Mississippi River
Mississippi River Overview
The Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world, flowing 2,350 miles from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. In Minnesota, the river flows through valleys, bluffs, prairies, and woodlands in a variety of flow rates and widths. Portions of the river have been designated as a Wild and Scenic river.
River miles (RM) are counted upstream from the Mississippi’s confluence with the Ohio River, according to a system developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (R) and (L) on river mile markers represents right and left when facing downstream.
Many segments of this river can be viewed in Google Maps street view as some creative canoeists have taken GPS located photographs of their voyage down much of the Mississippi. This is a very useful tool in seeing portions of the river before you paddle it.
Since this river is so long and diverse it will be divided up into 10 separate river sections, beginning at the source and ending on the Minnesota/Iowa border. Click on the section headings to be directed to the MNDNR website for more specific information about the river character, landscape, fish and wildlife, history and maps for each river section:
Lake Itasca to Cass Lake
At Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, the Mississippi River begins its 2,350-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. From Lake Itasca to Cass Lake, the river is surrounded by wilderness and does not have dangerous rapids, making it excellent for beginning paddlers. There are no major rapids, but cattails and wild rice choke the river upstream of Lake Irving by July.
Cass Lake to the Grand Rapids area
Numerous large lakes are the Mississippi's defining characteristic as it flows east from Bemidji through the town of Cass Lake and towards Grand Rapids. Glaciers created these lakes thousands of years ago. The lakes are a challenge to the river traveler, and can be quite dangerous. Below its confluence with the Leech Lake River, the Mississippi's channel deepens, and the riparian marsh plain doubles in width. The river once created oxbows here, which are now abandoned river segments filling with vegetation.
Grand Rapids area to Palisade
This section of the river is a transition zone. From the marshy, undeveloped areas of Lake Itasca and Cass Lake, the river flows into a more developed area with dams and industry. Paddlers should watch for dams and know on which side to portage. This segment is part of the Mississippi Headwaters River Trail, which consists of the first 420 miles of the river. There are no major rapids.
Palisade to Brainerd
The river is quiet from Palisade to Brainerd, allowing for a relaxing trip through both farmland and forested areas, with good opportunities to see wildlife and catch fish. This segment is part of the Mississippi Headwaters River Trail, which consists of the first 420 miles of the river. This section of the river has no major rapids and does not require experienced paddling skills.
Brainerd to Little Falls
The upper section of this segment reflects the river's "Father of Waters" stereotype as a river of enormity and dignity. Prominent glacial features emerge as you travel down river. There are no major rapids, but use caution, as the current can be deceptively strong in places.
Little Falls to St. Cloud
Below Little Falls, the Mississippi River begins to lose the wilderness character of its upper reaches. Stretches of scenic riverscape are interspersed with houses, farms, and urban areas. Four dams must be portaged in this segment. Paddlers should watch for dams and know on which side to portage or lock. Do not cross the river directly above dams. There are no major rapids, but use caution, as the current can be deceptively strong in places.
St.Cloud to Anoka
Rolling, forested bluffs and numerous accesses and rest areas make this segment of the Mississippi River popular for day-long canoe trips. The river flows through riffles and across many sandbars, where you can relax and enjoy flat-water paddling. This section of the Mississippi is designated as a wild and scenic river. There are no major rapids.
Anoka to Fort Snelling
Motor boats and barges often throw large wakes that can swamp unsuspecting canoeists and kayakers. These wakes should not be taken broadside. The Army Corps of Engineers closes the Lower St. Anthony and Ford Locks to recreational traffic when the river is above 30,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). At Lower St. Anthony Lock, portage down to Bohemian Flats at river mile 853.1R. There is no established portage around Ford Lock and Dam. There are no major rapids, but this segment of the Mississippi requires some paddling skills in order to avoid snags, sweepers, and boulders.
Fort Snelling to Hastings
This segment of the river winds past developed areas and showcases spectacular bluffs and wide-trunked trees. The river varies in width from one-tenth mile below Fort Snelling to two miles above Lock and Dam 2 at Spring Lake. Although the river is generally wide, the current can be deceptively swift. Approach the shore with caution. Wakes from large boat traffic should not be taken broadside. Watch for dams, and know on which side to portage or lock. Stay close to shore as you prepare to get out or enter a lock, and do not cross the river above dams. There are no major rapids.
