Brule River State Forest Conditions

Conditions as of Thursday, July 31, 2008:

• Camping
• Nature
• River
• Trails
• Women in the Outdoors Event
• More Information

Nature

Although the first day of autumn is a month away, animals are beginning to prepare for fall. Nighthawks are reported to be starting to group up in preparation for migrating south.

Spots on deer fawns coats are fading rapidly, and buck antlers are looking quite impressive and should soon be losing their velvet.

Summer molt birds such as ducks and geese are more mobile now with their new flight feathers' and are therefore much more visible. Swans are later molters and will be able to fly in early September. August is a good month to find uncommon shore birds in wetland areas along mud flats on Lake Superior. Shore birds from the Arctic will use Lake Superior as a stopping point as they are making their way to South America. They have an early and long migration.

Choke cherries, blackberries [exit DNR] and thimbleberries [exit DNR] are ripe, and pockets of blueberries [exit DNR] can still be found. Poorly formed and small acorns are beginning to fall. More acorns should start falling in the next few weeks.

River

The Bois Brule River is flowing at 110 cfs (cubic feet per second). The 63-year average is 128 cfs.

See the U.S. Geological Survey's page about the river [exit DNR] for provisional data about stream discharge, water level, precipitation, and water quality.

Fishing

Lake-run brown trout are trickling into the Bois Brule River and even one steelhead was reported. Anglers looking for the "big one" hope the predicted rain will bring more fish in.

Trails

Remember that all-terrain vehicles are allowed only on designated routes or trails in the Brule River State Forest. They are not permitted on the logging roads.

Maps of designated ATV and snowmobile trails in Douglas County [exit DNR]

Camping

The Bois Brule and Copper Range Campgrounds are open all year. Campgrounds have been busy on the weekends with families who are trying to get the last bit of camping in before school
starts.

Brule River State Forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served. Visitors are reminded that sites are designed to accommodate no more than two vehicles and six people. See new firewood rules and general burning regulations.

Camping is limited to the two campgrounds. Back country camping permits (required for the North Country Trail) are available at the Brule office. Camping is not permitted on the beach along Lake Superior in the Bear Beach State Natural Area.

There is a nightly fee (per site) for camping, and campers also must have daily or annual vehicle admission stickers. The camping fees are:

• Resident $9 per site per night
• Non-Resident $11 per site per night

Instructions for registering are at campground entrances.

Firewood originating outside of Wisconsin or more than 50 miles away within Wisconsin is prohibited in our campgrounds. Firewood is a prime mover of a number of forest pests and diseases. Firewood may be purchased locally.

Women in the Outdoors Event - Hunting or Fishing out west

Sponsored by Women in the Outdoors and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)

A Women in the Outdoors event is planned for October 3, 4, and 5 at the Bois Brule Campground picnic area in Brule. This event teaches hunting or fishing out west This event consist of everything “you need to know” for a hunting or fishing trip to the western states, including: applying for a license, packing, dress, travel, camp, food, cooking, water treatment, showers, weather, and much more. Experience a simulated hunt as you go though all the steps, including: hiring and outfitters/horses/guides, map and compass, GPS, survival, packing a back pack, scouting, hunting equipment, the hunt, carcass transport, hide care, taxidermy for a trophy, preserving meat, etc. Don’t forget to bring a fly rod (rods will be available for those who do not have any). This event is scheduled during the steelhead season so you can practice for the “western fish” with our feisty steelhead. Your paid registration fee of $50 includes: use of all equipment, program materials, the evening meal Friday and Saturday, lunch Saturday, instruction, and a 1 year subscription to the NWTF or Women in the Outdoors Magazine. This event is open to male participation but they must attend with a registered female. To get more information or to register contact LaVonne Leibzeit at (715) 238-7419 or e-mail at Vonshome@tds.net.

Map [PDF 251KB]

More Conditions

Fire danger conditions
Road Conditions [exit DNR]
Weather [exit DNR]

Brule River State Forest Information: Phone (715) 372-5678 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or e-mail Catherine Khalar.