Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

Water, Water, Everywhere: The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is a water wonderland! The Forest contains the headwaters of three major drainages: the Mississippi watershed, the Lake Superior watershed, and the Lake Michigan watershed. Contained within the forest boundaries are more than 2000 miles of stream (nearly 1400 miles are classified as trout water), more than 600 lakes greater than ten acres in size, over 400 spring ponds, and 324,000 acres of wetland.

It's Raining Fish: Over 50 species of fish occur on the Forest. Popular species include walleye, brook trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch, northern pike, suckers, and of course the official fish of Wisconsin - the mighty "Muskellunge". Information on fishing different areas can be found on the Wisconsin DNR’s website at Streams and Lakes pages.

Motor, Canoe, Hike: The Forest offers a wide range of recreational fishing opportunities. Access ranges from fully developed launching facilities to carry-in with a mile or more hike. Road crossings provide access to a majority of our warm and cold-water rivers. Remember, don't let the winter stop you; ice fishing is a Northwoods tradition!

Wheelchair Access: A Barrier-free fishing pier is located on the east side of Butternut Lake and Elvoy Springs in the Eagle River-Florence Ranger District. Additional accessible fishing piers can also be found on many of the lakes that are associated with campgrounds and day use areas.

For those anglers that prefer stream fishing, we have the South Branch Oconto Barrier Free Fishing Trail, one of few trails of its kind across the country. This 1/4-mile fishing trail parallels the South Branch of the Oconto River in the Lakewood-Laona Ranger District, which is a quality brook and brown trout stream. The trail provides access to 11 fishing sites, ranging from flat spots along the shoreline to cantilever decks that allow the user to be out over the stream. The trail is a cooperative effort of the Forest and nine partner organizations.

Have a Reel Safe Trip!

• Make sure everyone in the boat has a life preserver. IT'S THE LAW! It’s also a good idea to WEAR IT!
• Fishing and water mix. Fishing and alcohol don't!
• Ice should be at least 6 inches thick before walking on it.
• Driving your car on ice, no matter how thick it is, is dangerous.

Before You Drop a Line: The Forest Service provides habitat for a wide range of fish and wildlife while the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is the agency primarily responsible for setting fishing seasons, size and limits, as well as license fees. Anglers must follow all the laws of the WDNR. Fishing licenses are required for all fishing (both residents and non-residents) and may be purchased through the WDNR at agency field offices or at most bait & tackle stores, and sporting goods stores in Wisconsin. Non-resident licenses are available to individuals and families for 4-days, 15-days, and the entire season. In June each year the WDNR offers a free fishing weekend. For specific information on fishing regulations and license fees visit the Wisconsin DNR’s website.

Ice Fishing

Bundle up and walk out onto a frozen lake on a clear winter day with a sled full of fishing gear and enjoy the fishing.

Hunting

Hunting is a tradition and a part of our heritage. It’s a seasonal activity, and the rules are simple: Follow Wisconsin State hunting regulations and state laws including seasons, dates, and licensing. To ensure every hunter has an opportunity to enjoy traditional hunting experiences, we ask hunters to follow the guidance below:

• Obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) to review restrictions and view where motorized use begins or ends (some may not be signed as closed). Copies of MVUM maps are available online and at all USDA Forest Service Offices. Consider downloading and install the Avenza app to view current Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest’s MVUM on your smart phone or tablet device.
• It is prohibited to take any motorized vehicle behind a berm, gate, rock, barrier post, or other closure device within the national forest. Highway legal vehicles are not allowed on designated ATV and snowmobile trails. Operation of a motor vehicle within any active timber sale area is dangerous and is prohibited.
• Follow MVUM guidelines for parking - 30 ft. from the edge of any road surface when safe without damage to national forest system resources or facilities, unless prohibited otherwise.
• Blinds can be constructed with natural dead materials gathered from the immediate area or with artificial materials. The use of any nails, wires, screws, or other harming metal objects to fasten camouflage, blinds, or stands to a live tree is prohibited.
• To cut or damage any live tree is prohibited. Cutting, trimming, or removing brush larger than 1 inch in diameter is prohibited.
• Discharging a firearm on or across a national forest system road, within 150 yards of a Forest Service campground, building, or other developed recreation site, such as, boat launches/landings, picnic areas, or any other occupied areas is prohibited.
• Leave No Trace and be safe. You are always responsible for your own safety.

Check out Maps & Publications for maps of trails available for hunting, hiking, and walking.

Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities