River

County

Reach

Length (miles)

Year Listed/ Updated

Potential
Classi-
fication

ORVs

Description

Other States

Bad River

Ashland

From town of Mellen to mouth

47

1982

S, G

A northern Wisconsin river in a heavily forested watershed. Flows through outstanding Copper Falls State Park and Bad River Indian Reservation and empties into Lake Superior. Upper area has high hills, rock outcrops, gravel banks and Copper Falls. Good trout fishing in upper reaches. Canoeable only below falls. Relatively undeveloped. Studied by the state for possible inclusion in the State Wild Rivers System.

Black River

LaCrosse, Jackson

From confluence with Mississippi River to Black River Falls dam

56

1982

S, R, G

An outstanding river segment flowing through western Wisconsin hill country to the Mississippi River. Very little cultural intrusion. High sand banks, wooded shores and occasional limestone bluffs. Only 12 dwellings visible, except for village of North Bend; 4 road crossings on entire stretch. A sand bottom stream with good water quality and flow. Many large sandbars offer excellent recreation opportunities on this unspoiled stretch of river. Studied by the State for possible inclusion in the State Wild Rivers System.

Black River, East Fork

Jackson, Wood, Clark

Mouth to source

53

1982

S

A generally small stream only seasonally canoeable. Low recreational use. Fishing fair. Has a relatively undeveloped shoreline and a fairly well wooded watershed. Little cultural intrusion.

Bois Brule River

Douglas

Mouth to campground at County road south

30

1982

S, R, F

This stretch of river flows entirely within the Brule River State Forest to Lake Superior. One of the state's most famous and scenic trout streams. An excellent canoe trip over some medium rapids in lower section. Watershed heavily forested with 3% public ownership along stream.

Brule River

Florence, Forest

From backwater of Brule Island dam to Brule Lake

44

1982

R, F

Flows on boundary of Michigan and Wisconsin. Good to excellent canoeing and fishing. Watershed is primarily forested. Good water quality.

MI

Brule River

Florence, Forest

Brule Lake to Forest boundary

10

1982/ 1993

R

R, F, H

Excellent brown trout fishery. Provides fine recreational canoe route during most of the year.

MI

Chippewa River

Rusk, Sawyer

Holcombe Flowage to dam at Radisson

40

1982

S, R

A north central Wisconsin stream flowing through a mostly forested area. Some farming to waters edge. Not a top quality river although very good for recreation. More than usual cultural intrusion.

Chippewa River

Peppin, Dunn

From its confluence with Mississippi River to Eau Claire-Dunn County line

38

1982

S, R

A broad river segment located in the western Wisconsin hill country. Many sand bars and islands in the channel. Near mouth, the country flattens out to a broad floodplain interspersed with forests and farms. Chippewa River Bottoms National Natural Landmark located at mouth. Banks are generally forested. Fishing fair to good. Provides an excellent scenic canoe trip with generally slow water and few rapids.

Chippewa River, East Fork

Iron

From Sturgeon Bay at upper end of Blaisdell Lake to bridge crossing in Sec. 13 of Glidden

34

1982

S, R

A tributary of the Chippewa River flowing through a forested watershed. An average stream for this part of the state. Fair to good recreational potential. Crosses Chequanegon National Forest.

Chippewa River, East Fork

Iron

Glidden to source

29

1982

S, R

See initial comments.

Chippewa River, East Fork

Ashland, Sawyer

Sturgeon Bay at upper end of Blaisdell Lake to forest boundary

20

1982/ 1993

S, R

S, R, F, W

Clam River

Burnett, Polk

Clam River flowage to Clam Falls flowage

35

1982

S

A tributary of the St. Croix River located in northwestern Wisconsin forest land. Limited trout fishing and some warm water species. Canoeing possible on entire length.

Crystal River

Waupaca

Long Lake to Waupaca

10

1982

R

A fast running small stream flowing through central Wisconsin farm and forest country. Banks are generally wooded. Trout fishing above Cory Millpond. Old grist mill and small towns have historic value.

Des Plaines River

Kenosha

Wisconsin-Illinois State line to source

12

1982

R

An interstate river rising in Kenosha County farm country. Major portion of this river is in Illinois. Flows through Racine and Chicago SMSA. Portion in Wisconsin generally free of development, except farming. Some floating use. Fishing is major use. Good warm water fishing.

Flambeau River

Rusk, Price

Big Falls Reservoir to Crowley dam

50

1982

S, R

Much of this stretch of river lies in the Flambeau River State Forest. Virtually all wilderness with very little cultural development. Good water quality with many rapids and good fishing. A very good stretch of wild river.

Flambeau River, South Fork

Sawyer, Rusk, Price

Three Mile Creek to Round Lake

26

1982

S, R, F, W

See initial comments.

