1st Place: I’ll never tell
2nd Place: Chippewa River
3rd Place: Lake Wissota

With hundreds of lakes and other bodies of water in the Chippewa Valley, carrying the knowledge of some of the best is as important as a rod and tackle box if you’re hoping to snag some dinner. Unfortunately, when we asked area fishing enthusiasts about their favorite spots, most of them said, “I’ll never tell.” Those that did share their secrets more often than not said the Chippewa River. That’s not a terribly helpful answer, however, considering the river’s length and number of flowages and channels. Still, it’s worth taking a boat and trolling motor out there, if only to enjoy the fight of a smallmouth or muskie. The most specific answer we could muster out of local boaters was Lake Wissota, Chippewa County’s picturesque lake plentiful with walleyes, crappies, and bluegills – all great eatin.’ – Trevor Kupfer