Eagle River was the site of the first permanent Indian settlement in the Wisconsin Northwood’s, located on the shores of Watersmeet Lake where the Wisconsin River and Chain 0′ Lakes meet. These early Indians were called Old Copper Indians and were succeeded by the Woodland Indians from 2,600 B.C. to 800 A.D. These Indians were probably the ancestors of the Chippewa, Potawatomi and Menominee.

The Eagle River Light and Water Commission built the original Otter Rapids dam and power plant in 1906. An electric transmission line connecting the dam with Three Lakes was erected in 1923, and other lines were built to Woodruff and Minocqua in 1925. The line to Woodruff gave the community electricity for the first time. A municipally owned gas-driven engine had previously supplied Minocqua’s service.

Burnt Rollways Dam was put into operation in 1911. The original boat hoist was an inclined marine railway on the main dam. From 1911 to 1949, it was driven by direct mechanical power from a water wheel in the dam. In 1949 it was modernized with electric drive motors and the incline was reduced by passing the tracks through a hydraulic drawbridge in the roadway. In 1952, because of the increase in boat sizes and boating traffic, a new and larger hoist was constructed. A 165′ trestle way with an electrically operated gantry hoist was designed and built to lift and transport the boats from one side of the dam to the other. Boats up to 8′ wide and 30′ long can travel between the lower Eagle River Chain to the upper Three Lakes Chain, which combined, makes up the largest inland freshwater chain of lakes.

People in Wisconsin take their fishing seriously. Very seriously. In fact, the Eagle River area reels in anglers from all over the country for opening day. And with musky, northern, walleye and bass swimming through the World’s Largest Chain of 28 Connected Lakes, it’s really no surprise. The area’s legendary fishing guides are ready to help you lure in that trophy.

The First Saturday in May is Opening Weekend for Fishing!  Check out up to date events and information HERE! 

Last Year Results from Eagle River/Three Lakes Chain, WI Q2 of the PMTT!