Hastings to Iowa
This segment of the river opens up to spectacular bluffs and a whole new paddling experience. You will need some paddling skills to avoid snags and downed trees, especially in the backwaters. Although the river is wide in this area, the current can be deceptively swift. Approach the shore with caution. Wakes from large boat traffic should not be taken broadside. Watch for dams, and know on which side to portage or lock. Do not cross the river directly above dams. There are no major rapids.
mississippi river Maps
Lake Itasca to Cass Lake
(Map PDF, GeoPDF Map PDF)
Cass Lake to Grand Rapids area
(Map PDF, GeoPDF Map PDF)
Grand Rapids area to Palisade
(Map PDF, GeoPDF Map PDF)
Palisade to Brainerd
(Map PDF, GeoPDF Map PDF)
Brainerd to Little Falls
(Map PDF, GeoPDF Map PDF)
Little Falls to St. Cloud
(Map PDF, GeoPDF Map PDF)
St. Cloud to Elk River
(Map PDF, GeoPDF Map PDF)
Elk River to Minneapolis
(Map PDF, GeoPDF Map PDF)
Minneapolis to Hastings
(Map PDF, GeoPDF Map PDF)
Hastings to Iowa
(Guide PDF)
mississippi River Gauges
The river gauges listed below include those whose information is transmitted and logged via radios. Data information can include depth and/or flow data for current date or specific periods of time. There are also level gauges located at many bridges, etc. which show current river depth information but this data is not available online.
Mississippi River near Vern, CSAH37
RM 1,329.9
Mississippi River near Wilton, CSAH7
RM 1,297.2
Mississippi River near Bemidji, CSAH11
RM 1,286.7
Stump Lake near Bemidji, CSAH12
RM 1,274.3
Mississippi River at Days High Landing near Deer River, MN
RM 1,197.5
Mississippi River at Grand Rapids, MN
RM 1,175.9
Mississippi River at Aitkin, MN
RM 1,052.6
Mississippi River at Brainerd, MN
RM 1000.7
Mississippi River near Royalton, MN
RM 949.9
Mississippi River at St. Cloud, MN
RM 922.9
Mississippi River at Hwy 610 in Brooklyn Park, MN
RM 861.3
Mississippi River at St. Paul, MN
RM 837.1
Mississippi River at Prescott, WI
RM 809
Mississippi River at Winona, MN
RM 724.8
mississippi river Shuttle and Rental Services
Locations in Winona, Wabasha, and Red Wing, MN; 651-955-5222. Guided kayak tours in the Mississippi backwaters from Winona to Red Wing. Natural education within backwater ecosystems. ACA certified professional guides and outdoor educators. Can accommodate up to 20 people. Also serves the Zumbro and Whitewater Rivers.
Clear Waters Outfitting Company
100 Pine St, Clearwater, MN 55320; 320-469-1590. Half day, whole day and overnight trips, rentals, complete outfitting, daily shuttle service, new and used outdoor gear. Located on the banks of the Mississippi.
115 3rd Avenue Southwest, Crosby, MN 56441; 218-545-4545. Canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals. Shuttle service available for the Mississippi and Pine Rivers and the mine lakes of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area by appointment.
Easy Riders Bicycle and Sportshop
415 Washington Street, Brainerd, MN 56401; 218-829-5516. Canoe and kayak rentals. Shuttle service available. Mississippi River to Crow Wing State Park, Riverton to Lum Park, Brainerd, or lakes in Crow Wing or Cass Counties. Also serves the Crow Wing River.
Embracing Pines Shuttle Service
32287 Mississippi Road, Walker, MN 56484; 218-224-3519. Shuttle service on the Upper Mississippi River from Itasca State Park to Grand Rapids. No canoe or kayak rentals. Call or email for rates.
29755 State Highway 38, Grand Rapids, MN 55744; 218-326-9866. Ten canoes for rent. No shuttling. Some camping gear and food. Also serves Big Fork, Cloquet, Little Fork, Saint Louis, and Vermilion Rivers.
W6488 County Road Gi, Stoddard, WI 54658; 608-788-7018. Canoe rental only. Mississippi backwater route. Twelve canoes available; five flat bottoms. Kayaks also available.
