Since Deb had a haircut in Columbus, we took the opportunity to try to paddle farther north than we had last year. This time we didn’t have a time constraint but many rocks under the water had us turning around earlier than we might have. (Take our word for it – Deb’s hair looked marvelous under that visor!)
Category: Crawfish River
White Egret Stalking on the Crawfish River (Astico Park)
First time paddle going north upstream of Astico County Park. Last year we canoed south around the oxbow.
After watching Continue reading White Egret Stalking on the Crawfish River (Astico Park)
Paddle around Astico Park – first time
Inspired by posts in the Facebook group Paddle Wisconsin, we decided to try parts of the Crawfish River we hadn’t realized were canoeable. So, after researching various options on wisconsinrivertrips.com, we set out for Astico Park near Columbus for a no-shuttle paddle and a bit of recon on a warm sunny late June afternoon. An added bonus – we can get there in about 40 minutes from Madison, as opposed to the minimum 1-hour drive required to get to most places we paddle.
After a 40 minute drive via US 151, we arrived at Astico County Park entrance off County TT. We drove through the park before launching and noted that it was quiet and not crowded. This was a Wednesday, and we wondered if the situation would be quite different on a weekend with more people and more beer. We made note of some scenic picnic sites for future reference – perhaps a mid-week picnic dinner and short paddle in the early fall.
Aztalan was not the plan
Instead of working on our weekend “to do” list, we decided to find a river. It was late in the day so headed for one of the closest favorite spots, the Bark River at Burnt Village in Fort Atkinson. To our dismay, it was totally green with algae and was no place for any kind of enjoyment. We headed for the Crawfish.
Something new since our last visit long ago Continue reading Aztalan was not the plan
Crawfish River from Aztalan after Bark River Abort
After finding the Bark River covered with duckweed, we decided we would try putting in on the Rock River in Jefferson and paddle the short distance upstream into the Crawfish River. However, there was a sign at the old landing on the Rock River in Jefferson that read “For Emergency Personnel Only.” Apparently the public now has to use a different landing 1/2 mile further downstream where big boats more likely to be present, and also we felt it would be too far to paddle upstream to get to the Crawfish. Therefore, we got back in the car and proceeded to Aztalan State Park. Temperature 80° light wind.
Flow Crawfish River at Milford gauge 05426000: 189 cfs. (median ~110 cfs) We later found we had made notes in the margin of Paddling Southern Wisconsin that we “should not do the Crawfish if the flow at Milford is <310 cfs," notes we had made after an Aztalan to Jefferson paddle several years ago. However, we didn't have the book with us, or we might have just called it a day. The trip: In at 4:45 PM, upstream one hour to I 94, out 6:30 PM. Shallow, near-grounding once, glanced off rocks near landing. Wildlife: kingfishers, herons, turtles, plover, swallows, cranes in flight, jumping fish.
Crawfish River ~ Olson Rd
The Setting:
We have paddled the Crawfish between Aztalan and Jefferson a few times and wanted to try an upstream section. Low water levels have caused grounding problems for us on this river, so we picked a day when the levels were on the higher side-a sunny windy Saturday afternoon with temp around 70. Continue reading Crawfish River ~ Olson Rd
Crawfish – in/out Aztalan State Park
Flow at gauge on Crawfish River at Milford 05426000: 400 cfs (median ~400 cfs) We made a note in the margin of Paddling Southern Wisconsin not to do this river when flow is <310 cfs. Continue reading Crawfish – in/out Aztalan State Park