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Best NW Wisconsin River Trips

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Heart of the Shawnee Nation
I've been gleaning a couple paddling books for my new stroking grounds, but thought there is probably a wealth of knowledge about the area's streams here. Any recommendations for daytripping (with great dining of course)? I have all winter to plan. Might as well get started.

PS: I called Rutabaga and upgraded the material on my Bob Special 15 order to the Black Steel composite. Seems like a better choice given the streams in WI and only 5 lbs heavier for lake tripping.
 
Some of my NW Wisconsin favorites include the Bois Brule, Namekagon, Flambeau (N and S Fork), and Manitowish. I've paddled the entire length of these rivers (many stretches multiple times). Other NW Wis rivers that I've done parts of that are pretty nice include the St. Croix, Chippewa, Jump, Middle, Montreal, Totogatic, White, and Yellow. I've also paddled many of the rivers in NE Wisconsin as well.

Here are links to some good on-line resources:
https://www.wisconsinrivers.org/kark-paddle-guide/
https://www.wisconsinrivers.org/paddling/
http://www.wisconsintrailguide.com/paddle/paddle-trails.html
 
Well, that narrows it down. :rolleyes: My cabin's on the Totogatic. Not much written on that stream. I know parts are whitewater. What part did you paddle? Thanks for the links. Hadn't seen the last one.
 
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I've paddled the stretch from Duck Pond Rd (end of Totogatic Flowage) to Colton Dam. That would be considered the whitewater stretch. It's very scenic and remote, but it's tough to catch it with enough water. It has two big drops that most mortals would portage, but it's mostly quietwater with some class I-II.
 

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We'll stick to the easier streams first, and work up to our back yard. ;) So much to paddle, so little time. We are looking for a paddling club in that area. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I have a whitewater kayak I bought 5 years ago and have used once. Not much use around here. Gonna have to learn to use it for real.
 
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I'm a member of the Sierra Club River Touring Section. We're a Wisconsin-based group that (in normal years) has a trip somewhere in the state on most weekends during the paddling season. You can get a sense of what the calendar would have looked like here: https://www.sierraclub.org/wisconsin/river-touring-section/trips
In your neck of the woods, we have annual trips on the Bois Brule, Namekagon, and Flambeau. Being a "member" just means you've been on a trip in the past 3 years. There are no dues and you don't have to be a Sierra Club member (but you need to provide your own gear and have skills appropriate for the trip). Trips are free, but there is a charge for the instructional clinics.

Pure Water Paddlers (http://purewaterpaddlers.com) is a paddling group based in the Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls area. They may also have outings in your area. There may also be a club out of Duluth/Superior that is within range.
 
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