in LOL will have it. Bents bait shop and wilderness might but wouldn't count on it. If you are going to the chain the first time getting that map is a MUST. Crazy not to get it if you are unfamiliar with the chain.

The tackle box also often has suckers for sale. Great bait for Fall Muskie on the chain.

Vacationland is great place to stay. Owners are the tops. Have stayed there 8 or 9 times.

Try fishing the humps in big lake.

Never caught a northern while Muskie fishing. While bass fishing, yes, though.

Another great place to eat is the bear trap inn on city B on the way to LOL. Loose Moose is also worth the trip--on Hwy 45 south of LOL. Black oak inn is a decent bar to eat at and watch a game, also on Cty B.

Hope this helps you..

I will be there the same weekend. Two guys In a black MirroCraft Dual Impact with 125 Merc. If ou see me wave a hat and if I see it I'll stop and say hello.

Musquatch- As for Wilderness Bay we've never stayed there, but we do buy their bait. The place went under new management and has really turned around. My wife and I spent our honeymoon at Vacationland Resort last fall and we were very impressed with our stay. The owners are quality people. We are actually going back there in six weeks for our anniversary. As for guides, you couldn't find a finer guide than Bruce Becker. He's very personable and put us on great fish. He has a wealth of knowledge of the system and even helped us produce quality fishing for the rest of our stay. The breakfast at the country store was good and Bent's camp has a great fish fry.

Musqatch...Sorry, I can't really comment on the resorts here in the Northwoods, but as far as fishing the Chain the recent weather changes have made fishing a bit more "challenging". It seemed that Summer ended & Fall started with the water cooling, but last week & this coming week we're back into Summer again. Surface temps went from mid 70's to mid 60's and now back into the 70's again. The period you're looking at should be in the Fall pattern with the fish starting to feed for Winter. I know you mentioned Muskie, Walleye, & Northerns, but the Bass have been pretty active this year. Good sizes & sometimes plentiful. I've had good luck on Big Lake. As far as guides, you couldn't ask for any better than Bruce Becker. And check out the Forest Lake Country Store's new kitchen and menu offerings. I hope you & your Father enjoy the trip.

hello everyone! first time posting here. I am planning a week long trip September 27 - October 4 (2014) to the chain. I will be bringing my father up who has never been to the northwoods of Wisconsin/west UP and would like him to experience it at least once. I have some questions and greatly appreciate any feedback.

I am looking at Wilderness Bay Resort on Thousand Island, anyone familiar with this resort?

We will mainly be targeting muskies (casting) but to give my dad a break we may try the walleye bite every now and then. How is the muskie and walleye fishing generally in the early to mid fall period on this watershed?

Are we likely to run into some quality northern pike (30"+) while muskie fishing?

Is there any channel/spots between the lakes or otherwise that are trickier to navigate than others?

I may hire Bruce Becker for a day if funds allow at the time. Any other guides I should look into?

We will mainly be doing our own cooking but would like to take my dad to Bent's for dinner and maybe to Forest Lake Country Store for breakfast. Any other supper clubs in the area worth going to? ( I have heard Hillside on LVD is good?).

How long of a drive is it (by road) from Wilderness Bay to Bent's Camp?

I know, that's a lot of questions and again any help is appreciated....Thank you! Jay

I have not stayed at jays, but Vacationland would be worth considering. I have stayed there several years. Great people. Accommodations from a little rustic to as nice of cabin as you will find for rent on the chain.

Looking to possibly stay with family at Jays Resort on Thousand Island Lake. Anyone have any input/reviews? Feel free to message me.

Thanks Rob

I will be on the Cisco chain this coming weekend. Coming up from Arizona with my family. Can anybody give me a report or a few tips as to what works where up there? Any info would be much appreciated. Robcarlisi@yahoo.com Thanks a lot!!!!

PM sent, good luck up there!

its on

Turn your PM on and I'll give you my two cents worth....