The Oneida County Watersports Four-Day Getaway
Wisconsin’s Oneida County is the perfect destination for fishing, boating, swimming and watersports of every kind. Hundreds of Oneida County lakes provide some of Wisconsin’s best fishing for musky, walleye, crappie, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and northern pike. Wilderness rivers and flowages provide outstanding paddling opportunities. From untouched woodland ponds to classic Northwoods flowages, Oneida County has it all.
Wherever you are in Oneida County, you’re just steps away from a lake or river. Lakeside resorts, cabins, motels, vacation rental homes and campgrounds offer a wide range of lodging options. For a family of four, the estimated cost of a four-day, three-night getaway in Oneida County would range from $400 to $600. For a couple, the estimated cost would be between $300 and $500.
This itinerary shows just a sampling of what Oneida County has to offer.
Day 1: Arrive in Oneida County
4pm – Check into your lodging.
Evening – Dinner Cruise aboard the Wilderness Queen. Take a tour of the Wisconsin River near Rhinelander on the Wilderness Queen. Relax, enjoy dinner and take in the Northwoods scenery. Bald eagles, loons and white-tailed deer are often seen as you cruise along the wooded shores.
Day 2: Fishing & Paddling
Morning – Musky fishing with Oneida County guide. Get to the dock early to meet our fishing guide for a day of casting for musky. Oneida County is home to a number of outstanding fishing guides who have the knowledge and experience to help you make the most out of your time on the water. The Northwoods is famous for musky, and the musky fishing in Oneida County offers chance for a true trophy fish.
Afternoon – Tomahawk River – The Tomahawk River is the classic Wisconsin Northwoods river, teeming with wildlife and featuring a great mix of hard and soft banks. A great section of the Tomahawk River for a relaxing paddle is from Lake Kawagasaga Dam to Hwy 70 West. The trip should take between three and six hours. Launch your canoes or kayaks at on Dam Road next to the Lake Kawagasaga Dam. The takeout is downstream of bridge on Hwy 70 West.
Evening – Bass fishing. In the hours before and after sunset, the bass fishing can be really outstanding on many lakes. Hop in your boat or grab your paddle and fish from a canoe or kayak. During warmer weather, surface baits work well—and there’s nothing more exciting than seeing a brawny smallmouth or lunker largemouth grabbing the lure right at the surface.
Day 3: Boating and Waterskiing
Morning – Cruising the lake. The lakes of Oneida County offer excellent boating. You’ll find completely undeveloped lakes with pine forests lining the shores, and you’ll find postcard perfect lakes lined with charming cottages and vacation homes. Spend the morning cruising the lake. Nearly every Oneida County lake offers one or more boat launches. If you choose not to bring your own boat, there are several businesses that will rent boats to visitors.
Afternoon – Waterskiing! There’s no better way to spend a hot summer afternoon than waterskiing on an Oneida County lake. With hundreds of lakes to choose from, it’s easy to find long stretches of open water.
Evening – Sunset paddle. After spending the day speeding around the lake, it’s time to slow things down with a sunset paddle. Head to your favorite lake before sunset and watch the sun going down behind the pines.