THE JUMP.

With an intriguing name like the Jump, you'd expect a lot from a river, and you won't be disappointed with this one. Indeed, the river got its name from the many small riffles and a few bigger drops that make attention to the paddle a prerequisite.

We put in at the end of a dirt road about seven miles upstream from the hamlet of Jump River. Here the river is wide and slow, but soon it narrowed through a series of riffles. This stream is notable for its gravel banks, which are quite rare in the upper Midwest. There is virtually no development on its banks until you hit Jump River.

Soon we encountered fisherman casting from the bank for smallmouth bass. we were told about a 16 1/2" bronzeback that had been caught recently. My efforts were rewarded with an enormous sucker that broke the six-pound test line I was using when I hefted him up for a picture. I also had some nibbles that were without question smallmouth bass.

The entire stretch that we paddles consisted of slow pools interspersed with easily negotiated riffles. Upstream there are a falls and a rapids that should be avoided. We took out just upstream from Jump River at a lovely park on the left bank where you can swim, cast, or just rest under a tree while your partner bikes back to the truck.