Anglers are always searching for that secret lake off the beaten path. You know, that lake that nobody else knows about, has easy access and plenty of fish. Well, you will probably never find that secret lake, but the good news is that Wisconsin has many lakes and flowages where the fishing is better than average. However, some waters are more productive than others. Here are a few waters that may offer exceptional fishing this winter.

CHETEK CHAIN
Barron County
The Chetek Chain has historically been one of the top panfish destinations in Wisconsin. Covering more than 3,800 acres, these shallow flowages have good weed growth and more than 300 fish cribs for added cover. One huge advantage to fishing shallow water in winter is that there is no need to worry about searching for fish in deep water. Shallow fish are always easier to both locate and catch.

The Chetek Chain is off Highway 53 in southeastern Barron County about 30 miles north of Chippewa Falls.

"Presently, the Chetek Chain is going through a cycle and the large panfish the chain is famous for are tough to locate," Troy Razim of the Rod & Gun Shop said, adding that last year anglers reported catches of 10-inch bluegills and 12-inch crappies. It appears that even the smaller panfish are still respectable when compared with other lakes. The best panfish action occurs at first and late ice when they relate to the weeds. Look for good weeds in 8 feet of water and you should find aggressive bluegills and crappies. Ratsos and Demons in chartreuse and black have been the hot jigs the last few years.

In recent years, according to Razim, the perch fishing has been very good with 11- to 12-inch perch being common. Look for perch to relate to the 8- to 14-foot depths on the last dropoff. While all the lakes of the chain support a good perch population, the larger lakes like Lake Chetek, Prairie Lake and Pokegama Lake are best.

Besides panfish, Razim noted that there is a good walleye and northern pike fishery. Last year, an angler pulled an 11-pound walleye though the ice while tip-up fishing. First ice is prime time for walleyes and northerns with both species feeding in the weeds. Later in winter, they scatter and relate to deeper water; however, anglers who put in their time do well by using either tip-ups or jigging presentations.

For ice conditions and fishing reports, call the Rod & Gun Shop at (715) 924-4148. For information about accommodations, contact the Chetek Chamber of Commerce at www.chetek.netor (800) 317-1720.

NORTH & SOUTH TWIN
Vilas County
Todd Tyler of Eagle Sports Center in Eagle River said that for a winter destination the first places that come to mind are North and South Twin lakes. Located in north-central Vilas County, North Twin in particular is famous for its trophy muskies and walleyes. When it comes to hard water fishing, Tyler said, "Big walleyes are caught each winter and the panfishing is some of the best in the area."