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Upper Wolf River Fishery Area

DNR Fisheries Areas

Upper Wolf River
The Upper Wolf River Fishery Area is comprised of many DNR owned properties along the Wolf River in Langlade County. About 95 percent of the Wolf River watershed is wooded and wild. The Wolf River in Langlade County is classified as an Outstanding Resource Water (ORW).

The origin of the Wolf River is Pine Lake in southern Forest County. Flowing south, the Wolf River crosses eight counties before it enters Lake Poygan in Winnebago County. Five principal tributaries join the Wolf River in Langlade County including Swamp Creek, Pickerel Creek, Hunting River, Lily River, and Ninemile Creek. Numerous small streams also contribute water to the Wolf River.

The Wolf River has long been recognized for its unique aesthetically pleasing characteristics. It is a wide, boulder-strewn, natural, undeveloped stream with a rapid gradient in many locations.

Fish species inhabiting the Wolf River include brook, brown and rainbow trout, large and smallmouth bass, northern pike, musky, walleye and numerous species of pan fish and forage minnows. Trout are most prevalent from County Highway T downstream to the county line. Smallmouth bass inhabits the entire length of the river in Langlade County. Walleye, northern pike, musky and bass are generally found in the upper portion of the Wolf in the area from Post Lake dam downstream to Lily.

The Upper Wolf River has become a major Midwest destination for whitewater sports. Several commercial rental, outfitters, and guide companies offer whitewater rafting on the Wolf River. The Wolf River is annually the site of privately sponsored races for rafts, canoes, and kayaks, which draw hundreds of contestants and thousands of spectators.

Location/Directions

Upper Wolf River Fishery Area runs northwest to southeast through Langlade County in northeast Wisconsin. There are many access points and boat landings within and near the fisheries areas.

Activities

Angling opportunities

Primary angling activities include shore fishing, wading, and canoe fishing for the many different species of fish located in the river.

Recreational Opportunities

  • Hunting - deer, bear, turkey, small game, and waterfowl
  • Trapping
  • Hiking
  • Snowmobiling trail
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Fishing
  • Bird watching
  • Biking
  • Pets
  • Auto travel
  • Berry picking
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Tubing/Float Trips

Objective

The Upper Wolf River Fishery Area is managed for fish habitat and the restoration of natural shoreline aesthetics, and to provide fishing and boating opportunities and other recreational uses.

Contacts/Partners

For questions and comments contact:

Property Manager
Department of Natural Resources
223 E Steinfest Road
Antigo WI 54409
715-623-2096

Fisheries Biologist
Department of Natural Resources
223 E Steinfest Road
Antigo WI 54409
715-627-4317

Partners:

Antigo Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Protect Our Wolf River (POWR)
Langlade County Waterways Association