Jumpwings Outfitters
327 1st Ave North, Minneapolis, MN 55401; 612-375-9835 or 612-333-8325. Retail and rentals of paddle sports equipment and gear. Also retail and rental of camping, hiking, bicycling, and winter sports equipment.
7581 Memorial Lane Northwest, Bemidji, MN 56601; 218-766-4438. Rental of canoes, camping and hunting equipment.
8414 Troy Marquette Drive, Monticello, MN 55362; 612-670-6981. Vehicle shuttles along the Mississippi River between River Bluffs Regional Park in St. Cloud to the Dayton/Crow River Landing.
17 County Road 63, Grand Rapids, MN 55744; 218-326-5853. On-site Mississippi river rentals for Standup Paddle Boards (SUPs), kayaks and canoes by the hour, day, weekend, or week. Also sales and lessons.
389 Herschel Street, St. Paul, MN 55104; 612-799-9668. A not-for-profit, free shuttle on the Mississippi River for kayak and canoe paddlers in the Twin Cities area.
507-281-9516; Jeff@pilgrimpaddles.com. Serving the Zumbro, Root, and Cannon River watersheds and adjacent Mississippi River since 2005. Offers instruction in canoe, kayak, and standup paddleboard (SUP) as well as guided tours. All sessions run by ACA certified instructor. Also serves Cannon, Root, and Zumbro Rivers.
Saint Cloud State University Outdoor Endeavors
102 Halenbeck Hall, 720 4th Avenue South, Saint Cloud, MN 56301; 320-308-3772. Canoe and kayak rental. Shuttle service available on the Mississippi and Sauk Rivers by appointment.
61 First Avenue Northeast, Little Falls, MN 56345; 320-414-0382 or 320-360-7244. Located on the Mississippi River. Canoe and kayak rental, shuttle, outfitting and retail services.
389 Herschel Street, St. Paul, MN 55109; 612-399-6081. Paddleboard adventure tours and education programs for small and large groups on the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities area. Paddleboard orientation, water safety training, equipment, photography and transportation provided.
Terry Larson's "Northern Adventures Guide Service"
51463 Wolf Ridge Drive, Cass Lake, MN 56633; 218-335-2078 or 218-766-7543. Canoe and kayak rentals and guided trips on the Mississippi River between Itasca State Park and Cass Lake. Map of area served. PDF Shuttle service when time permits, in advance only.
10360 West River Road, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444; 763-694-7790 or 763-694-7693 Guided raft trips down the Mississippi River from West Coon Rapids Dam , Guided canoe and kayak trips on the Mississippi River. 763-694-7717 Also serves the Crow and Minnesota Rivers.
2807 Polk Street Northeast, Minneapolis, MN 55418; 612-708-2781. Kayaks and paddleboard rental. Shuttle service to Twin City area locations and pick-up when finished. Guided tours of the Mississippi River (south of Coon Rapids Dam to Boom Island in Minneapolis); Minneapolis to south St. Paul; and the Rice Creek water trail.
University of Minnesota - Recreation & Wellness
University Recreation & Wellness, 123 Harvard Street Southeast, Suite 68, Minneapolis, MN 55455; 612-625-8790. Camping gear, canoes, and kayaks available to rent.
Water Wolverine Shuttling
Ironton, MN; 763-607-0411 or email h20wolverine@comcast.net . Shuttle services for Crow Wing, Pine River, and other waterways in Aitkin, Brainerd, Crosby-Ironton and Motley areas. Shuttles are by appointment only and advanced reservations are required.
808 14th Ave Southeast, Minneapolis, MN 55414; 612-676-9400. Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures program provides public and private guided canoe trips through the heart of the Twin Cities. Can accommodate groups of up to 150 for half-day paddles in 24' voyageur canoes. Also serves the St. Croix River.
mississippi River trips
Lower Mississippi River
Fishing on the Mississippi River can be a very different environment than other rivers you may have fished. It can be vast, swift, and become very busy with commercial and recreational watercraft all vying for its use and pleasures. While the river can boast of some great fishing, all the way from its headwaters to the wide lower pools, the river angler should become well acquainted with the laws and regulations which govern this river and be well versed in water safety.
The MNDNR publishes a river guide to boating the Mississippi River between Hastings and the Iowa border which is packed with information about the river in that area. This guide is intended to assist boaters on the river and to promote safe and enjoyable use of the resource. The guide contains detailed maps of the rivers and includes frequently requested information on boating facilities, safety aspects and hazards specific to the Mississippi River. Before venturing out on this river, especially in areas of high boat traffic, take some time to read and become familiar with river traffic and safety. This is especially true in areas of the locks and dams in this area.
