Catfish Lake

View of Catfish Lake, the 978 acre lake in Eagle River, Wisconsin

Catfish Lake is one of the signature lakes on the Eagle River Chain, long known as a central hub within the system. Spanning 978 acres with approximately 4 to 5 feet of clarity and an average depth around 12 feet, it reflects the fertile, warmwater character typical of the chain.

The broad basin provides room for pontoon cruising, sandbar gatherings, and day-long exploration, all while maintaining seamless access to the rest of the chain. With roughly 27 owners per mile of shoreline, it carries an active but established feel shaped by decades of resort and cabin history.

Buyers drawn to Catfish often value chain connectivity, social energy, and boating variety as much as fishing potential, using it both as a home base and a launch point for exploring neighboring lakes.

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Catfish Lake Specs:

Clarity:
Avg. Depth: 12 Feet
Size: 978 Acres
Max Depth: 30 Feet
Shoreline: 10.64 Miles
Water Source:
Lake Access: Public
Water Color: Tanned
Trophic State: Eutrophic
Time to Town: 8 Minutes
Acres Per Owner: 3.38
Owners Per Mile: 27.16
Chain:Eagle River

Homes for Sale:

No Current Listings
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Lots for Sale:

No Current Listings
Fishing:
Fish Species:
Bottom:
Boat Traffic: High
Noise Level:
High Speed: Yes
Natural Gas: Yes
Lake Roads:
Cell Coverage: Good
Home Density:
Boat Launch: Yes (1)
Lake Grade: Excellent
Rentals on Lake: Yes
Township: Lincoln
School District: Northland Pines
Tax Rate: $5.35 / $1000
** Link opens in new window:
Catfish Lake contour map
Biking/Walking/Ski Trails:
No trails real close to the lake, but there are many trails within ten to fifteen minutes of Catfish.
Paddling Routes:
The Eagle River / Three Lakes Chain of Lakes offers days and days of paddling opportunities.
Snowmobile Trails:
The Sno-Eagles Trails run across Catfish Lake so there is very easy access to owners. These trails consist of over 100 miles of groomed trails that connect to everywhere you could think of going on a sled in Northern WI or Michigan. Trails are kept in great condition and are a major calling card of the area.
ATV Trails:
The Landover ATV trails run along the south side of the lake. It is a vast network of ATV trails that connect Eagle River to Upper Michigan. There are a variety of riding options ranging from paved roads to trails through the national forests. By far the largest ATV trail network in Vilas County.
Eagle River:
7 mins
Grocery Store
hospital
Three Lakes:
16 mins
Grocery Store
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This is a summary based on available information.

Chain‑wide resources and local reports describe Catfish as a strong multi‑species lake with opportunities for walleye, bass, panfish, pike, and muskies, especially around structure and necked‑down areas. Weed edges, bars, and current‑influenced narrows between Catfish and adjoining lakes often fish well for walleyes and panfish, particularly in low‑light periods. Because Catfish is also a major recreation lake, serious anglers frequently time their efforts for dawn, dusk, and shoulder seasons, leaving mid‑day highs for cruising, swimming, and family activities. Cabin owners often learn a mix of “milk runs” that fish well even with some traffic, then expand to quieter corners of the chain when they want more solitude.

I had AI give me the coordinates for the launches I had on file. They are not super accurate, but should give a rough idea of where you can find the landings. If no coordinates were available at all I didn't link to the map.

Catfish Lake public landing (south shore)
View on Map
Public boat landing on the south shore of Catfish Lake providing direct access to one of the busiest sections of the Eagle River Chain. Hard-surface ramp appropriate for most trailered rigs; parking can fill quickly on nice days, making it a common staging point for all-day chain cruises and fishing trips.

How big is Catfish Lake?

Catfish Lake is 978 acres with 10.64 miles of shoreline.

How deep is Catfish Lake?

Catfish Lake has an average depth of 12 feet and a maximum depth of 30 feet.

Does Catfish Lake have a boat launch?

Yes, Catfish Lake has a public boat launch.

How far is Catfish Lake from Eagle River?

Catfish Lake is 8 minutes from Eagle River, Wisconsin.

What fish are in Catfish Lake?

Catfish Lake contains a Variety of fish species including Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye.

What is the water clarity of Catfish Lake?

Catfish Lake has a water clarity of 4.2 feet.

How long is the shoreline on Catfish Lake?

The shoreline of Catfish Lake is about 10.64 miles.

What type of lake is Catfish Lake?

Catfish Lake is a Drainage lake.

What is the trophic status of Catfish Lake?

Catfish Lake is a Eutrophic lake.

Is Catfish Lake on a chain of lakes?

Yes, Catfish Lake is on the Eagle River chain of lakes.

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