Chippewa Flowage - Hayward, Wisconsin

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Chippewa Flowage - Hayward, Wisconsin

The Chippewa Flowage is a watery maze of islands and floating bogs a fabulous location for anglers and wildlife watchers.

When the area was flooded it was the home to a small tribe of Indians.  In this water may be the home now to the largest musky in the world.

The “Big Chip” is a 15,300 acre impoundment which makes it Wisconsin’s third largest lake.  It was created in 1924 and has 233 miles of shoreline with approximately 200 enchanting islands dotting the area.

Not only is this water a great place for Musky fishing it also ranks right up there with walleye fishing.

Enjoy the beauties of the area with the maze of islands, points, bays and channels, accented by birch, aspen and pine.  It is also the home to almost all birds and animals indigenous to northern Wisconsin.

The “Big Chip” is split into two basins by County Highway CC.  Starting at the bridge in the center of the flowage, traveling southwest in a clockwise fashion, we find the CC South landing, the most-used public landing on the flowage.  You can then travel down the first entrance to Scott Lake, the north shore of which shelters a great blue heron rookery.  To the west and south is the shallow, secluded James Bay, a good fishing spot when the walleyes are active.  At Lac Courte Oreilles public boat landing near the Blueberry Bridge on Highway CC which is a popular shore-fishing area.

The dam construction began in 1921 and was finished in 1924.  It was originally built by Northern States Power Company for flood control and provide adequate flow during the winter.

The United States had signed treaties with the Ojibwa Nation in the 1800’s for this land.  The land was taken and flooded with the building of the dam.  It flooded over the burial grounds where, when the storms hit, some of the bodies (remains) float to the top on occasion.  How sad.

Camping on the Chippewa Flowage is allowed at no charge on a first come, first served basis at 16 island sites accessible by water only.  You are not allowed to establish new campsites.  There is a 10 day limit on camping at all state campsites with thin the Chippewa Flowage.

Boating is allowed but be aware that there are many stumps, logs, floating bogs and rock bars which make for good fishing but bad for boats if you don’t pay close attention!

Wildlife abounds in the area.  There are Great blue herons, mallards, wood ducks, and hooded mergansers.  The bald eagle, common loon, and turkey vultures are frequently spotted.  There are over 130 species of birds observed on the flowage or in nearby forests.

Frequently caught fish: walleye, Crappie, perch, bluegill and suckers are abundant, musky, northern pike, bass, minnows and carp are common, rock bass, bullheads, pumpkinseed, redhorse are present and sturgeon and catfish are rare.

For information: DNR Hayward Ranger Station, 10220N State Road 27, Hayward, Wisconsin 54843

Phone: 715-634-2688