Lake Chippewa, Wisconsin, USA

Also known as:  Chippewa Flowage, Hayward Lakes

Tucked away in Sawyer County in northwest Wisconsin, Lake Chippewa is a rare undeveloped paradise. Called the “Big Chip,” Lake Chippewa is one of Wisconsin’s largest inland lakes and tops the list for pristine water and wilderness. Lake Chippewa was formed by the construction of the Winter Dam on the Chippewa River. Before that the area was the home of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of the…
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    • All About Lake Chippewa, WI

    Lake Locations: USA - US Midwest Region - Wisconsin - Lake Superior Northwoods Region, WI -

    Tucked away in Sawyer County in northwest Wisconsin, Lake Chippewa is a rare undeveloped paradise. Called the “Big Chip,” Lake Chippewa is one of Wisconsin’s largest inland lakes and tops the list for pristine water and wilderness.

    Lake Chippewa was formed by the construction of the Winter Dam on the Chippewa River. Before that the area was the home of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, and the area under and around Lake Chippewa was their primary rice gathering area. Construction of Winter Dam flooded eleven natural lakes, nine rivers, and countless streams and destroyed the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Band’s subsistent way of life. The lake flooded the Indian village of Post including a church and burial ground. Some of the burial sites were moved prior to the flooding, but others continue to be uncovered by erosion on what is now called Church Island. The LCO Band rebuilt at New Post which is the nearest town to Lake Chippewa. Winter Dam is still used to generate power for the area and it and the lake’s water levels are controlled by Xcel Energy and the LCO Band.

    The flooding of Lake Chippewa created a lake with interesting and unusual characteristics. The lake has over 140 islands ranging in size from half an acre to 272 acres. The many islands and floating bogs make speed boating unwise. Lake Chippewa much better suited to quiet boating and fishing. The lake’s many coves and inlets are best explored slowly or by canoe or kayak. There is, however, plenty to explore. Lake Chippewa’s 233 shoreline miles are deliberately undeveloped, and unlike other recreation lakes they never will be. In 1988 the state of Wisconsin spent $7 million to purchase 6,900 acres from the power company, saving it from commercial development. Because most of the rest of the shoreline is owned by the LCO Band and the Federal government in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the wooded shores of the “Big Chip” will never be more than 15% developed.

    Lake Chippewa does not lack amenities, however, and the parts of the shore that are developed have resorts, restaurants, lodging, and marinas. There are good public boat ramps and some primitive boat camping on the islands. Sawyer County has over 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and cross country skiing nearby.

    The fishing on Lake Chippewa is exceptional. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, over half of the walleye caught on the lake exceed 40 inches, and the lake is exempt from the state’s 15 inch walleye limit. There are also healthy populations of muskellunge, crappie, northern pike, perch, and bluegill. The lake is rimmed with aspen, birch, pine and oak, and the woodland is home to deer, bear, elk and otters. Beavers, herons, osprey and eagles also call Lake Chippewa home. Lucky visitors might see or hear loons on the lake.

    With its beautiful, pristine waters and undeveloped shores, Lake Chippewa is a nature lover’s paradise.

    Things to Do at Lake Chippewa

    These are some activities in the Lake Chippewa, WI area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Snowmobiling
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • National Forest

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Chippewa?

    Lake Chippewa has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bluegill
    • Crappie
    • Muskellunge
    • Northern Pike
    • Perch
    • Pike
    • Sunfish
    • Walleye
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Chippewa

    If you’re considering a Lake Chippewa lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Lake Chippewa Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Chippewa lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Chippewa Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Xcel Energy

    Surface Area: 15,300 acres

    Shoreline Length: 233 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,310 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 0 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 1,313 feet

    Average Depth: 14 feet

    Maximum Depth: 92 feet

    Water Volume: 123,000 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1923

    Water Residence Time: .6 yr

    Lake Area-Population: 367

    Drainage Area: 787 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Meso-eutrophic

    Lake Chippewa Map
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    Local Weather Forecast

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