Fishing

In 1949, Louie Spray caught the World Record Musky on the Chippewa Flowage. It’s massive size at 69 lb., 11 oz., has had fisherman of all ages trekking to the Big Chip in hopes of catching a new record. Other than muskies, the Flowage has an abundance of walleyes, northerns, bass, crappies, perch, sunfish, and bullheads.

The various contour depths of the Flowage give an infinite number of fishing sites. The bottom is generally sand with areas of mud flats, gravel and underwater stump fields. Floating bogs, dot the Flowage, and provide an unique ecosystem that hold fish of all species.

Canoeing and Kayaking

The Chippewa Flowage with over 90% undeveloped shoreline and 15,000 acres provides the canoer or kayaker the feeling of being in the Boundary Water’s Area of Minnesota. Islands, bays, and connecting river channels will meet your sense of exploration while enjoying your quiet commune with nature. Pack a picnic and stop at a quiet oasis to dine and enjoy the view.

Snowmobiling

The Fish On Inn located close to Trail 3 leads to over 600 miles of groomed trails in the Hayward area. But do not forget about the “backyard”. The Chippewa Flowage water level is drawn down in the winter and with its 200 miles of shoreline provides a unique exploration by snowmobile. The diversity of the terrain becomes your own individualized snow cross course. Recommend exploring Cranberry Narrows to get off the beaten path.

Mountain Biking & Hiking

Adventure can be had by mountain biking or hiking in the expansive Chequamegon National Forest. The interconnecting trails were forged by earlier loggers and wind through many scenic wonders left by the glaciers. You will pass rock out-croppings, scenic meadows, frog filled ponds, and lakes on your quest to revive your spirit.

For more information on mountain biking and hiking in the Chequamegon see www.cambatrails.org.

X-Crossing Skiing & Snowshoeing

The Hayward area hosts over 200 kilometers of some of the best cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Wisconsin including the world class American Birkebeiner Trail. You can also step out of the cabin door and forge your own trail as you explore the Chippewa Flowage on your skis or snowshoes. The Chippewa Flowage is a body of water that is drawn down in the fall in anticipation of the spring thaw. You will see terrain normally underwater and how various species like the beavers and otters adapt to this lifestyle.

Bird Watching

The morning silence is broken by the call of the common loon on the Chippewa Flowage. It’s distinct ring is the north woods rooster calling you to rise and enjoy the wildlife and birds of many species. So bring your binoculars and camera as you explore by land or water. Be sure to check the Great Blue Heron rookery on Little Banana Island.

Upland Bird, Deer & Duck Hunting

The Flintridge State Wildlife area entrance is ½ mile from the Fish On Inn and it borders 1000’s of acres of Chequamegon National Forest. The proximity of the cabin provides a close warm base camp at the end of the hunting day.

The Flintridge is inaccessible by motorized vehicles and ATVs. Historically, this property served as a gravel pit in the 70’s. Since that time it has grown over with small pines, aspen, and birch. The trails are easy to walk and provide excellent grouse and upland bird hunting.