WPG
A canoeing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting guide to Wisconsin's most popular paddle rivers.

Bois Brule River

The Bois Brule River from Stone's Bridge to the outlet at Lake Superior is arguably among the best canoeing and kayaking rivers in the Midwest. The diverse character of the river features appealing trips for paddlers of all skill levels. Beginning in the upper reaches, the river offers a calm, serene beauty flowing through a narrow, intimate setting with quiet pools and small lakes before tumbling over a series of exciting rapids and chutes. Another quiet stretch, then the river begins to show some character as it roars over a series of challenging ledges and rapids through a narrow winding valley. Gradually the river slows and widens as it runs through steep hardwood covered hills before flowing into Lake Superior. Much of the Bois Brule has strikingly clear waters until reaching the red clay soils around Lake Superior.

The river lies within the 52,000-acre Brule River State Forest of which 12,000 acres are privately owned. Both the DNR and the private land owners have taken great measures to manage and preserve the unique ecological character of the river. The beautiful and diverse ecosystem that surrounds the river provides for an abundance of wildlife.

The landscape around the upper Bois Brule is comprised mostly of open marsh and boreal forest. Alder thickets, cedar, spruce and a variety of hardwoods are common along the river. As you go downstream, the landscape slowly changes. The river meanders through increasingly taller hills covered in dense, lush forests of aspen, birch, and maple, along with beautiful groves of pine, cedar, spruce and balsam fir. Finally, the high banks and tall hills give way to open marsh where the river flows into Lake Superior.

Common mammals that inhabit the riverway include, beaver, otter, white tailed deer, numerous species of songbirds, and the occasional osprey and eagle.

The Bois Brule is an extremely popular trout stream. Rainbow and brook trout are the most sought after, while the more difficult to catch brown trout is occasionally pulled from the river. Other species include steelhead, chinook and coho salmon. The State Forest provides a large number of access trails for anglers from various designated parking areas along the full length of the river. Contact the headquarters at 715.372.4866 for more information.

Season

Water levels are usually adequate from spring through fall.

River Level Information

river gage location: Brule, WI
suggested minimum level: 1.4 feet / 125 cfs
on the web: USGS gage @ Brule, WI
phone contact: Brule River State Forest: 715.372.4866