rivers NW wisconsin

[disco]

seem to be some knowledgable folks from the area here, so i had a quick question....

in the coming weeks, i'd like to try a weekend float down one of the rivers in the area-- flambeau, chippewa, namekagon or any others that are worthwhile.....

which would folks recommend? ideally, i'd like to canoe down and try to fly fish some for smallies, maybe try for some walleyes with spin gear, and camp for a night on the river.... i floated the namekagon earlier this year, but the fish seemed inactive (prolly just post-spawn)-- on our takeout, my friend sightfished a walleye hanging out below the bridge we were at..... he dangled a leech directly in front of it for about ten minutes before he got it to bite.... we only had one other one on directly below the dam in trego at around 3 in the a.m.... hows the fishing on that river usually?

thanks for any help

[luv2senko]

In my opinion, the Namekogan is the most beautiful float. However, the fishing is often sub-par. If you want some monster smallies, try floating the yellow river in Burnett County. Also the upper section of the St. Croix is prime water.

Good luck and have fun.

[disco]

i haven't tried the yellow... thanks for the info....

the upper st. croix is as good as it gets (at least as far as the smallie fishin goes, i haven't found a better one yet).... i was just hopin the first river i stumbled on in wisconsin wasn't the only one with fishing like that-- fly fishing, spin fishing, walleye.... it's a special place..... a few rapids to negotiate, but well worth the effort....

i'll definitely look into the yellow.... again, thanks...

[disco]

didn't mention it in the last one, but i'd have to agree on the scenery of the namekagon..... i don't think i've been anywhere where i've seen more bald eagles in a day.... and we saw a couple black bears on the bank (thankfully not in our camp)...... they're much more majestic when seen from afar (not raiding the food pack)....

i just checked the maps for the yellow, and i'm guessing the areas above the lake are what you're referring to..... are there campsites on the river? put-ins/take-outs you'd recommend? or any towns w/ outfitters in the area that could give assistance-- maps, pick-ups, etc?

sorry for all the questions, just excited bout tryin a new river....

[Swamp Scooter]

You might try the Brule too. It is scenic and there are places to camp too. The Copper Range campground is where we have stayed. A variety of fish are in there but it does take some work to grab them.

[Cooter]

Disco - The Flambeau is beautiful and has good smallmouth. Don't know about the walleyes as I fish it for bass and muskies. The Red Cedar R. would be a good bet. Lots of smallies and some dandy walleyes for a smaller river. I'd fly fish as you float and then either anchor or get out and fish the deeper holes for walleyes and smallies. Seems the best smallie action is when the sun is high in the sky, but the bigger fish usually come in the evening (about the time the skeeters start hunting). Let me know what river you pick and how you do.