Winchester Chain of Lakes

   The Winchester Chain, often referred to locally as the Turtle–Winchester Chain, is best defined as three connected lakes in far northwestern Vilas County: South Turtle, North Turtle, and Rock. Together they provide a little over 900 acres of water—about 454–466 acres on South Turtle, roughly 359–369 acres on North Turtle, and around 120 acres on Rock Lake—linked by short navigable channels and a shared outlet toward the Turtle River system. The setting is classic Northwoods cabin country near the town of Winchester and the Michigan state line, with forested shorelines, scattered homes and resorts, and a generally quieter feel than larger headline chains farther south. The three lakes are known for good clarity, varied structure, and a well‑rounded fishery. North Turtle Lake is identified as a Class A musky lake of roughly 359–369 acres and up to 58 feet deep, with a bottom mix of sand, gravel, and rock that supports musky, walleye, bass, and panfish. South Turtle, slightly larger at about 454–466 acres and 40 feet deep, has moderately clear water and a diverse fish community including musky, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and panfish, with special regulations in place to manage gamefish quality. Rock Lake, at roughly 120 acres, is the smallest of the three but adds additional bays, shoreline variety, and a quieter feel, and all three are effectively fished as one interconnected system thanks to short boatable cuts between basins. Access and shoreline use are set up for both vacationers and seasonal residents. A public boat ramp between North Turtle and Rock provides access to the northern part of the chain, while South Turtle has its own public launch off County Highway W near Chicago Avenue. Shorelines host a mix of older family cabins, newer homes, and small resort properties, yet the overall development pattern still leaves long stretches of woods and natural shoreline that preserve a relaxed, low‑key atmosphere. For many anglers and boaters, this three‑lake Winchester Chain offers an appealing middle ground: big enough to explore different basins and chase multiple species, but small and contained enough to learn intimately over the course of a week or a season.