Class II-III Chippewa River, WI
Jim Falls (Old Abe Wayside to State Highway 178)
Located about 8 miles northwest of Chippewa Falls, at the junction of County Highway Y and Highway 178, this short reach of river is class II and class III pool-drop rapids, requiring intermediate to advanced skill level.
Releases into the original river channel (otherwise substantially dewatered between the dam and Xcel Energy's Jim Falls Hydro Plant) take place for two full months in spring (from April 1st to May 31st, for Sturgeon spawning) when this reach should run a constant 850 cfs, while summer releases (four times annually in July and August during the six year evaluation period) should be 650 cfs. (Source: American Whitewater)
Section Details
| Trip Length | Partial Day, 1.1 Miles |
| Fishing | Yes |
| Camping | No |
| Manager | Private, Xcel Energy |
| Wild & Scenic | No |
| Water Trail | No |
| Partner Information | https://www.xcelenergy.com/energy_portfolio/electricity/power_plants/jim_falls |
| Description | American Whitewater |
| River Flow Information |
https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Project/view/id/chippewa/ This section of river is dependent on flow being released from the upstream Jim Falls hydropower dam. Scheduled flow releases provide boatable flows a few times a year. The hydropower license also led to a new put-in and a new takeout, signage, etc. See River Management Society's project summary. |
