High/Fishtrap Chain of Lakes

   The High/Fishtrap Chain sits in the Northern Highland–American Legion State Forest in far northern Vilas County, where High Lake, Rush Lake, and Fishtrap Lake combine to form the headwaters of the Manitowish River. High Lake is the largest at roughly 740–741 acres with about 6.6 miles of shoreline, while Fishtrap Lake covers around 339 acres with another 6.3 miles of intricate shoreline broken into bays, narrows, and small islands. Between them lies shallow, marshy Rush Lake—about 43 acres and only a few feet deep in most places—which acts as the wetland connector and historical river bottom between the two main basins. The chain has a strong reputation for clear water, diverse structure, and a mix of gamefish and panfish typical of northern Vilas County fly‑in style waters. High Lake combines deeper central bowls with weedy north and west shorelines, rock bars around islands, and long edges that hold musky, walleye, bass, and panfish, while Fishtrap is shallower and more convoluted, with numerous bays under 15 feet, heavy aquatic vegetation, and a few deeper pockets near the outlet toward the Manitowish River. Rush Lake and connected wetlands add important spawning and nursery habitat and provide quiet stretches for paddlers and wildlife watchers, especially in spring and early summer when bird activity is high. A popular paddling route follows the Manitowish River downstream from High Lake through Fishtrap toward the Fishtrap Dam, showcasing how this small chain feeds a much larger river corridor. The setting around the High/Fishtrap Chain is notably wild by Northwoods resort standards. Roughly 40 percent of the combined shoreline is owned or controlled by the State of Wisconsin, and extensive stretches remain undeveloped forest, wetlands, and low, boggy islands. Portions of the lakes touch three different townships—Boulder Junction, Presque Isle, and Land O’ Lakes—yet the overall feel is of a single, quiet backcountry pocket with one main public landing at the northeast end of High Lake and scattered cabins and resorts tucked into the trees. For paddlers, anglers, and cabin owners who like clear water, abundant wildlife, and easy access to a longer Manitowish River route, the High/Fishtrap Chain offers a more secluded alternative to the busier marquee chains to the south and west.