Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area wilderness guide
State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area · Wisconsin

Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area

Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area offers extensive habitats for fishing, wildlife watching, and outdoor recreation along the Pike River corridor in northeastern Wisconsin.

State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area3,5004+ Trails

Designation

State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

3,500

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area

Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area offers extensive habitats for fishing, wildlife watching, and outdoor recreation along the Pike River corridor in northeastern Wisconsin.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area is a protected natural area located in Marinette County, Wisconsin. The area primarily revolves around the Pike River, a tributary to Green Bay, providing important aquatic and terrestrial habitat for native fish and wildlife populations. The landscape consists of wetlands, riparian corridors, forested areas, and grasslands, supporting diverse species including game fish, waterfowl, and upland birds. Established to conserve fish populations and enhance wildlife habitats, the management area is popular for fishing, hunting, birdwatching, and nature photography. Anglers enjoy the Pike River’s population of northern pike, smallmouth bass, and panfish, while waterfowl hunters find excellent opportunities during the season. The area’s access points and maintained trails allow paddling and hiking with scenic river views and wildlife observation. Although relatively remote, the management area is within reach of several small Wisconsin towns, offering a quiet outdoor experience away from urban centers. Efforts to improve fishery habitat and protect wetlands have increased biodiversity and supported sustainable recreation. Visitors are drawn by the opportunity to experience natural Wisconsin riverine environments and the variety of recreational options suitable for all skill levels.

Field Guide · State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Pike River Fishery providing excellent northern pike and bass fishing✦ Extensive wetland complexes supporting migratory waterfowl and amphibians✦ Diverse upland habitats ideal for birdwatching and hunting✦ Quiet paddling routes along the river's meandering course
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No general entrance fees; state fishing and hunting licenses required for relevant activities

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Marinette, Wisconsin
⌖ 4.80 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Marinette, Wisconsin

Marinette offers a refreshing outdoor getaway with river paddling, forest hiking, and winter skiing nearby. Surrounded by protected lands and scenic waterways, it’s ideal for travelers who enjoy nature and quieter adventure.

Late Spring through Fall for warm weather activities; Winter for skiing and snow sports
Explore Town
Menominee, Michigan
⌖ 5.09 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Menominee, Michigan

Menominee, Michigan, is a lakeside town ideal for outdoor lovers seeking quiet hiking, paddling, fishing, and snowmobiling. Enjoy peaceful trails, shoreline views, and seasonal adventures in the Upper Peninsula’s natural beauty.

Late Spring through Early Fall; Winter for Snowmobiling
Explore Town
Peshtigo, Wisconsin
⌖ 7.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Peshtigo, Wisconsin

Peshtigo, Wisconsin offers quiet access to hiking, paddling, snowmobiling, and fishing amid scenic forests and rivers. It’s a great choice for travelers seeking peaceful outdoor adventures with a rich local history.

Late spring through early fall for hiking and paddling; winter for snowmobiling
Explore Town
Crivitz, Wisconsin
⌖ 16.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Crivitz, Wisconsin

Crivitz offers outdoor enthusiasts quiet access to hiking, biking, paddling, and winter sports on the edge of Wisconsin’s Nicolet National Forest. It’s an ideal spot for exploring forests, lakes, and trails with a friendly small-town feel.

Late Spring to Early Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Oconto, Wisconsin
⌖ 19.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Oconto, Wisconsin

Oconto, Wisconsin is a quiet waterside town perfect for paddling, fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling. Its river and forest settings offer year-round outdoor fun with a peaceful, welcoming vibe.

Late Spring through Early Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for snowmobiling
Explore Town
Wausaukee, Wisconsin
⌖ 19.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Wausaukee, Wisconsin

Wausaukee is a peaceful small town in northeastern Wisconsin offering hiking, paddling, and snowmobiling amid forested rivers and trails. It’s a great base for outdoor lovers seeking quiet nature and seasonal fun.

Late Spring through Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Pike River State Fishery and Wildlife Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Ice Shack Rental #4
ADVEXPEDITION
Crivitz, Wisconsin
FishingADV Bookable

Ice Shack Rental #4

Step onto the frozen Flowage with Popp's Resort's heated ice shack rental and spend the day chasing winter fish in comfort. Perfect for groups, this fishing experience blends rugged adventure with homey warmth.

Fishing$175. per day • 8 People MaxCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
A 1.5‑Hour Drift Down the Peshtigo: Easy River Tubing from Kosir’s
ADVEXPEDITION
Town of Silver Cliff, Wisconsin
River TubeADV Bookable

A 1.5‑Hour Drift Down the Peshtigo: Easy River Tubing from Kosir’s

A relaxed, 90‑minute tubing run on the Peshtigo River that floats downstream to the first boat landing with shuttle service back to Kosir’s Peshtigo River Office & Campground — a concise guide to what to expect.

River TubePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip