Upper Wolf River Fishery Area

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.