Since the lower Mississippi River can be a very vast and busy river to fish it can be difficult and dangerous to do so in a canoe or kayak. A boat perhaps is better suited for exploring this portion of the river. However, there are many backwater sloughs that can also be great fishing and perhaps more safe for canoes or kayak angling.
At this time I have not included any river floats for this lower part of the river, however many float and fishing opportunities do exist. Refer to the maps in the river guide for information on river access on this portion of the river.
The portion of the river below the Minnesota/Iowa border which shares a shoreline with Wisconsin will be covered under the Mississippi River page in the Wisconsin section of this website.
You can Fish the Mississippi river on the Wisconsin shoreline with a Minnesota fishing license, and vice versa. There may be other special fishing rules and regulations that pertain to shared border river fishing. Check your current states fishing regulation handbook for details.
Middle Mississippi River
The middle portion of the Mississippi River, from Hastings up to St. Cloud can still be a busy river stretch because of the large metro area the river flows through and the barge traffic, recreational boats, and the locks and dams that you may encounter. If you do intend to fish in the Twin Cities Metro area, it is advisable to read the Metro Area Rivers Guide put out by the MNDNR.
Some bicycle shuttle are possible in this segment but there are also a lot of outfitters who provide shuttle services in the area allowing anglers the opportunity to fish some great stretches of productive fishing water. The canoe and kayak anglers can also take advantage of low water conditions when typical fishing boats cannot traverse the shallow waters and the smallmouth bass may be schooled in the pools along the river. There is nothing like cutting out some of the fishing competition to increase your fishing luck.
Upstream of Anoka to St. Cloud and beyond, the river is well known for its quality smallmouth bass fishing.
The first suggested float is from Babcock rest area (RM 883.5) (L) and access landing down to the Mississippi West Regional Park (RM 875.9) (L). This 7.6 mile long float has a river gradient of 1.8 feet per mile. A bicycle shuttle would be about 8 miles long and take about 50 minutes. A vehicle shuttle would take 12 minutes one way.
The next float is a 10.6 mile trip from Ellison Park (RM 896.2) (R) in the City of Monticello to Otsego County Park (RM 885.6) (R). Both of these are carry in access only. This trip would involve a 11 mile bicycle shuttle taking 54 minutes or 17 minutes using a vehicle. The river gradient along this stretch is 3.8 feet per mile.
A somewhat longer float upstream involves putting in at the Hwy 24 bridge access (RM 913.7) (L) in the City of Clearwater and floating 15.5 miles down to the Montissippi County Park (RM 898.2) (R) just west of the City of Monticello. This stretch has a drop of 1.8 feet per mile. A 14.2 mile bicycle shuttle would take about 1:11 while a one way vehicle shuttle would be 14.8 miles taking about 18 minutes.
There are two floats to consider from St. Cloud to Clearwater. The shorter 9.2 mile float puts in at River Bluff's landing (RM 922.9) (R) and takes out at the Hwy 24 landing (RM 913.7) (L) in Clearwater. This requires a 10.8 mile long, 57 minute bicycle shuttle or a 10 mile long, 15 minute vehicle shuttle. This stretch has a 1.7 foot per mile drop. The second consideration is a 12.2 mile float putting in at Beaver Island landing (RM 925.9) (R) and taking out at the Hwy 24 landing (RM 913.7) (L). The additional 3 miles are a little bit steeper so the river gradient for this float averages 2 feet per mile. A 13.3 mile bicycle shuttle would take 1:08 long to complete, while a 13.1 mile vehicle shuttle would take 19 minutes.
From St. Cloud to Little Falls there are also a couple of nice floats to consider:
There are some angling opportunities on the river right in St. Cloud itself between the Sartell Dam (RM 932.2) and the St. Cloud Dam (RM 926.1) however using bicycle shuttles in such an urban environment leaves your canoe or kayak more likely to be discovered. It is suggested that if this area is fished, that two or more anglers participate in the adventure. If you put in right below the Sartell Dam at the Sartell Veterans Park (RM 932.1) (R) you can make the 5.5 mile float to the City of St. Cloud Munsinger/Clemens Garden Park where you will find a take out spot right below the University Drive bridge (RM 926.6) (L) and just upstream of the St. Cloud Dam. This will involve a 6.5 mile, 34 minute urban bicycle shuttle. You will encounter the Sauk Rapids Class I - III rapids at (RM 929.3). It is wise to scout out these rapids prior to doing the float, and if you wish, they can be portaged at the Sauk Rapids Lions Park (RM 929.3) (L). The river gradient for this trip is 2.5 feet per mile.
