This is an excellent day trip for quietwater enthusiasts and anglers. The river flows wide and calm for the first several miles past hardwood forests, open fields, meadows, and occasional farms, homes, and cottages. After about six miles, wetlands and lowland forests gradually become more common. Numerous creeks feed into the river with occasional sloughs and backwaters. The river widens and islands become more frequent as you near the confluence with Flambeau River.
This reach provides excellent fishing. The large number of creeks, deep pools, and numerous weedy islands provide plenty of hot spots for smallmouth bass, panfish, walleye, northern pike, and musky.
There are 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 canoers and kayakers need to exercise extra caution when waters levels are high. High flows generally occur in 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 (715.532.3911) for water levels before paddling the river.
River Level Information
River Gauge Location: Bruce, WI
Suggested Minimum Level: 400 cfs
USGS Website: 05356500
Phone: WDNR @ Ladysmith, 715.532.3911