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Rusk County is home to four of the finest waterways in the Northwoods--the Chippewa, Flambeau, Jump and Thornapple Rivers. They all have a unique and distinct character and they have played an important role in the exploration and development of the region. Today, each provides rich paddling opportunities, including long, undeveloped stretches that give a glimpse back in time.
A classic Northwoods waterway
A wilderness paddling experience
A pristine waterway
A river to discover
Length: 183 miles
Source: Lake Chippewa
Mouth: Mississippi River
Location: Western Rusk County
A true working river, the Chippewa has sustained the area for generations. In earlier days, it was an important logging river during the logging boom of the 1800s. Today, it boasts a fantastic fishery and is an important source of electricity for the region. The river provides nearly 40 miles of paddling in Rusk County. North of Bruce, paddlers will find dozens of challenging rapids. South of Bruce, the paddling is quieter and perfect for beginners and families.
Description: Relatively wide and curving with lots of deep holes.
Paddling: An exciting paddle is from the County Highway D bridge in Exeland down to Imalone – an 11-mile stretch with lots of fast water and great fishing. Other popular stretches include the 9 miles from Imalone down to Bruce. From Bruce to the confluence with the Flambeau River, it’s an 18-mile trip through mostly calm water. From the confluence, paddlers can travel another 10.5 miles through gentle water to the Holcombe Flowage. This stretch of the river offers excellent fishing for musky.
Fishing: Famous fishery for walleye and musky, as well as northern pike and panfish. Also, smallmouth approaching 20 inches.
Birding and nature: Wooded stretches and backwaters provide excellent wildlife viewing. Look for common loons, wood ducks, mergansers and heron.
Camping: Public camping areas are specifically designated at sites for paddlers. Find camping options.
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Length: Approx. 175 miles (north and south forks combined)
Source: Manitowish/Bear Rivers (north fork), Round Lake (south fork)
Mouth: Chippewa River
Location: Northeast Rusk County
This iconic river is the original Northwoods highway, serving Native Americans, French fur traders, early settlers and loggers. As legend goes, it was named by early French explorers who saw Chippewa Indians fishing at night with torches, or “flambeau.” Later, the river helped float logs to market from large logging operations. After so many centuries, the scenery remains virtually unchanged, giving paddlers, anglers and boaters an authentic wilderness paddling experience. It provides 41 miles of paddling through the heart of Rusk County.
Description: A mix of whitewater and easy paddling. Deep woodland habitat.
Paddling: One of the best paddling experiences in the Midwest, with whitewater and slower stretches. Paddlers looking for whitewater excitement should try the stretch from Hervas Camp Landing to the Big Falls Dam. For an easier paddle with great scenery, try the Dairyland Reservoir down to Ladysmith or from Ladysmith to the Thornapple Dam. From the Thornapple Dam, it’s a quick and exciting 8-mile paddle to the confluence with the Chippewa River.
Fishing: Noted for numerous mid-sized muskies, as well as some real giants. Also excellent smallmouth and walleye fishing.
Birding and nature: The heavily forested Flambeau River State Forest is good for seeing eagles, osprey and white-tailed deer.
Camping: Excellent primitive campsites. Flambeau River State Forest offers several rustic camping areas at regular intervals along the river. Find camping options.
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Length: 25 miles
Source: Forks of Jump River
Mouth: Chippewa River
Location: Southeast Rusk County
The Jump is Wisconsin’s best example of a truly pristine Northwoods river ecosystem for wildlife enthusiasts. It’s free-flowing from its source to the confluence with the Chippewa River. The river has some fast and challenging paddling but also passes through the gentle waters of the Holcombe Flowage. In all, paddlers will find 39 miles of beautiful paddling in the county’s southeast corner. The most popular stretch is a 10-mile run from the Town of Jump River to Sheldon. Camping is available in the county forestland that flanks the river.
Description: Free-flowing, pristine and dam-free for its entire length, from its source to its confluence with the Chippewa.
Paddling: A popular trip is the 19-mile paddle on the South Fork from County Highway M to the confluence with the North Fork. Another great paddle is to take the North Fork from County Highway I for 10 miles down to the confluence. From here, it’s a 10-mile paddle to the Village of Jump River. From Jump River Park to Sheldon, paddlers will find 9 miles of quick shoots and a relatively undisturbed shoreline. Another 8 miles of interesting paddling takes you to Lake Holcombe.
Fishing: Much of this pristine river receives little or no fishing pressure. Expect lots of musky, sucker, some walleye and smallmouth.
Birding and nature: Forested stretches are great places to see pileated woodpeckers, kingfishers and other woodland birds. Larger pools with old timber are good places to see eagles and ospreys.
Camping: Opportunities in the county forest lands along the banks. Find camping options.
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Length: 38 miles
Source: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
Mouth: Chippewa River
Location: North central Rusk County
The Thornapple River is the best-kept paddling secret in the Midwest. The river is undeveloped, offering paddlers a beautifully wild experience, complete with some small rapids. While the river’s levels fluctuate, it is easily accessible and at certain times of the year offers as much as 38 miles of outstanding paddling, including stretches appropriate for new paddlers.
Description: The archetypal Northwoods river. Very little development along the shores.
Paddling: Navigable for nearly all of its length. Best paddling is in the 26-mile stretch above the confluence with the Chippewa River. A great trip is the 12-mile stretch between State Highway 27 and the Chippewa, a wilderness stretch with some fun rapids.
Fishing: Walleye fishing can be excellent and there are some musky present in the river. One of the most important sturgeon spawning areas in the region.
Birding and nature: Backwaters have nesting wood ducks and mergansers. A timber wolf pack is in the area.
Camping: Private campground north of Ladysmith. Find camping options.
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