Upstream of the St. Cloud and Sartell area you can do a river float by putting in at the Co. Hwy 26 bridge (RM 953.3) (R) and take out at the Walleye Road access site (RM 941.0) (R). During this float you will encounter the Seven Island campsite (RM 951.0) (L), the Platte River junction (RM 947.4) (L), and Sterns County Park and rest area (RM 942.9) (R). This is a nice 12.3 mile long float and would be an 11.4 mile bicycle shuttle taking about an hour to complete or 15 minutes with a vehicle. The river drops 1.2 feet per mile along this stretch.
The Blanchard Dam creates the Zebulon Pike Reservoir on the Mississippi River just below the City of Little Falls. You can put in right below the Little Falls Dam at the Mill Park carry in access (RM 965.2) (L), just be aware of strong currents from the dam outfall, and float down to the Blanchard Landing trailer access (RM 956.7) (L) right upstream of the Blanchard Dam. A bicycle shuttle is 8.8 miles long and takes about 45 minutes. The river gradient, since this is a reservoir, is a tranquil 0.6 feet per mile.
Here are some potential floats from Little Falls to Brainerd
Here is a bit of a historical float for you: Put in at the Fort Ripley landing (RM 982.3) (L) where the Nokasippi river meets the Mississippi River. The was the original location of Fort Gaines, built in 1848 to protect the Winnebago Indians who were brought to Minnesota during treaty negotiations with the Dakota and Ojibwe to provide a buffer; the fort also secured passage on the Woods Trail, which ran on the east side of the river, as Highway 371 does today. At RM 979.5 (R) Pipe Island Numerous islands in the river corridor are the result of the river’s profile and human use of the area. Logs were once floated downriver, and often caught midstream on the rocks and boulders. Jams of logs eventually became islands in the shallows of this river section, There are dozens of these islands in the channel. At RM 973.5 State Highway 115 This is the southern boundary of Camp Ripley. At RM 972.6 (R) Fletcher’s Creek Landing & Campsite River access only for the public. Campsite on the right bank just downstream of the boat access. There is a private campground on the left, or east, bank. An island bisects the Mississippi below Fletcher’s Creek confluence with the Mississippi. You will take out at RM 970.2 (L) Belle Prairie County Park. This is a day use park. The Franciscan Sisters, whose church is near by, protect a beautiful stand of virgin white pine at the park. This is a 8.5 mile long float with a 2.6 foot per mile river gradient. A bicycle shuttle is 11 miles and takes about an hour to complete.
The next float starts in the Crow Wing State Park (state park vehicle permit required) trailer access (RM 991.5) (L). Soon after getting on the river you'll encounter the confluence of the Crow River (RM 990.5) (R). A 9.2 mile long float will have you taking out at the Fort Ripley landing (RM 982.3) (L). This will require a 8.6 mile long bicycle shuttle taking about 45 minutes. The river gradient is about 1 foot per mile.
This float you may want to consider doing with one or more others as you will be leaving your canoe or kayak right in the middle of the City of Brainerd at the Kiwanis Park (RM 1001.2) (L) to begin your 9.7 mile long float down to the Crow Wing State Park (state park vehicle permit required) trailer access (RM 991.5) (L). This involves a 12.6 mile long bike shuttle along some of the bike paths within the park and takes about 1 hour and 6 minutes. If you do it with a vehicle it will be a 10.8 mile long, 16 minute one way shuttle. The river gradient is a leisurely 0.8 feet per mile.
