Wisconsin River Canoe Launch

Wisconsin River Canoe Launch is a public carry-in (hand-launch) site on Wisconsin River in Vilas County, Wisconsin.

It is owned and managed by Wisconsin Public Service.

This is a carry-in access designed for canoes, kayaks and other hand-launched small craft rather than trailered powerboats.

Wisconsin River Canoe Launch is a hand-carry / car-top access.

The site is managed by Wisconsin Public Service.

Wisconsin River is open to public fishing, boating and paddling across Wisconsin's glacial lake country. Anglers here target walleye, muskellunge, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, crappie and yellow perch.

Inland trout streams and the Great Lakes add brown, brook and rainbow trout plus salmon.

As moving water, it fishes by current — target seams, eddies, holes, bends and woody cover rather than open flats.

Wisconsin River Canoe Launch is a public access point to Wisconsin River for hand-carried craft.

This launch sits on Wisconsin River; look for other public access points, marinas and shoreline fishing spots along the same water, and check the Wisconsin DNR for the full list of access sites nearby.

River current, woody snags, shifting sandbars and changing water levels are the main hazards. Respect the current, scout unfamiliar stretches, give way to any commercial traffic, and never anchor from the stern in a strong flow.

Carry U.S. Coast Guard–required safety gear, wear your life jacket, file a float plan for longer trips, and remember that spring and fall water is cold enough to cause hypothermia quickly.

A Wisconsin fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. Follow the Wisconsin DNR's seasons, size and creel limits, which vary by water and species.

Clean, Drain and Dry: remove all aquatic plants and animals, drain every compartment, and never move live fish or bait between waters — this is how invasive species like zebra mussels and invasive carp spread.

Observe posted launch rules, no-wake and idle zones near the ramp, and any local watercraft controls.

This is a hand-launch site — bring a cart for longer carries and pack light. It is ideal for kayaks, canoes and small car-top boats rather than big trailered rigs.

Arrive early on summer weekends for parking, and have a plan for wind direction before you launch on open water.