This stretch of the Flambeau River North Fork is wide and slow, providing a great float for flatwater canoers and kayakers. Barnaby Rapids, an easy class 1 boulder garden, is the only whitewater in this stretch.
The entire segment runs through the Flambeau River State Forest. Paddlers will find few signs of development as the river widens and flows past a beautiful forest of maple, oak, ash, birch, and mixed pine. Wildlife is abundant and the scenery is fanatastic! A pair of shaded, canoe-campsites offer overnight camping, each with their own fire ring and picnic tables.
Anglers will find walleye and smallmouth along the edges of weed lines and in numerous eddies, while musky can be pulled from a number of deep holes.
River Camping
This segment has two canoe camps. The camps are well-maintained and each offers three separate campsites, most have plenty of shade. Each camp has a pit toilet, and each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. The sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and each camp is limited to a one-night stay. There is no fee for camping.
Glass beverage containers are not allowed on the river!
Season
Generally good paddling throughout spring, summer and fall. This segment will get scrappy during lower flows. Less experienced paddlers should avoid the river during the winter melt-off in early spring, and after a heavy rainfall. High water levels can produce dangerously high waves in several of the rapids. Call the WDNR State Forest Office at 715.332.5271 for water level information.
River Level Information
Phone: 715.332.5271 (Flambeau River State Forest)