NEW! The Forest has finalized the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM)for 2009. Maps for downloading and other information can be seen at the MVUM Page.

Water, Water, Everywhere... Welcome to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, a water wonderland! The Forest contains the headwaters of 3 major drainages; the Mississippi watershed, the Lake Superior watershed, and the Lake Michigan watershed. Contained within the forest boundaries are over 2000 miles of stream (nearly 1400 miles are classified as trout water), 607 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. The more 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".

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 coldwater 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 Fork of the Oconto River in the Lakewood/Laona Ranger District, which is a quality brook and brown trout stream. The trail provides access to eleven 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!
• 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.

Protect Our Forests...Please do not bring firewood from home to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The Forest has issued a NEW closure order which prohibits the possession, storage or transport of any firewood that originates from outside the State of Wisconsin or more than 25 miles from the destination point.  The exception would be firewood collected from the CNNF.  This is to protect our Forest from the spread of exotic insects such as Emerald Ash Borer, Gypsy Moth, and Asian Longhorned Beetle.

Before You Drop a Line... The Forest Service is responsible for providing 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. Wisconsin 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. Resident licenses are available for individual, family, husband & wife, youth and the disabled. Non-resident licenses are available to individuals and families for 4-days, 15-days, and the entire season. In June each year the Wisconsin DNR offers a free fishing weekend. For specific information on fishing regulations and license fees, call or write the Wisconsin DNR or visit them on the world wide web:

At the Madison State Office:
Wisconsin DNR
101 S. Webster St.
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 54707
Telephone: 608-266-2121

OR their Rhinelander Office:
Wisconsin DNR
107 Sutliff Ave.
PO Box 818
Rhinelander, WI 54501
Telephone: 715-365-8900

Or contact them on their World Wide Web at http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/fhp/fish

Contacting Us... The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest can provide you with forest and quadrangle maps, information about campgrounds and camping, and much other information to help make your visit to your National Forest enjoyable. Each Ranger District has specialized fishing pamphlets and maps available for purchase, showing locations of lakes, streams and boat landings in their respective District. Lake contour maps are available at DNR field offices or local sporting goods stores. National Forest Supervisor's Offices and Ranger District office addresses and phone numbers may be found on our offices and contacts web pages.

Other Contacts... Call the following Chambers of Commerce for more information on private lodging, including guide services: