BLUE HILLS OUTPOST: CHETEK, WI
CHETEK CHAIN OF LAKES, WISCONSIN • FIELD GUIDE • BLUE HILLS

Your verified local guide for the Chetek Chain of Lakes, Chetek, WI: lakeside pubs, Muddy Paddle, Hydroflites water ski shows, boat launches, fishing, and things to do.

🌊 Chetek Lake Guide 🚀 Pontoon Rentals 🍺 Muddy Paddle Pub 🎿 Hydroflites Schedule 🍹 Lakeside & Tiki Bars β˜… Things to Do πŸ“… Events This Weekend
β˜… CHETEK CHAIN OF LAKES FIELD GUIDE
Your tactical field guide to Lake Chetek, Pokegama, Prairie, Mud/Ojaski, Ten Mile, and Moose Ear lakes.
REGION FOCUS:

Chetek Chain of Lakes, WI: Complete 6-Lake Boating, Fishing & Activity Guide

⚑ Quick Decision Matrix
⚑ QUICK DECISION MATRIX

Total Navigable Water: 3,800+ acres across 6 interconnected lakes with 120+ miles of shoreline.
Deepest Basin: Lake Chetek (22 ft max depth, home to City Beach & Hydroflites Aqua Theater).
Best Panfish & Bass: Prairie Lake (crappie/walleye) & Mud/Ojaski Lake.
Marinas & Rentals: Chetek Marina & Lake Country Marina (pontoon delivery available).
Top Boat-Up Bars: Gilligan's Tiki Bar (Pokegama Lake) & Muddy Paddle Pub (Channel).

Welcome to the comprehensive digital field guide for the Chetek Chain of Lakes in Barron County, Wisconsin. Spanning six interconnected lakes with over 120 miles of shoreline and 3,800+ acres of navigable water, this chain is northwest Wisconsin's premier destination for pontoon cruising, sportfishing, lakeside vacation cabins, and dock-and-dine waterfront dining.

[ 🌊 THE SIX CONNECTED LAKES ]

1. Lake Chetek (770 Acres, Max Depth 22 ft)

The central recreational lake. Borders downtown Chetek, City Beach, Chetek Marina, the airport, and the Hydroflites Aqua Theater. Deepest basin on the chain.

2. Pokegama Lake (505 Acres, Max Depth 19 ft)

Connected directly to Lake Chetek via a wide channel. Home to Gilligan's on Chetek (tiki bar & boat slips), Pokegama Inn Supper Club, scenic residential shorelines, and sandy coves.

3. Prairie Lake (1,545 Acres, Max Depth 16 ft)

The largest lake on the chain stretching miles north. Expansive panfish weed beds, Prairie Lake County Park boat launch, Max's on the Lake, and Shep's Northshore Bar.

4. Mud Lake / Lake Ojaski (562 Acres, Max Depth 14 ft)

Northern basin connected via a scenic channel. Quieter waters, wildlife, Muddy Paddle Pub boat access, and sheltered crappie structure.

5. Ten Mile Lake (376 Acres, Max Depth 10 ft)

Eastern basin renowned for lily pad bays, largemouth bass, Watersmeet Bar & Grill docking slips, and public boat ramp access.

6. Moose Ear Lake (220 Acres, Max Depth 11 ft)

Quiet feeder lake connected to Ten Mile and Mud Lake. Shallow vegetative structure, waterfowl habitat, and excellent northern pike fishing.

[ βš“ MARINAS, BOAT LAUNCHES & BAIT SHOPS ]

  • Chetek Marinas & Pontoon Rentals: Chetek Marina on Lake Chetek and Lake Country Marina offer daily and weekly pontoon rentals with options for direct dockside delivery. Browse full rates in our Chetek Pontoon Rentals Guide.
  • Chetek Bait Shop & Tackle: Stop by Rod & Gun Sport Shop (714 Lakeview Dr) for live minnows, worms, leeches, local fishing reports, and DNR licenses before launching.
  • Public Boat Launches & Landings: Concrete public ramps include Chetek City Beach Ramp, Airport Boat Launch (Lakeview Dr), Prairie Lake County Park Launch, Ten Mile Lake Public Launch, and Lake Ojaski Public Ramp. See our Chetek Boat Launch Guide.
  • Waterfront Bars & Restaurants: Navigate by water to lakeside tiki bars and supper clubs using our Chetek Bars & Lakeside Dining Guide.
  • Navigation Rule: Strict slow-no-wake speeds within 100 feet of all shorelines, docks, swimmers, and through all channel bridges connecting the six lakes.
🧭 NAV-CHART: CHETEK CHAIN 6-LAKES & PUBLIC ACCESS BARRON COUNTY, WI
N PRAIRIE LAKE 1,545 Acres • Max 16 ft MUD / OJASKI LAKE 562 Acres • Max 14 ft POKEGAMA LAKE 505 Acres • Max 19 ft LAKE CHETEK 770 Acres • Max 22 ft (Deepest) TEN MILE LAKE 376 Acres • Max 10 ft MOOSE EAR 220 Ac • 11 ft [P] City Beach Ramp [P] Airport Ramp (Lakeview Dr) [P] Prairie Lake Co Park [P] Ten Mile Launch 🍺 Muddy Paddle Pub 🍹 Gilligan's Tiki Bar πŸ” Watersmeet Bar 🎿 Hydroflites Aqua Theater Public Boat Launch [P] Dock-and-Dine Tavern Slow-No-Wake Channel Aqua Theater Ski Show
Strict slow-no-wake rules within 100 ft of shore & all channel bridges. Rec 90 Non-Ethanol gas available at marinas.
ℹ️ Independent Local Field Guide & Affiliate Disclosure: Blue Hills Outpost is an independent visitor guide for Chetek, Barron County, and northwest Wisconsin. When you book boat rentals, lodging, or excursions through verified partner links on this page, we may earn an affiliate referral commission at no additional cost to you. All recommendations are independently verified.
Chetek Planning Hubs: β˜… Muddy Paddle Pub β˜… 6 Lakes Guide β˜… Hydroflites Schedule β˜… Tiki Bars & Dining β˜… Things to Do β˜… Fishing Guide β˜… Bait & Gas β˜… Cabin Welcome Kit
β˜… DIGITAL TRIP PLANNER β˜…

Explore by category

β˜… UPCOMING REGIONAL EVENTS β˜…

What’s Happening Around the Lakes

Quick look at upcoming local water ski shows, live music, trail runs, and festivals.

Sundays (June - Labor Day) β˜… SEASON RECAP

Chetek Hydroflites Water Ski Show

πŸ“ Chetek Hydroflites Aqua Theater, 728 Lakeview Dr (Chetek)

Weekly water ski performances on Lake Chetek during the summer season (traditionally early June through Labor Day weekend, Sundays with 5pm pre-show & 6pm main show). Check official announcements for current schedule updates.

Free Admission Schedule & Details →
Saturday, September 26, 2026 UPCOMING

Blue Hills Trail Run & Autumn Festival

πŸ“ Blue Hills Trailhead (Rusk County / Blue Hills)

Annual autumn trail race through scenic hardwood ridges and ancient glaciated valleys. Multiple race distances with festive post-run food.

Registration Varies Event Details →
Every Friday Evening (Year-Round) TRADITION

Chetek Chain Friday Fish Fry

πŸ“ Waterfront Taverns & Supper Clubs (Chetek, WI)

Traditional beer-battered cod and walleye dinners with potato pancakes and rye bread at Gilligan's, Watersmeet, and Shep's Northshore.

Dock & Dine Fish Fry Guide →
Fish Fry & Supper Clubs
Showing Chetek Chain recommendations...
ACTIVE FILTERS:
β˜… VERIFIED SPOT Chetek, WI βš“ BOAT ACCESS

Muddy Paddle Pub

1018 24 1/2-25th Street (Lake Chetek / Mud Lake Channel, Chetek, WI)
Vibe
Lakeside Beer Pub & Outdoor Patio
Water Access
Channel boat docking slips
Trail Access
Custom Snowflyers ramp for Snowmobiles & SxS
Waterfront beer pub and outdoor community hub on the Chetek Chain at 1018 24 1/2-25th St. Home of annual Paddle Fest, live outdoor music, charcoal chicken specials, margaritas, and direct boat, snowmobile, and SxS/UTV ramp access.
View Muddy Paddle Guide → Map & Directions
β˜… LAKESIDE TIKI BAR Chetek Lake / Pokegama

Gilligan's on Chetek

2542 8 1/4 Ave (Chetek Lake, Chetek, WI)
Vibe
Rowdy Waterfront Tiki Bar & Grill
Boat Slips
6+ pontoon slips & sandy landing
Kitchen
Burgers, fish tacos, late-night pizza
Chetek's premier lakeside tiki bar. Features extensive pontoon docking slips, tropical cocktails, sandy beach area, outdoor live bands, volleyball courts, and Friday fish fry.
Tiki Bar Guide → Call (715) 924-3141
β˜… FREE COMMUNITY SHOW Chetek, WI

Chetek Hydroflites Water Ski Show Team

Aqua Theater, 728 Lakeview Drive (Across from Chetek Airport, Chetek, WI)
Schedule
Sundays (June - Labor Day)
Show Times
5:00 PM Pre-Show / 6:00 PM Main Show
Admission
Free (Bleachers & Concessions)
World-class amateur show ski team performing pyramids, jumping, swivel skiing, and barefooting on Lake Chetek. Free family entertainment with bleachers and concessions during summer Sundays.
Official Schedule → Official Website
β˜… BAIT & TACKLE Downtown Chetek

Rod & Gun Sport Shop

219 Morrison St (Downtown Chetek, WI 54728)
Live Bait
Minnows, waxies, nightcrawlers
24/7 Vending
Available on storefront
Licensing
WI DNR hunting/fishing licenses
Chetek's definitive fishing and sporting goods headquarters. Live bait, crappie tackle, lake depth maps, rods, reels, and insider fishing reports for the six connected lakes.
Bait & Gear Guide → Call (715) 924-4190

Chetek Chain & Regional Planning Guides

β˜… Muddy Paddle Pub in Chetek β˜… Chetek Chain of Lakes Guide β˜… Chetek Hydroflites Schedule β˜… Chetek Tiki Bars & Lakeside Dining β˜… Things to Do in Chetek WI Chetek Chain Fishing Guide Chetek Boat Launches & Ramps Chetek Pontoon Rentals Firewood, Ice & Bait Near Chetek Chetek Friday Fish Fry Guide Chetek Events This Weekend Chetek Cabin Guest Guide Blue Hills ATV Trail Guide Hayward Cabin Guest Guide Chippewa Flowage Cabin Guide
PLAN BY TIME:
CATEGORY

Business Name

Local Summary
OPEN NOW Location details
ABOUT & DETAILS

Helpful local details will appear here.

LOGISTICS & SPECIFICATIONS
Visitor Notes