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Nippersink Lake

The Central Hub of the Chain

Nippersink Lake is a 718-acre lake at the geographic center of the Chain O’Lakes system. Often combined with Fox Lake for a total of 2,376.8 acres, it features the historic Beer Can Bridge, Point Comfort Peninsula, and serves as the central connecting hub between Fox, Grass, and Pistakee Lakes.

Lake Size

718 acres

Average Depth

3 ft

Maximum Depth

5 ft

Body Type

Natural Lake

Map & Quick Facts

  • County
    Lake & McHenry County
  • Connection Type
    Fox River Connected
  • Nearby Communities
    Fox Lake, Spring Grove, Pistakee Highlands
  • Speed Limit
    Full power – no wake near bridges and designated zones
  • Swimming Allowed
    Yes

Boating & Lake Access

Boat Launches

3

Marinas

2

Access Points

4
Lake Front Park Beach off Nippersink Blvd provides shore access. Route 12 Bridge area offers bank fishing access. Chain O’Lakes State Park provides free ramp access.
State park ramps are FREE. El Puerto Mexican Restaurant offers boat and waverunner parking for dining customers. Fox Waterway Agency sticker required.

Activities & Rentals

Activities Available

Boating, Fishing, Swimming, Kayaking / Canoeing, Jet Skiing, Water Skiing, Ice Fishing

Equipment Rentals Available

Pontoon Boats, Kayaks, Fishing Gear

Nippersink Lake

Yellow Bass, Green Sunfish, White Sucker, Longnose Gar, Freshwater Drum, Carp, Warmouth, Pumpkinseed, Sauger, Flathead Catfish, Bullhead, Rock Bass, Hybrid Bass, White Bass, Muskie, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, White Crappie, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass

Fishing Information

Fishing Quality

Good – Reliable Catches

Best Fishing Seasons

Spring (March-May), Summer (June-August), Fall (September-November), winter

Fishing License

purchase a license

Fishing Tips

The Beer Can Bridge channel area is prime for walleye, bass, bluegill, and pike due to freshwater flow from The Cut. Connection channels are good for crappies. Route 12 Bridge area is popular for bank fishing.

Fishing Regulations

Bass: 6 fish daily, 14 inch minimum. Walleye: 4 fish daily, 14-18 inch slot limit. Muskie: 1 fish daily, 48 inch minimum. Northern Pike: 3 fish daily, 24 inch minimum.

History & Features

Historical Information

Nippersink Lake is one of three natural water bodies in the Chain, formed by Wisconsin glacier melting thousands of years ago.

The Cut: The historic hand-dug channel was created by the Dunnill family and Converse Marble between Pistakee and Nippersink Lakes, causing strong current and fresher water along the east shore. It is now deep, wide, and heavily traveled.

Railroad History: The railroad crossed the Chain at the narrowest point between Pistakee and Nippersink Lakes (current Route 12 location). A station built at Nippersink Point in 1901 became the center of the Fox Lake community.

Notable Features

Point Comfort Peninsula — Distinctive landmass pointing north creating a barrier between Nippersink and Fox Lakes. Features condo living with direct Chain O’Lakes access.

Beer Can Bridge (Route 12 Bridges) — Two bridges spanning the lake: state highway and parallel train trestle. Historic swivel turret bridge (now frozen) with high side and low side openings.

The Cut — Historic hand-dug channel connecting to Pistakee Lake, now a major boat thoroughfare.

Lake Front Park Beach — Public beach area off Nippersink Blvd for swimming and recreation.

El Puerto Mexican Restaurant — Major waterfront dining destination with boat and waverunner parking.

Central Hub — Strategic location connecting Fox, Grass, and Pistakee Lakes with 23 miles of shoreline.

Safety Information

Busier lake with more traffic due to central location. Can get choppy waters with boat traffic. Wear life jackets and stay close to shore when swimming. 23 miles of shoreline.

Lake Gallery

Connected Lakes

Fox Lake

Explore Lake

Pistakee Lake

Explore Lake

Grass Lake

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