Flambeau River, South Fork

Sawyer, Rusk, Price

Confluence with Flambeau to SR 13 S. of Park Falls

32

1982

S, R, F, W

Flows through a generally wild, forested watershed and portion of Chequamegon National Forest. A good to high quality stream with very good musky and walleye fishing. Some bald eagle nesting. Canoeable with mostly easy water and some rapids. Minimal cultural intrusion.

Flambeau River, South Fork

Price

Round Lake to forest boundary

15

1982/ 1993

S, R

S, R, F, H, O

Canoeable in high water.

Fox River

Outagamie, Brown

Kaukauna to DePere

15

1982

R, H

A major route across Wisconsin of early explorers, fur traders and settlers. Many historic sites in upper river area and around Green Bay. Flows through Green Bay SMSA.

Fox River

Kenosha, Racine, Waukesha

Wilmot to Waterford dam (26 river miles); Waterford to Waukesha (33 rm)

59

1982

R, H

A slow moving river through southern Wisconsin farm country with agriculture to the waters edge in many places. Flows through some lakes and Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha SMSA's. Has good recreation potential.

Jump River, including North Fork

Chippewa, Price, Rusk, Taylor

From Holcombe flowage to Spring Creek flowage

41

1982

S

A north central Wisconsin tributary of the Chippewa River. Good warm water species habitat. An average stream for recreation purposes.

Jump River, South Fork

Price

Confluence with Jump River to SR13 at Prentice

32

1982

S

Flows through a well forested watershed and has some cultural intrusions. Canoeable and fishable, but not heavily used.

Jump River, South Fork

Price

Confluence with Jump River to State Highway 13 at Prentice, WI

1

1982/ 1993

S, R

S, R

Kickapoo River

Crawford, Richland, Vernon

Confluence with Wisconsin River to Ontario

93

1982

S, R, G

A long river segment flowing through very scenic western Wisconsin hill country. Bottomlands along river are generally farmed, but hill-sides and watershed are fairly well wooded. High bluffs and rock outcrops in places. Harbors rare and endangered tundra plants. Flows through Kickapoo River National Natural Landmark.

LaCrosse River

LaCrosse

Mouth to Perch lake dam

25

1982

S

Flows through western Wisconsin area of high hills and coulees. Moderate floating use. Good trout fishing above Perch Lake.

Marengo River

Ashland

Confluence with Bad River to town of Marengo

10

1982

S

A generally narrow trout stream, tributary to the Bad River. Shorelands almost entirely forested. Lower reaches have extensive agriculture to waters edge in places.

Mecan River

Marquette, Waushara

From backwaters of impoundment at Germania to Richford

25

1982

R

A fair to good trout stream in upper reaches and warm water fishing in lower portion. A good small central Wisconsin stream receiving moderate fishing and canoeing use. Watershed about 50% farmed. Banks generally wooded. Flows through some marsh areas in upper reaches.

Menominee River

Marinette

Backwaters of Grand Rapids to dam at White Rapids

26

1982

R

Flows on boundary between Wisconsin and Michigan. A broad river with good flow through heavily forested country. Good fishing and canoeing. Several portages.

MI

Milwaukee River

Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, FonDuLac

Thiensville to Grafton (10 river miles); Waubeka to W. Bend (20 rm); Young America to CampBellsport (16 rm); CampBellsport to Eden (8 rm)

54

1982

S, R

A southeastern Wisconsin river rising near the highly popular Kettle Moraine State Forest emptying into Lake Michigan at Milwaukee. Has scenic dolomite bluff near Grafton. Relatively little development considering the area it flows through. Watershed fairly heavily farmed although banks are generally wooded.

Nemaji River

Douglas

From drive-in theater S. of Superior village to Wisconsin-Michigan State line

55

1982

S

A meandering, generally slow moving stream flowing through the extreme northwestern part of the state. Moderate recreational use. High banks along part. Generally little cultural intrusion. Flows through Duluth-Superior SMSA.

Oconto River

Oconto

Underhill to confluence with Peshtigo Brook

20

1982

S

A northeastern Wisconsin river flowing through generally forested land in upper portion and largely agricultural country in lower portion. A basically slow moving stream.

Peshtigo River

Marinette, Forest

Backwaters of Caldron Falls Reservoir to source

36

1982

S, R, G

A winding stream flowing through marsh country in upper portion. Receives considerable floating and fishing use. Numerous falls and rapids. A high quality stream with upper reaches almost entirely undisturbed and within Nicolet National Forest. Lower section has "Roaring Rapids", a four mile long whitewater segment called the most unique whitewater in Midwest. Fishing good.

Peshtigo River

Forest

The Peshtigo within the Nat. Forest boundary. The NB Peshtigo from FR 2183 to the NF boundary.

43

1982/ 1993

W, S, R

S, R, G, O

Canoeable on main branch in high water, variety of character from flat oxbows to narrow rapids.

Pike River, including South Branch

Marinette

Mouth to Brock pond dam

35

1982

S, R, G

An excellent northeastern Wisconsin stream flowing through a heavily forested watershed. Rock outcrops, falls, canyons, and rapids provide a high quality floating experience. Somewhat threatened by expanding recreation home interest. A component of the State Wild Rivers System.

