Chippewa Flowage — Big Chip Paddle
Sawyer County, Wisconsin
The Chippewa Flowage — known locally as 'Big Chip' — is Wisconsin's third-largest lake at 15,300 acres, with a maze of 200 islands to explore. Flatwater paddling through a true wilderness feeling with very little developed shoreline. Rolling hills, northern hardwoods, birch and pine surround every channel. Prime musky fishery. Located east of Hayward.
Miles
0 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Groomed
No
Fee
Free
Don't Miss
Wisconsin's third-largest lake with 200 islands and almost no developed shoreline — Big Chip feels like a wilderness even though it's just east of Hayward. The musky fishing is legendary and the island-hopping paddling is unlike anywhere else in the Northwoods.
Trail Systems
Chippewa Flowage Island Maze
200 islands to explore on 15,300 acres of flatwater. Multiple public boat landings around the flowage perimeter. Primitive lakeside camping available on a first-come basis.
Trailheads
- 📍Multiple public boat landings around the flowage — see DNR map
📞 Hayward Lakes Visitor Bureau — 715-634-4801
Rules & Regulations
- No fee for public boat landings
- Wisconsin fishing license required — world-class musky fishery
- Primitive camping available — first-come, first-served
- Check for invasive species regulations before launching
Trailer Parking
| Location | Address | Trail Access |
|---|---|---|
| Chippewa Flowage boat landings | East of Hayward WI on Hwy 27/County B | Multiple access points around flowage |
ATV / UTV Clubs
- 🏍️Hayward Lakes Visitor Bureau — 715-634-4801 | haywardlakes.com — haywardlakes.com
Official Resources
Nearby Vacation Rentals
Nearby Trails
Location
Quick Facts
- County
- Sawyer County
- Trail Types
- kayak-canoe
- Total Miles
- 0 miles
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Season
- spring, summer, fall
- Groomed
- No
- Fee
- No