Uncategorized November 10, 2022

Catfish Lake

Catfish Lake

Catfish Lake is the largest lake on the Eagle River side of the chain.  It is 1021 acres.  It is also 35’ deep.

No one knows exactly where the name came from as there are no known catfish in the lake.  We are a little too far north for catfish.  It is known for all of the historic boat houses on the lake.  There are multiple points on the lake, Indian Point, Eagle Point and others.  Fishing is very good with many musky anglers hitting the shores around Indian Point and Deer Point.  Walleye fishing is good next to the three islands where there is a deep hole.  Walleyes and panfish can also be found near Eagle Point.

Catfish Lake was the first lake to be developed on the chain.  The first resort was the Everett Resort that was built on the peninsula between Catfish and Cranberry Lakes.  After the Chicago (and Peshtigo) fires of 1871, the Midwest needed lumber.  There were plenty of trees in northern Wisconsin and the railroads built rails heading north.

The lake has more boathouses than any other lake on the chain.  Boathouses are “grandfathered” meaning that they can remain but new ones cannot be built.

One of the highlights of the lake is Indian Point.  Indian Point was built by Chicago Mayor Ed Kelly in the 1920’s. Indian Point has one of the finest boathouses you will find anywhere.  The home was featured in the movie “Damien Omen 2”.  Kelly  built right next door to “Chicago’s Gentleman Gambler” Mont Tennes.  Mont was legendary for building the gambling industry in the city.  Tennes home is still there too (Sunset Point).

The Braywood Bar is a great place to spend an afternoon.  There is a ton of outdoor seating and pier space along with a beach volleyball court next to the lake.  Twelve Pines offers great pizza and chicken and great Tiki Bar.  The Marina Bar is back after a two decade hiatus.  You will not find a cooler spot to watch the sun go down.

Catfish Lake Map