As I edge closer to retirement I am looking for spots to spend what should be more time than ever to get outdoors and enjoy what I love - the Northwoods. The Turtle Flambeau Flowage looks intriguing and although I don't expect it to compare in several ways to the BWCA, it seems like it could be a pretty cool place to spend some time. Not in place of the BWCA, in addition to it.

So for those of you who have spent time there what would you have to say about it in general? How is the scenery, how are the campsites, how is the fishing, how is the solitude? Would you recommend it? Would you drink filtered water from it?

Thanks in advance for any info. Probably be paddling it and I know there are motorboats, doesn't bother me a lot unless it's crazy busy with them. Any special areas to go to?

I have drunk plenty of filtered water from the flowage. Quiet & solitude happen after dark, but during the day there will be motors even in the "quiet area" because of fishing charters passing through.

The campsites are decent, they have grates and wilderness latrines.

mirth: "The campsites are decent, they have grates and wilderness latrines."

And log picnic tables! Campsites vary quite a bit and the bigger, better sites are well-used while there are many 1-star sites that rarely get visited.

You'll find that weekdays will be much quieter than the weekends, moreso than most places. The boat ramps will fill up with fisherman on the weekends and many of them are in a hurry to get where they're going. (Read: the fishing is good!) Luckily, this lake is known for destroying outboards so they keep the speed down in some areas, especially when the water level is down.

I've never been to TF when water levels have been really low, as is typical later in the year, but I imagine you'd have most of the water to yourself if water levels were really low.

The TF was originally nine lakes that were linked together when the dam was put in and those areas remain easily navigable for motorboats regardless of water level. It has more rocks than you normally see in northern WI, which is typically very sandy, but what really makes this lake so dangerous to motorboats is that it was never logged off when they built the dam and many old trunks have rotted off above the water line but not below. That also means that there are still isolated patches of virgin cedar, hemlock and white pine scattered around the shoreline.

Many stretches of the shoreline are developed but it's not hard to get away from those areas if you're looking for wild vistas. You can easily make the TF a part of a bigger river trip, starting further east on the Manitowish River and of course you can take the out-flowing Flambeau as far downstream as you would like. Iron County Website, WI DNR, Mike Svob's book

I prefer to spend time on the Willow Flowage, but the campsites are much harder to get and 100% non-reservable. I have found every site full a couple of times, which I've never found on TF. Send me an email if you want to know more, I spend a few weeks out there every summer.

Just a little further NE on the border with Michigan you'll find the Sylvania Wilderness, which is quite aptly described as 'the little BWCA.' Campsites must be reserved in Sylvania, motor boats are not allowed in the interior, and it has a reputation for bass fishing and virgin timber.

Pick up or order a map of the Turtle Flambeau Flowage from Fishing Hot Spots. Excellent map, shows contours and the "fishing hot spots" (as you would expect). The map is waterproof.

The Bonies Mound area on the eastern end is the unofficial quiet area for paddlers. You might see an occasional fishing boat, but they're generally puttering along slowly.

Great area... post some pics after your trip.

Late to this party, but the place is fantastic for being a motors-allowed destination. We have been twice and loved it both times. It is a waterfowl hunting destination, so be aware if you are going in late September. We had no issues with the water using an MSR, Grayl, and BeFree. If you have any specific questions, hit me up.