Jump River
- This article is about the Jump River, in northern Wisconsin. For other uses of the name, see Jump River (disambiguation).
The Jump River is a small rocky river in north-central Wisconsin. It is formed at the confluence of the North Fork Jump River and the South Fork Jump River in southwestern Price County, Wisconsin. From there it flows approximately 25 miles (40 km) through Rusk, Taylor and Chippewa counties, emptying into the Holcombe Flowage and joining the Chippewa River.
The primary settlement along the river is Sheldon.
The origin of the river's name is the source of minor local controversy. Some say that the name comes from the jumping water in the many rapids which mark nearly the upper half of its course. Others maintain that the river was so-named because a 19th century forest fire jumped the river. Still others suggest that log drivers named it for the way the water level "jumps" up and down rapidly. Its name in Ojibwe does not shed light on its present name either, since the Ojibwa call this stream Manidoons-ziibi ("Little Spirit River").[1]
Fish in the river include northern pike, smallmouth bass, catfish, redhorse, and suckers.
Recreation
The Jump is good for canoeing when the water is high enough, with little rapids and boulders to dodge. The banks are largely undeveloped, though roads and farms are often just behind the trees. When the water level is medium to high, the stretch from the village of Jump River to Sheldon is fun. When the level is higher one can canoe from below Big Falls down to the village, and even above the Falls.[2]
Fisherman angle in many holes along the river.
Big Falls County Park, known locally as "Jump River Falls," surrounds a small gorge where the river tumbles through boulders. It has a picnic area and walking trails along the river. Picnic areas are also at parks in the village of Jump River and Haley Park in Sheldon. Haley Park has a sandy swimming beach, as does "the swimming hole," a mile above the village of Jump River.
In winter when the river is frozen, snowmobiles run up and down it.
References
- ^ Freelang Ojibwe Dictionary
- ^ Svob, Mike (2006). Paddling Northern Wisconsin - 85 Great Trips by Canoe and Kayak. Madison, Wisconsin: Trails Books.
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