- Wisconsin River, LWSR
- Black River
- Bois Brule River
- Brule River
- Chippewa River
- Eau Claire River
- Flambeau River
- Manitowish River
- Menominee River
- Montreal River
- Namekagon River
- Peshtigo River
- Pike River
- Pine River
- Popple River
- Red River
- St Croix River
- Tomahawk River
- White River
- Wolf River
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WPG
A canoeing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting guide to Wisconsin's most popular paddle rivers.
distance:
most difficult rapids:
approx. trip time:
elevation drop:
average gradient:
(feet per mile)
12.9 miles
flat-water
varies
23 feet
1.8 fpm
Lower Wisconsin River - Segment 4
Woodman Boat Landing to Bridgeport, Highway 18 Landing
Paddlers will find a beautiful, peaceful float in the final reach of the Wisconsin River. There is more quiet and solitude in this final segment than the previous, with fewer roads bordering the riverway and even less development. Many longtime paddlers of the Lower Wisconsin believe the river only becomes more beautiful the closer you come to the Mississippi River confluence. If you paddle this segment you'll probably agree!
A series of large wooded islands occupy the river as you paddle west from the scenic area surrounding Woodman Boat Landing. Steep ridges often overlook the river from the south bank in the initial stretch. As the river flows away from the hills you will glide past lush bottomland forest and dense undergrowth. Numerous sloughs branch off with a large number of creeks adding their flow to the river.
Steep ridges once again overlook the river along the south bank as the Wisconsin runs past the Millville Boat Landing. Several large wooded islands fork the channel. Continuing west, the river angles away from the southern bluffs and eventually pushes up against a series of low ridges and high banks along the north shore.
The river flows around a densely packed series of long, narrow, wooded islands as it approaches the Highway 18 Landing, the final access before the Mississippi River confluence.
Wildlife continues to be abundant. Besides the numerous species of birds, you will likely see beaver, white-tailed deer, turtles, and the occasional otter, especially during the early morning and late afternoon hours.
Season
The river is usually navigable throughout spring, summer, and fall. It can be scrappy in places during periods of little rainfall in summer and fall. Paddlers should avoid the river in early spring, whenever water levels are very high.
River Level Information
river gage location: State Hwy 80 Bridge, north of Muscoda
suggested minimum level: Contact local outfitter
suggested maximum level: Contact local outfitter
on the web: USGS gage @ Hwy 80 Bridge, north of Muscoda