The Pickerel-Pearson area covers parts of two counties, sharing the best of Langlade and Forest counties. 

Langlade County, covering 858 square miles, includes: 285 lakes, 354 miles of trout streams, 200 spring-fed ponds, 12,000 acres of forests, plus part of the federally owned Nicolet National Forest. 

Forest County has more than 850 miles of trout streams, and 120 lakes. Nicolet National Forest, along with privately owned timberlands, totals about one billion square feet of standing timber. 

The geology of the region was developed by the Great Ice Age. The numerous ridges were formed by retreating glaciers which also left behind many lakes, deep impressions, bogs and spring holes. Crane Lake is a good example of a lake shaped by a glacier's melting producing a kettle hole. Just a few miles north of the Pickerel-Pearson area is one of the highest elevations in Wisconsin. This rock ridge west of Crandon is over 1,850 feet above sea level. 

Our unique network of waterways (the same rivers, streams, and lakes used by the Indians, explorers, fur traders and early settlers to reach the Lake Superior Region and the Mississippi River now provides us with food for our families. You can choose a leisurely canoe trip in peaceful waters, a challenging white water rafting trip on the majestic Wolf River or even a guided float trip on the river for either fishing or duck hunting. Area lakes, rivers and streams are a fisherman's paradise starting with the spring opener is early May. These lakes have northern pike, walleye, large and small mouth bass, musky and panfish. Our rivers and streams are some of the best in the state for brook, brown and rainbow trout, and the Wolf River has not only trout but also northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass and panfish. 

The history of the development of this are is interwoven with that of the Indian tribes, French and English explorers and fur traders. Names of towns, counties and rivers remind us of their influence. 

The Indian trails winding through the forest, and the waterways, were the only routes of travel in these northern areas. The Lake Superior Trail, a mail route, built between 1861-1862, served the settlements of the area. These routes passed through both Pickerel and Pearson, crossing the Wolf River and continuing to an Indian village at Lake He Nosheca, the present Pickerel Lake. The trail then crossed over the east end of Pickerel Creek and ran toward the northern lakes to Lac Vieux Desert. 

The Military Road (Highway 55), built in the 1860s to protect the north, opened up the vast timberlands and the logging era began. The road extended from Fort Howard, Wisconsin, to Fort Wilkins, Michigan, taking a northwest course through Elton, Langlade and Ainsworth Townships, entering Forest County as it wound its way north and westward. 

The advent of the railroads penetrating the north in the early 1800's further opened up these areas. Communities developed parallel or adjacent to the rail lines, with accessiblity to supply lines determining the new locales. 

Today, the natural unspoiled beauty of the area is enjoyed by sportsmen and nature lovers of all ages. The serenity if the forests and the casual lifestyle are welcome changes from the daily rat-race. 

Enjoy the relaxed Northwoods Spirit in the Pickerel-Pearson area, where the good times come naturally!