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Fox Lake

Heart of the Chain O’Lakes

Fish Species:

  • Bass
  • Muskie
  • Northern
  • Walleye
  • Catfish
  • Crappie
  • Bluegill

Size:

1,700

Depth:

14″ feet

Lake Description

  • Boat Launches:

    12

  • Marinas:

    30

  • Access Points:

    12

  • Equipment Rentals:
    boats, pontoons, jet skies

Lake Details

Fox Lake is tied for the largest lake in the Chain O’Lakes system at approximately 1,700-1,810 acres (often combined with connected Nippersink Lake for 2,376.8 total acres). Known as the “Heart of the Chain O’Lakes,” it serves as the primary home base for visitors with multiple marinas, waterfront dining, and the Village of Fox Lake as the central community hub.

Historical Information

  • Town of Fox Lake incorporated in 1907 to avoid county raids on resorts
  • Historic “Egyptian Lotus” beds – Fox and Grass Lake were famous for lotus viewing in 1890s
  • Railroad development in 1901 – Milwaukee Road railroad crossing led to tourism boom
  • Nippersink Point station became center of Fox Lake community
  • Part of Chain O’Lakes system formed by Wisconsin glacier melt
  • Originally inhabited by Native American tribes including Miami, Mascouten and Potawatomi

Notable Features & Landmarks

  • “Heart of the Chain O’Lakes” – central hub designation
  • Village of Fox Lake – central community with restaurants, events, services
  • Lakefront Park and Beach – recently renovated village facility
  • Captain’s Quarters and Fairmont Shores – popular waterfront establishments
  • El Puerto Mexican Restaurant, Mijo’s Mexican, Moretti’s, The Coffee Shop – waterfront dining
  • Fox Waterway Agency headquarters – 45 S. Pistakee Lake Road
  • Crabapple Island – notable fishing landmark
    Direct connection to Grass Lake, connects to Pistakee through Nippersink

Flathead Catfish

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Sauger

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Yellow Bass

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