Chippewa Flowage
Nature and Wildlife

The waters and surrounding lands of the Flowage provide abundant aquatic and terrestrial habitats. A diverse variety of northern forest and aquatic wildlife find food, nest sites and shelter along the many miles of undeveloped mainland and island shoreline.

The Flowage provides exceptional nesting habitat for eagles and common loons. Keep your distance from eagle nests, and boat slowly around loon nests for large wakes can destroy them. There is a large great blue heron rookery on Banana Island. Keep your distance from May through July to prevent disturbance. Mallards, wood ducks and hooded mergansers are common. Ospreys are spotted occasionally. Large numbers of waterfowl use the Flowage during spring and fall migration. Over 130 species of birds have been observed on the flowage or in the nearby forests. Deer coming down for a drink at the lake, otters popping their heads out of water or a family of raccoons carousing along the shoreline are common sights. Occasionally black bears, fishers and wolves are reported.

Most of the animals found on the Flowage can be observed at close range if they are approached slowly and quietly, especially with a boat. Be particularly careful not to disturb nesting birds or animals with small young.

There are 2 miles of hiking and ski trails located on Department of Natural Resources land on the north side of the Flowage which can be accessed via a parking area adjacent to County Highway B between Moss Creek and Hay Creek. No motorized vehicles are allowed on this trail.

Bears

Black bears are occasionally known to visit some campsites on the islands. Do not leave food items on picnic tables or store in tents. Please keep a clean campsite and deposit all garbage in receptacles located at the public boat landings.