Here are some floats from the Palisade area to Brainerd
Just on the north side of Brainerd the Potlach Dam (RM 1004.1) forms the Rice Lake Reservoir, a 322 acre impoundment of the river. Anglers will find typical lake species but there are also riverine species present as well. Smallmouth bass is the primary management species while walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge are secondary management species. A recent fishing survey, done by the MNDNR showed a the smallmouth bass catch rate was 0.7/gill net, which is above average for lakes similar to Rice. The average length of these fish was an impressive 17.5". Fish as large as 18.4" were sampled with all of the smallmouth bass measuring greater than 12". Electrofishing was also conducted to sample both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Although only 1 smallmouth bass was sampled (15.8"), largemouth bass were sampled at a rate of 15.5 per hour. The average size of these largemouth bass was 13.7". Rice Lake gives anglers in the Brainerd Lakes area an opportunity of fishing for both largemouth and smallmouth bass on the same body of water. There is a trailer access on the far south end of the Rice Lake Reservoir (RM 1004.1) at Lum Park and anglers can use this access to fish this part of the river much as a lake since there is minimal current flow. If an angler does wish to float from an upstream location they can put in at the Rowe Road public access (RM 1014.3 assumed) on Little Rabbit Lake which flows into the Mississippi River and float the 10 miles down to the Rice Lake boat landing (RM 1004.1). Insufficient data was available to determine river gradient. A bicycle shuttle would be 10.6 miles and take about 52 minutes.
Away from the bustle of the Brainerd area the river angler can try an 8.7 mile long float which actually begins at the Harvey Drake landing located on the Pine River and then floating 1 mile downstream to its intersection with the Mississippi River (RM 1024.6). The confluence of these rivers is a traditional village site. Native American people lived here first. Lieutenant Zebulon Pike stopped here on his expedition to the Mississippi’s Headwaters in December 1805. An Episcopalian mission was built here in the early 19th century. From there, another 7.7 mile float has you taking out at the Half Moon landing (RM 1016.9) (R). There is insufficient data available to determine river gradient for this float but there are no rapids on this stretch of the river, except for a portion between the Harvey Drake landing and the Mississippi where the Lower Pine Class I rapids exist. A 7.7 mile long bicycle shuttle would take about 37 minutes.
A similar float would involve putting in at the Hwy 6 bridge access (RM 1030.0) (L) and floating the 13.1 miles down to the Half Moon Landing (RM 1016.9) (R). Again, there is minimal topo data available in this area to determine a river gradient but there are no rapids and the river does not appear to flow very fast. A bicycle shuttle would be 12.1 miles and take about 1 hour.
I couldn't locate an official public access to put in for this next float but the river appears to be accessible about a 1000 feet north of County Road 15 along 455th Place (RM ~1043.0) (L). This provides a 13 mile float down to the Hwy 6 bridge landing. A bicycle shuttle of 10 miles would take about 48 minutes. The river appears to have a 0.8 foot per mile gradient.
By putting in at the river trailer access located at the City of Aitkin Campground (RM 1055.7) (L) you can float 12.7 miles downstream and take out at the spot along 455th Place (RM ~1043.0) (L). This is a 5.9 mile bicycle shuttle taking 29 minutes. This is a very leisurely float with a river gradient of 0.3 feet per mile.
Another float is to put in at the Kimball carry in access (RM 1062.6) (L) and float 6.9 miles down to the Aitkin Campground access (RM 1055.7). This is also a 5.9 mile bicycle shuttle taking 29 minutes. The river is again very slow moving with a 0.5 foot drop per mile.
A bit longer float can be done by putting in at the US Hwy 169 bridge boat landing (RM 1074.1) (R) and floating 11.5 miles down to the Kimball access (RM 1062.6) (L). There is a river gauge mounted on the bridge. There are some Class I rapids downstream of the access, as well as a low-head dam regulating flow to the Aitkin Diversion Channel. If the water level is at 6 feet or more, water will be spilling into the diversion channel downriver (RM 1067.5) (R). Do NOT approach this dam. Use the main river channel only. There is no portage around this dam. (RM 1066.5) (L) the Rice River enters the Mississippi River. The river gradient is 0.5 miles per foot. This requires an 8 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 40 minutes.
The last float in this segment is a 12.3 mile long float from the Berglund Park in Palisade (RM 1086.4) (R) to the US Hwy 169 landing (RM 1074.1) (R). This requires a 8.6 mile long bicycle shuttle along County Road 10 taking 41 minutes. The river flows slowly at 0.5 feet per mile.
