Chippewa, E.Fk.
C) Blaisdell Lake to Winter Dam (10.4 miles)
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 11.2 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 8 fpm |
| Gauge | Chippewa River at Bishops Bridge Near Winter, Wi |
| Flow Rate as of 56 minutes | 445 cfsmedium runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | August 25, 2004 |
River Description
There are two main rapids on this reach. Snaptail Rapids (II-III) lies in the river channel where a bypass canal diverts water to a dam. Two lakes intervene, then Goose Eye Rapids (II-III) is encounered. Smaller (class I) rips are interspersed. A final flowage leads to Winter Dam, the suggested take-out. Best gradient is found in the 1.5 miles from Fishtrap Lake Rd bridge to Hunter Lake.
River Features
Put In
Drainage: 248 sq.mi.
Drainage area at our listed put-in is approximately 261 sq.mi. (as calculated via USGS StreamStats Beta software). By our listed take-out, it has increased to 305 square miles (17% increase).
Head of Island (Dam/Canal)
To the right lies the feeder canal to the powerplant. At the left lies a dam controlling flow into the 'bypass' channel. There is a fish ladder, but boaters will likely need to portage to re-enter the channel below.
Snaptail Rapids
Snaptail Rapids (II-III) lies in the river channel where a bypass canal diverts water to a dam. Since this is a bypassed channel, it will likely have water only if/when the flow in the river exceeds the capacity of the powerplant.
Fishtrap Lake Road
As mentioned in the main description, the 'Best gradient is found in the 1.5 miles from Fishtrap Lake Rd bridge to Hunter Lake.'
Hunter Lake
Barker Lake Road
Goose Eye Rapids
Coming out of Barker Lake (a natural widening of the river . . . no dam), you encounter the second named rapids.
CTH.B
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportWe did the last 2 sections of this for 24ish miles from put in to an island on the flowage. There had been lots of rain but the dams left Snaptail dewatered. Its bouldery and would be fun with water but not likely unless major rain happens. Scenic less paddled river and great to see.