Wisconsin DNR fisheries surveys
Species recorded at Chain Lake
6 species on the Wisconsin DNR list for this lake. A species on the list has been recorded here; it does not mean it is catchable today or in every part of the lake.
How abundant each species is
Wisconsin DNR rates abundance from its own survey record rather than publishing a catch rate per species. The ratings below are theirs.
| Species | Abundance |
|---|---|
| Walleye | Abundant |
| Musky | Common |
| Panfish | Common |
| Largemouth Bass | Common |
| Northern Pike | Common |
| Smallmouth Bass | Present |
Stocking at Chain Lake
No stocking record for Chain Lake appears in the Wisconsin DNR material on file. That is an absence in the published record, not a confirmation that the lake is unstocked — some waters are managed as naturally reproducing and never appear in a stocking list at all.
Survey results in full
Wisconsin DNR rates Walleye as abundant on Chain Lake.
A DNR fisheries survey reports fish abundance and catch rates, not water quality. LakeQuality shows Chain Lake’s water-quality measurements separately, and the water-quality trend over 4 years of monitoring is improving. Catch rate is not a swim clearance and is not a weekly bite report.
WI DNR Lake Profile
Authoritative data from the Wisconsin DNR LakePages. 3 stations on file (most recent sample 2023).
Fish Species (DNR-rated)
Common questions
What fish are in Chain Lake?
Wisconsin DNR rates Walleye as abundant on Chain Lake. Wisconsin DNR lists 6 species for the lake in total. Those are survey results, not a catch report: a net set on one date measures what was in that net.
When was Chain Lake last surveyed?
No survey date is recorded for Chain Lake beyond the results themselves. Wisconsin DNR publishes the underlying documents, which carry the sampling dates.
Is Chain Lake stocked?
No stocking record for Chain Lake appears in the Wisconsin DNR material on file. That is not the same as a confirmed unstocked lake: it means no stocking document was published for it in the records this page draws on.
Do the water-quality readings tell me how Chain Lake fishes?
A DNR fisheries survey reports fish abundance and catch rates, not water quality. LakeQuality shows Chain Lake’s water-quality measurements separately, and the water-quality trend over 4 years of monitoring is improving. Catch rate is not a swim clearance and is not a weekly bite report.
Before you eat what you catch
Water-quality readings are not a consumption advisory. Mercury and PCB advice for Wisconsin waters comes from WI DNR/DHS, and it is issued per species and per size class: a lake with clear, low-nutrient water can still carry a meal limit on larger predator fish.
Where to stay near Chain Lake
Top-rated places to stay near Chain Lake
Prices for Oct 16–18, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Planning a trip to Chain Lake?
Get lake water-quality updates plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Chain Lake — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.