Pike River, North Branch

Marinette

Mouth to township Rd. one-half mile downstream of U.S. 8

27

1982

S

A tributary of the Pike River flowing through mostly wild, well forested country with some farmland in the watershed. Some rapids and low falls. Canoeing fair, difficult at times.

Pine River

Florence, Forest

From backwaters of Pine River dam to source

60

1982

S

A relatively undeveloped stream mostly within the Nicolet National Forest. Has a heavily forested watershed with few areas cleared to waters edge. Generally not canoeable during summers. A component of State Wild Rivers System. Fishing generally good.

Pine River

Florence, Forest

Includes the North Branch Pine from the East shoreline of Butternut Lake to the intersection with Pine River. Also the Pine River from its headwaters to the National Forest boundary.

62

1982/ 1993

W, S

S, R

Canoeable in high water. Remote recreational setting.

Plover River

Portage, Marathon

Stevens Point to Bevent

20

1982

R

A small tributary of the Wisconsin River located in north central farm and hill country. Brook, brown and rainbow trout in upper reaches. Very good canoeing.

Popple River

Florence, Forest

Mouth to source

43

1982

R

Flows through a heavily forested portion of northeastern Wisconsin. Good fishing. Canoeable from Hwy. 139 downstream. Relatively undeveloped, flowing mostly through Nicolet National Forest. A component of the State Wild River System.

Popple River

Florence, Forest

Includes the NB Popple to the intersect. with Popple. Also the SB Popple from source to the intersection with Popple. Also the Popple from source to the Forest boundary.

55

1982/ 1993

W, S

R, W

Canoeable below Highway 55 during high water (spring), stretches of rapids alternate with slow water, variety of wildlife in area.

Potato River

Iron

Confluence with Bad River to town of Upson

30

1982

S, G

A tributary of the Bad River system in northern part of the state. Very little cultural development. Waterfalls and rapids in wild corridor. Canoeing limited. Low quality trout fishing. Good public ownership. Some high hills and banks.

Somo River

Lincoln

Lake Mohawksin to junction of Big Somo & Little Somo creeks at Clifford

25

1982

S

Flows through an open area of little relief in north central part of state. Many low, swampy areas along stream.

Sugar River

Green

From the confluence with the Pecatonia to Lake Decatur in Green County, Wisconsin

26

1982

R, F

See Sugar River, IL comments.

IL

Thornapple River

Rusk, Sawyer

Mouth to source (except part within Chequamegon National Forest)

67

1982

S

Flows through forested and farmed watershed. Low to moderate recreational use. Corridor generally well forested.

Totagetic River

Douglas, Sawyer, Washburn

From Minong flowage (formerly Lake Nancy) to Nelson Lake

25

1982

S

A small to medium sized stream flowing through northern coniferous and hardwood forests. Good recreation potential, but use low. Fishing is generally average. Tributary to Namekagon River, a component of National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Waupaca

Waupaca

Below Mill Pond at Amherst, Wisconsin to Weyauwega

0

1995

R

S, R, F, W

The Tomorrow/Waupaca is one river with two names. The name change occurs at the Portage-Waupaca county line rather than at a confluence. The corridor is largely undeveloped, but it does flow through farm lands and woods. The upper reaches support a trout fishery, while the lower reaches support trout and small mouth bass. In addition, many waterfowl and shore birds use the corridor.

White River

Ashland, Bayfield

From impoundment at SR 112 crossing to source

34

1982

S, R

A large tributary of the Bad River flowing through an area of high hills in the lower reaches and many miles through the very wild Bibon Swamp. Outstanding water quality in upper reaches. A popular canoe route. Popular trout water in upper portion. A very small portion lies within the Chequamegon National Forest.

White River

Ashland, Bayfield

Impoundment at crossing of County Road 112 in Ashland County to source in Bayfield County

1

1982/ 1993

S, R

S, R

Wisconsin River

Marathon, Lincoln

Merrill to Wausau (22 river miles); Wausau to Marathon Co. line south (23 rm)

45

1982

R, G

The largest river system in Wisconsin. Good water quality. Flows from near Michigan border in the north to Mississippi River. Crosses unglaciated driftless area of hills and bluff.

Wolf River

Outagamie, Wampaca, Shawano

County Road P, 2 miles North of Shiocton to Shawano

41

1982

R, F

Considered a prime northern river, it has outstanding seasonal walleye and white bass fishing. The river is a popular canoe route with generally good water quality. The watershed is about 60% farmed, the rest being forested with some extensive swamps. Part of upper portion of this river is an existing component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Yellow River

Juneau, Wood

From Necedah Bluff to Spillway at Lake Bexter

36

1982

S

A central Wisconsin stream flowing through farm country with a generally wooded corridor and watershed. Lower portion flows through Necedah National Wildlife Refuge where there are remnant oxbow lakes.