WOLF RIVER, SECTION 1 & 2 (Langlade Co., WI, at Lily)

LENGTH 15 mi., CLASS II, GRADIENT: 10' & 14' per mile

SEASON: Spring although some people try to bang down the rock infested channel into the summer months.

PUT-IN: Hwy. 55 Bridge across the Lily River in Lily upstream on river right. The short stretch on the Lily River can be a bit shallow.

TAKEOUT: Hwy. 64 Bridge in Langlade downstream on river left.

GAGE: USGS Gage at Langlade. The minimum is about 300 cfs for this section. It becomes more challenging (class II-III) above 800 cfs.

FUN FACT: Challenging open canoe run when there is water.

SHUTTLE: Hwy. 55 runs along the east bank of the river

ISSUES: The single most important issue facing this river over the years has been the proposed Zinc and Copper mine at the headwaters 11 miles north of Lily, WI near Little Sand Lake. The River Alliance of Wisconsin can provide you with information on how the mine and its current status.

The Upper Wolf starts at the Hwy. 52 Bridge in Lily or further upstream at the Co. Hwy. A bridge. Usually the water is just too shallow for enjoyable boating, but you could have fun with an open canoe. It would not be too much trouble to hop out in spots where the river gets too shallow. The other alternative is to hit this stretch when the water is higher in spring or fall. Although we have not boated these sections it looks like most rapids are class II. Call Whitewater Specialty for more information.