In 1882 the Rhinelander Flowage was formed when a mud and timber dam was constructed on the Wisconsin River to form a holding pond for lumber being floated down the river. At that time there were 8 sawmills in Rhinelander and the pond was named Boom Lake. By the early 1900’s the dam was rebuilt to generate power for the paper mill.
Today the Rhinelander Flowage is known as the Rhinelander Chain of Lakes and consists of Boom, Bass, Thunder and Lake Creek and extends from Rhinelander up to the wooden bridge in Newbold Township. It is considered one of the best fishing destinations in Northern Wisconsin and hosts the famous Hodag Muskie Challenge.
The surface water area is over 1700 acres with 35 miles of shoreline. Maximum water depth is 30 feet and the water color is clear. Fish species include musky, northern, largemouth bass, walleye and pan fish. Unlike other flowages, the water level stays fairly consistent making this an excellent recreational chain of lakes.