Chetek Chain

You will be okay with an ATV. Problem is cutting trail through deep snowpack that may still be slushy underneath or froze over with a crusty top layer. If you stay on a packed trail you shouldn't have any worries either.

Shack, I was on Lake Chetec today, drove out in F150, several other vehicles on lake, in fact small tractor and several heavy duty truck plowing area out from Red's bar for their Winter fest.  Also seen numerous atv/utv's on lake.

Hello all Anglers and members of Lake Link.

I am planning a trip up to Lake Chetek in Chetek, WI and was wondering if anybody out there has been on the lake lately and could PLEASE tell me if ATV's have been seen on the lake and hopefully you can tell me the ice thickness also.

I am not going to plan this fishing trip until I know for sure that the ice will hold me and my ATV's.

So, please somebody respond with some info for me and my buddies.

Thanks,

Hopeful Fishermen

Hello fellow anglers. Does anyone know if ATV travel is possible on the Chetek Chain? TIA and tight lines

Went out Friday from 2- dark on Prarie some spots were ok to walk and other I was breaking through every step. Marked some fish in 13 fow but had to work to get them to bite. Came home with 8 keepers. Last night went out on Chetek and walking conditions were bad alot of slush where I was at and fishing wasn't much better. Caught 11 small ones and 2 keepers. This warm weather isn't going to help anything as far as being able to drive out. Been talking with buddies around town and bite seems slow all over. Hopefully it picks up.

How’s the walleye bite been? Saw some banter on social media and seemed like some nice ones being caught - which may have started the banter. Anyway - not coming from to far - just wondering. We fish em in Chetek & Pokeg. Thanks y’all 

Tried my usual spots on Chetek and pokegama, walking conditions were awful, breaking throught every other step, some spots were firm from the cold snap but not completely. Didn't make it any better that the fishing was slow, small perch and 2 keeper gills. About 7 inches of clear ice and then 6 inches of crap and then snow on top of it all. Going to be an interesting winter as far when vehicles start venturing out especially with it warming up at the end of the week.

https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/65051

Saw a few mudpuppies washed up on shore back in 2020 and one guy told me he caught one before

Launched out near Gilligans; the launch is in quite a rough shape as it probably hasn't been plowed at all this year. Anyways took out the polaris and ice was more than good enough for it. About 6-7" of good clear ice and 3-4" of frozen slush on top. Snowmobile never broke through the slush layer. But I didn't venture too much and stayed closeish to the bridge. 

Fishing wise, caught a couple jumbo perch and several smaller walleyes. 

I was out on the chain Sunday afternoon.. targeting walleye and perch. Ended up catching around 20 perch.  3 LM bass. 1 crappie and 6 walleye. Ice was good. Not so sure about the wheeler travel.. walking is easy as you can get now. There is current in the chain.. I drilled many holes and ice ranged from 6" to 3".  In a distance if 30'  must be very cautious this time of year. Especially with our wacko weather. Bi-polar if you ask me.. good luck all!!    By the way...all fish were released.. just out for a good time