Fishing trips from Grand Rapids area to Palisade
This slow float (0.2 feet per mile river gradient) starts at Wold's Ferry crossing access (RM 1096.0) (R) and goes 9.6 miles down to the Palisade Berglund Park (RM 1086.4) (R). A 5.2 mile bicycle shuttle on County Road 10 takes about 25 minutes.
This next float is rather short, mostly because the landings in the area are on the opposite side of the river making shuttles quite long. The 5.5 mile long float starts off at Lee Ferry carry in access (RM 1111.0) (L) and takes out at the Lake Sandy public access which is about 1 mile upstream of the lakes discharge into the Mississippi (Rm 1104.5). The river gradient is 0.4 feet per mile and the 4.4 mile long bicycle shuttle takes about 21 minutes.
This is a long 16.3 mile long float starting at Jacobson Wayside Rest area (RM 1137.6) (R) near the intersection of Hwy 210 and Hwy 65 in Jacobson and ends at Verdon carry in access (RM 1121.3) (R). This requires a 10.2 mile bicycle shuttle up Great River Road taking 50 minutes. Like much of the floats in this area, it is a slow 0.4 feet per mile river gradient.
Another float to consider is putting in at the County Line access (RM 1140.6) (R) and floating 7.9 miles down to the Jacobson Wayside Rest area (RM 1137.6) (R). This is a 3.8 mile long bicycle shuttle taking 18 minutes. The river gradient for this float is 0.5 feet per mile.
A long 18.4 mile float can be done by putting in at Herb Beer's access (RM 1163.9) (R) and taking out at County Line access (RM 1140.6) (R). The river drops 0.5 feet per mile during this stretch. A 8.7 mile bicycle shuttle takes about 41 minutes.
A moderate 9.5 mile long trip from the Blackberry bridge access (RM 1170.9) (L) to the County Road 72 access (RM 1161.4) (L) has a river gradient of 0.4 feet per mile. This requires a 7.1 mile long bicycle shuttle taking about 33 minutes.
This next trip puts in at the Prairie River access (1177.4) (R) which is located about a mile upstream of this rivers confluence with the Mississippi (RM 1176.5) (L) to the Blackberry bridge access (RM 1170.9) (L). This 6.5 mile long stretch has a river gradient of 0.3 feet per mile. A 5.5 mile long bicycle shuttle takes 27minutes.
The Blandin Paper Company Dam (RM 1179.3) creates the 449 acre Blandin Reservoir on the Mississippi River within the City of Grand Rapids. This impoundment has minimal storage capacity and functions more as a flow-through system, minimizing water level fluctuations. The reservoir appears to have more largemouth bass than smallmouth bass and is a popular fishing and recreation destination in the area. The angler can fish the reservoir much as they would a lake since there is virtually no river gradient except for the 4 foot high Pokegama Dam (RM 1182.4) (L) which would require a 44 yard portage if you would wish to paddle the 5.9 miles from the Clay Boswell access (RM ~1186.0) (L) to the Sylvan Municipal access (RM 1180.1) (R). This would require a 7.7mile long bicycle shuttle taking 38 minutes.
The river above the Pokegam Dam (RM 1182), depending upon river levels, can be a river channel or a broad shallow water area known as Blackwater Lake. This lake, and the river itself, connect with Jay Gould Lake which is a shallow, productive lake in the Mississippi River watershed. Jay Gould is part of a chain of lakes including Pokegama, Little Jay Gould, Blackwater Lake and the Mississippi River. Navigation by boat is possible among all the lakes in the chain. Water levels are controlled by the Pokegama Dam on the Mississippi River. Jay Gould supports a variety of species of aquatic vegetation with good habitat for Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and panfish. An 8.7 mile long trip from the #10 access (RM 1194.7) (R) located just southwest of the State Hwy 6 bridge to the Clay Boswell access (RM 1186.0) (L) is essentially very slow with minimal river gradient (depending upon river levels). A bicycle shuttle would be 8.1 miles long and take about 38 minutes to complete.
A similar, but long trip, is the 13 mile trip from the Schoolcraft State Park access (RM ~1199) (Minnesota State Park vehicle sticker required) to the Clay Boswell access (RM 1186.0) (L). Again, the river is very slow during this stretch with minimal river gradient. It would be a 12.6 mile long bicycle shuttle taking about 1 hour.
No trips upstream of this are are shown at this time due to the slow river gradient which causes the river to drastically meander across the lowland areas of this region.