What You'll Find on the Moen Lake Chain

The Moen Lake Chain consists of three connected lakes in Vilas County in northeastern Wisconsin — Moen Lake, Fence Lake, and Anvil Lake — all linked by navigable channels that let you fish them as one system. The chain holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish, with walleye as the primary draw for serious anglers. The lakes are shallow to moderately deep, with plenty of structure: weedy bays, rocky points, and drop-offs that hold fish in different seasons.

Access is straightforward. The main public boat landing is on Moen Lake itself, off Forest Road 2178 near the town of Conover. From there you can motor or paddle into Fence Lake and Anvil Lake without leaving the water. The chain sits in the heart of the Northwoods, surrounded by national forest land, so the setting is quiet and undeveloped compared to many Wisconsin lakes.

Key Takeaways

  • The Moen Lake Chain is three connected lakes in Vilas County that hold walleye, pike, and panfish, with a public boat landing on Moen Lake near Conover.
  • Walleye fishing peaks in spring (May through early June) and fall (September through October), with summer requiring deeper structure and night fishing.
  • Northern pike are present year-round and respond well to larger lures and live bait, especially in weedy bays and shallow channels between lakes.
  • Wisconsin fishing licenses and a trout stamp (if you plan to fish any trout waters nearby) are required; check current regulations for daily limits and size restrictions before you fish.
  • The chain is accessible by car year-round, but winter access depends on ice thickness and local conditions — contact the Conover area ranger station or local bait shops for current information.

Walleye Fishing: Seasons and Techniques

Walleye on the Moen Lake Chain respond to traditional Northwoods methods. Spring (May through early June) is the most productive season — fish move shallow to spawn and feed heavily afterward. Jigs tipped with live minnows or crawlers work well along the rocky points and channel edges. Cast toward structure in 8 to 15 feet of water and work the jig slowly along the bottom.

Summer walleye retreat to deeper water and are most active at dawn, dusk, and after dark. If you fish midday, focus on the deepest holes you can find — typically 20 to 30 feet on these lakes — or fish the channels between lakes where current and depth changes concentrate fish. Trolling with crankbaits or live bait rigs can be effective, though many anglers switch to night fishing with slip bobbers and live minnows in shallower water once the sun sets.

Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite as walleye move back to shallower structure to feed before winter. This is often the easiest time to catch numbers of fish. Repeat your spring tactics — jigs and live bait along points and drop-offs — and expect good results through mid-October.

Northern Pike and Panfish

Northern pike are abundant on the chain and often overlooked by walleye-focused anglers. They respond to larger lures — spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range — and to live bait, especially larger minnows. The weedy bays on all three lakes hold pike year-round. Cast along weed edges and through openings, and be ready for aggressive strikes.

Panfish — bluegill, crappie, and pumpkinseed — are reliable throughout the year, especially in spring and early summer. Look for them in shallow bays with vegetation, around downed trees, and along the channels. A simple bobber and small jig or live minnow will catch panfish consistently. Winter ice fishing for panfish is popular on the chain, though you will need to confirm ice thickness with local sources before heading out.

Access, Seasons, and Practical Details

The public boat landing on Moen Lake is located off Forest Road 2178, a few miles south of Conover. The landing has a paved ramp and parking for trailers. From there, the channels to Fence Lake and Anvil Lake are well-marked and navigable by most small boats and canoes. The entire chain is open to fishing year-round under Wisconsin regulations.

Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for boat fishing — water temperatures are moderate and insect pressure is low. Summer can be hot and buggy, though early morning and evening fishing is productive. Winter access depends on ice thickness; local bait and tackle shops in Conover can tell you whether the lakes are safe for ice fishing in any given year.

You will need a current Wisconsin fishing license. If you plan to fish any trout streams in the area — several run through the national forest nearby — you will also need a trout stamp. Check the current Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulations for walleye and pike size and bag limits before you fish; these can change year to year.

Where to Stay and Resupply

Conover is a small town with a few lodging options, including small resorts and cabin rentals. Several bait and tackle shops in the area stock live minnows, crawlers, and local knowledge about current conditions. The nearest larger town is Eagle River, about 20 minutes away, which has more services and restaurants.

The Moen Lake Chain sits within or adjacent to national forest land, so camping is also an option if you prefer a more rustic base. Contact the Conover Ranger District office for information about forest service campgrounds in the area.

What Makes the Moen Lake Chain Different

The chain's main advantage is that it functions as one fishery without the hassle of loading and unloading your boat. You can fish three separate lakes in a single day by simply motoring through the channels. The system is less crowded than many Wisconsin walleye lakes, partly because it is smaller and partly because it sits away from major highways.

The shallow to moderate depths make it forgiving for anglers who are new to walleye fishing — you do not need a deep-water sonar setup to be successful. Structure is abundant and visible, so you can locate fish without electronics if you prefer. The mix of walleye, pike, and panfish means you have options if one species is not biting on a given day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish the Moen Lake Chain?

Spring (May through early June) and fall (September through October) are most productive for walleye. Summer requires more effort — deeper water and night fishing — but is still fishable. Winter ice fishing for panfish is popular, though you should confirm ice thickness locally before heading out.

Do I need a boat to fish the Moen Lake Chain?

A boat makes access easier, but you can also fish from shore or paddle a canoe. The public landing on Moen Lake is the main access point, but shoreline fishing is possible in some areas. Canoes work well for exploring the channels between lakes and fishing weedy bays.

Are there size or bag limits for walleye and pike on the Moen Lake Chain?

Wisconsin sets statewide limits, but they can change year to year. Check the current Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fishing regulations before you go. Local bait shops in Conover can also tell you the current rules.

Can I fish at night on the Moen Lake Chain?

Yes, night fishing is legal and often productive for walleye in summer. Many anglers use slip bobbers with live minnows in shallow water after dark. Make sure you have proper lighting and follow all Wisconsin boating regulations if you fish after sunset.

How far is the Moen Lake Chain from major Wisconsin cities?

The chain is in Vilas County in the far northeastern part of the state. It is roughly 4 to 5 hours from Milwaukee and Madison, and about 2 hours from Wausau. Eagle River, the nearest larger town, is about 20 minutes away by car.