Chippewa River
(C4) Highway 8 to Flambeau River Confluence, Wisconsin Trail Guide

Trail Facts

Synopsis

Trail Review

This is an excellent day trip for quietwater canoers and kayakers. For the first several miles, the river flows wide and calm past hardwood forests and occasional farms, homes, and cottages. After about 6 miles, the surrounding landscape gradually becomes 'marshy' with a number of creeks and sloughs entering the river. The river widens and islands become more frequent as you near the confluence with Flambeau River.

Kayak fishing is gaining popularity in Wisconsin and this stretch should be strongly considered. A large number of creeks along with numerous weedy islands provide plenty of excellent fishing spots for smallmouth bass, panfish, walleye, northern pike and musky.

There are only a few scattered riffles and one named rapids; Skrupky Rapids, an easy class 1.

Season

The river is usually runnable from early spring through late fall. Novice paddlers need to exercise extra caution when the waters levels are high. High flows generally occur through early May, after periods of heavy rainfall, and when the Arpin Dam has a release. This is an excellent river to paddle in late summer and fall when many other rivers are experiencing low water volume. Contact the Wisconsin DNR office in Ladysmith (see below) for water levels before paddling the river.

River Level Information

River Gauge Location: Bruce, WI
Suggested Minimum Level: 1.5 feet / 400 cfs
USGS Website: USGS Gauge @ Bruce
Phone Contact for River Info: WDNR Office @ Ladysmith; 715.532.3911