Skip to main content
© 2025 Fox Chain O'Lakes, LLC.
All rights reserved.
Powered by
Nanimation
Fox Chain Articles
Current Water Conditions as of September 2025
A Perfect Day on the Fox Chain O’Lakes
Tournament Reports 2025 Begins
Marina Report – Fox Chain O’Lakes, IL
Catch More Fish with Local Experts
Current Fishing Report Late Summer
Community Events on the Fox Chain O’Lakes
A Boating Adventure with Vince and His Family on the Fox Chain O’Lakes
Fall in the Fox Chain
0
Fishing
Rentals, Guides and more!
Book Your Trip
Cabins, RV’s, Campers
Go Shopping
Visit local Businesess
Fishing
Rentals, Guides and more!
Book Your Trip
Cabins, RV’s, Campers
Go Shopping
Visit locat Shops
Redhead Lake
“Small Lake”
Fish Species:
Bass
Muskie
Northern
Walleye
Catfish
Crappie
Bluegill
Size:
6
Depth:
Lake Description
Boat Launches:
Access via Pistakee Lake – Connected to Pistakee via channel, utilizing Pistakee’s boat launches
Pistakee Lake launches – Approximately 10 launching ramps on Pistakee’s northeast and southwest sides provide access
Chain O’Lakes State Park – FREE state-owned boat ramps accessible to Chain system
Private (fee-based) launches available through Pistakee Lake system
Marinas:
Various private vendors providing boat rentals, bait/tackle, and guide services throughout Pistakee system
Access Points:
Equipment Rentals:
boats, pontoons, jet skis, etc.
Lake Details
Historical Information
Formation: Formed by Wisconsin glacier melting thousands of years ago (man-made lake, not one of the three natural lakes)
Connection to Pistakee: Has always been connected to Pistakee Lake via channel, functioning as an extension
Part of Fox River Chain: One of the seven lakes connected by the Fox River (along with Bluff, Fox, Pistakee, Channel, Petite, and Lake Catherine)
Native American Heritage: Originally inhabited by Miami, Mascouten, and Potawatomi tribes
European Exploration: Part of the Chain O’Lakes region explored by Joliet and Marquette in 1673
Notable Features & Landmarks
Connection to Pistakee Lake – Channel connection to the largest lake in the southern Chain
Proximity to Meyers Bay – Located near another noted good fishing area on Pistakee
Small Lake Experience – One of the most intimate lake experiences in the Chain O’Lakes system
Access to Pistakee Amenities – Connection provides access to Famous Freddie’s Roadhouse and other Pistakee attractions
Protected Environment – Smaller size provides calmer, more peaceful recreation
Part of Southernmost Chain Area – Located in the southern portion of the Chain O’Lakes system
Flathead Catfish
Central Chain
,
Channels Canals
,
Northern Chain
,
Southern Chain
Sauger
Central Chain
,
Northern Chain
Yellow Bass
Activities & Experiences
Primary Activities
Specific Water Activities
Family & Group Activities
Seasonal/Specialty
Fishing Guides & Charters
Read more
Current Lake Conditions
Loading current conditions…
Current Lake Conditions
Water temperature
Water level status
Any advisories
Events & Tournaments
Muskie Tournament 2025
Crappie Tournament 2025
Bass Fishing Tournament
View All Events
Planning Your Visit
Fishing license requirements
Boat launch fees and hours
Parking information
Safety guidelines
Local Amenities
Restroom facilities
Restaurants nearby
Fuel stations
Bait and tackle shops
Related Lakes
Brandenburg Lake
View Lake
Dunns Lake
View Lake
Spring Lake
View Lake
Long Lake
View Lake
Duck Lake
View Lake
Redhead Lake
View Lake
Bluff Lake
View Lake
Lake Catherine
View Lake
Petite Lake
View Lake
Channel Lake
View Lake
Plan Your Perfect Lake Day
Book accommodations, activities, and guides
Browse Accommodations
Find Activities
Contact Local Guides