Due to a drought in Maine, our river trip next weekend has to be rerouted. I would love to hear what you great paddlers have to say about the Namekagon River in Wisconsin. It sounds like about 80 miles of easy paddling, but wanted to know more about crowds, fishing, etc. We need to make a decision fast due to dehydrating food, finding a shuttle, etc.

Thanks in advance from Ohio,
FISHONFISHOFF

The Namekagan is a nice paddle. Combination of flat and gently moving water with some riffles mixed in. None (that I’ve seen) are above a Class I. Easy and enjoyable. Some campsites scattered along the route, but spaced well apart from each other. The river between Hayward and Trego somewhat parallels Hwy 63, but does get away from it enough to still be a nice wilderness-type paddle.

I’ve not paddled the stretch west of Trego, but I understand it to be more remote.

You could very well encounter tubers and paddlers renting for the day, but you’ll soon be past them. Jacks Canoe Rental in Trego, WI rents Old Town Discovery canoes and tubes and will shuttle you to put-in spots.

The tourist town of Hayward is up the road maybe 20 miles and is worth a visit.

Northern Wisconsin rivers levels are good right now, finding campsites is usually not a problem. Fishing can be good. It can get busy on weekends but most are day trippers.

I should add levels are good for this time of year. We’ve always gone below Trego and include the st croix. The north fork flambeau is my favorite, can be great fishing.

Great replies.
What is the best option for shuttle. We've had 4 declines so far!
FISHONFISHOFF

I've paddled the river from County K down to Riverside Landing on the St Croix a few times. I would plan your trip to utilize the watercraft-only campsites and avoid any sites or campgrounds that can be accessed from a road...if there's road access people will drive out and "claim" campsites a day or two ahead of their arrival by setting up a cheap (empty) tent, and I've run into a few obnoxious groups at these locations. Camping is free and first-come-first-served, which is both good and bad. There's also a major inner-tube hatch on the mid- and lower river most weekends.

All that said, I love that river. I just wish NPS would manage the camping situation differently.

fishonfishoff: "What is the best option for shuttle. We've had 4 declines so far!"

Who has declined you? Most likely Jack’s is one. I don’t think they shuttle privately owned boats, etc. Pretty sure a rental is required. I understand, but it’s a bummer because many canoers have their own gear. Even if there was a higher shuttle price, for example.

How many paddlers and boats? And when do you want to put in? I have a small trailer (carries 2 canoes-could put another on top of my Forester but would run out of seating more quickly) and family cabin in the area-if the stars aligned I wouldn't mind helping out.

tg: "How many paddlers and boats? And when do you want to put in? I have a small trailer (carries 2 canoes-could put another on top of my Forester but would run out of seating more quickly) and family cabin in the area-if the stars aligned I wouldn't mind helping out."

TG, that is a generous offer. I will check in with my friend today to find out if he had any better luck. We were actually thinking of someone just driving our empty vehicle from the start to the finish which means two people. I will send you an email at lunchtime or after work.
Thanks,
FISHONFISHOFF

Hi
https://www.nps.gov/sacn/planyourvisit/maps.htm

Northern Wisconsin rivers can be well used in the warm weather months but early and late you can find yourself all alone. They are beautiful in fall. Call ahead about water levels. You know you have to go pretty far into Canada these days to get into some solitude.

Went to the area for a few days just to paddle the Namekagon and wasn't disappointed. Did the 16 mile stretch between Whispering Pines and Namekagon Trail landings on a Saturday morning, 8/29, and only saw one other canoe on the river. However, all campsites were occupied above Fritz landing.

Water level was fine, moved along with easy paddling at about 3.5 miles an hour average. When I got back to retrieve my truck at the landing, there were lots of vehicles. It was empty when I started. I imagine the river was "crowded" by mid-day.

On Sunday I drove by the river near Trego and saw hordes of tubers tied together in large rafts. Obviously a popular river, but worth the trip.

Paddled it a couple years ago beginning at Hayward dam to past the confluence and down the St. Croix a bit. Roughly 100 miles. If you do that whole stretch, you will have four carryovers (around dams and such) - one area of rapids that is traverseable (water level dependent of course). I did that part in the dark so I am not much help on explaining it. I enjoyed the entire trip very much.

Personally, I find it interesting how folks establish their backyards on rivers as compared to lakes. Seemingly a different mindset...I don't have a fully developed hypothesis yet, but I have noticed a difference.

Abundance of wildlife as well. I saw a few deer and a couple of black bears. Actually those two events were about 100 yards apart, but on separate sides and bends in the river.

Also got to see the back side of the Turks, which has been closed for years. I had heard stories about that place and its owner, but never had a chance to check it out in person while it was open.

There is brew pub along the way if you plan your stops correctly. There are several segments of the river that you can do and each has its own uniqueness. Enjoy.

Jim

fishonfishoff: "

tg: "How many paddlers and boats? And when do you want to put in? I have a small trailer (carries 2 canoes-could put another on top of my Forester but would run out of seating more quickly) and family cabin in the area-if the stars aligned I wouldn't mind helping out."

TG, that is a generous offer. I will check in with my friend today to find out if he had any better luck. We were actually thinking of someone just driving our empty vehicle from the start to the finish which means two people. I will send you an email at lunchtime or after work.
Thanks,
FISHONFISHOFF"

Email sent

Jackfish: "

fishonfishoff: "What is the best option for shuttle. We've had 4 declines so far!"

Who has declined you? Most likely Jack’s is one. I don’t think they shuttle privately owned boats, etc. Pretty sure a rental is required. I understand, but it’s a bummer because many canoers have their own gear. Even if there was a higher shuttle price, for example. "

I can't say who they are because one of the other trippers was making the calls. It is last minute notice so I can understand the declines. We just need someone to transport an empty vehicle from put-in to take-out. "Maybe we can UBER back to the put-in?"

FISHONFISHOFF

The Namekagon is a great paddle. It's also one of the best brown trout fisheries in Wisconsin. It fishes kinda weird though as the lake pours over the top of the dam as opposed to being released from the bottom. This affects water temps a lot.

I always fish the Nam for a few days each fall before heading to the Brule.