The following information allows you to obtain easy access to real-time stream data such as gauge levels as well as DNR stream reports to help in planning a paddling outing.

Root River  Paddling Conditions:

Root River DNR maintained routes:

Chatfield to Houston: from the Parsley Bridge access (Hwy 52) downstream to the Mississippi River (80 miles) there is usually sufficient water for paddling except in prolonged drought situations. From Chatfield to Parsley Bridge access (Hwy 52)  the river is narrow and shallow.  See "Canoeing the Driftless" book for detailed route information. Check the following DNR stream report and gauge level information:  Root River Stream Reports Use the Quick Zoom feature to choose a water trail then click on the gauge nearest the route you plan on paddling for additional water level information)

Root River South Branch: From Preston to Lanesboro to confluence with main branch of the Root. Suitable for all experience levels. Check the DNR gauge reading located at Lanesboro: Lanesboro River Gauge

Root River Upper Branches and Creeks (Not DNR maintained):

The Root North Branch and the Root Middle Branch (including Bear Creek and Deer Creek) are not for beginner paddlers. These streams are narrow, shallow and have high drop rate (gradient) with tight turns and likely hazards such as sweepers, log jams and fences. These streams are only suitable experienced paddlers using solo canoes or kayaks. These streams are not DNR maintained routes and the accesses are at bridges and are rough. See "Canoeing the Driftless" book for detailed route information.

Because there are only two USGS Real-Time stream gauges on the Root River (one at Moen's bridge between Chatfield and Whalen , and one near Houston) it is difficult to determine how these gauge readings correlate to the upstream forks and branches. There is no DNR stream data for the Root upper branches and creeks.

Since 2003 I have kept weekly stream level charts for the Root river to determine how the readings of a downstream gauge correlates to the paddling conditions of the smaller upstream branches and forks. For example:

The upper branches of the Root River:  North Branch (Stewartville to Chatfield), Middle Branch including (Bear Creek from CR1 to Fillmore CR5, and Deer Creek from CR1 to Fillmore CR5) can be paddled with a solo canoe or kayak if the Pilot Mound water level gauge is at least 8.2 feet , but not above the 11.71 feet dangerous paddling limit.

          If the PILOT MOUND GAUGE reading is:                 

below 8.2ft - will drag bottom at shallow spots

 8.2ft to 9.5ft - good paddling

5.5ft to 10.0ft - current is swift, need good control skills

 10.0ft to 11.0ft expert control skills required

 11.0ft and above - dangerous paddling

Note that these are only guidelines and actual paddling conditions can vary.

• Root River South Branch - County Rd5 Bridge to Forestville State Park to Preston.  This section is not for beginners. The routes are very shallow, narrow with many hazards and portages. See "Canoeing the Driftless" book for detailed route information. Check the Real-Time gauge located in Lanesboro to help in determine if the river level is adequate: Lanesboro River Gauge

• Root River South Fork (Gauge data not available). This section is not for beginners. See "Canoeing the Driftless" book for detailed route information.

 Zumbro RiverPaddling Conditions:  

• Zumbro River DNR maintained routes:

From the Power Dam downstream to the Mississippi River (60 miles) there is usually sufficient water for paddling except in prolonged drought situations. See "Canoeing the Driftless" book for detailed route information.

• Zumbro River: Power Dam/Green Bridge to Zumbro Falls, Hammond, Millville, Theilman to Mississippi River:

           Check the DNR river report and gauge reading at: Zumbro River Report   (use Quick Zoom feature to choose a water trail then click on the gauge nearest the route you plan on paddling for additional water level information)   

•  Zumbro River South Fork Rochester to Power Dam

  There are many shallow stretches on this route especially during dry conditions. Check the DNR river report and gauge reading at:

  Zumbro River Report  (use Quick Zoom feature to choose a water trail)   

   

• Zumbro River South Branch Middle Fork (Mantorville to Oxbow Park & Lake Shady (Oronoco)

  There are many shallow stretches on this route especially during dry conditions. Check the DNR river report and gauge reading at: Zumbro South Branch River Conditions

Note: the river level gauge near Oxbow park is not online yet. The route from Manorville is quite rocky and shallow. From Oxbow Park to Lake Shady the river characteristics changes to mostly sandy/mud bottoms with occasional rocky/gravel stretches. I've had good paddling if the Zumbro Falls gauge is between 7 and 8 feet.

• Zumbro River North Branch - Zumbrota to Zumbro Falls

The river from Zumbrota to Mazeppa and to the main channel of the Zumbro River upstream of Zumbro Falls  is a rough route that is seldom maintained. It's difficult to judge if the water level is OK for paddling (solo canoes or kayaks) but I've had good paddling if the Zumbro Falls gauge is between 7 and 8 feet.

Cannon River:  From Faribault to the Mississippi River (80 + miles) there is usually sufficient water for paddling except in prolonged drought situations. See "Canoeing the Driftless" book for detailed route information. For gauge readings and paddling conditions go to  River Level Map  (use Quick Zoom feature to choose Cannon River water trail)

Straight River:  From Owatonna to Faribault. For gauge readings and paddling conditions go to the DNR website at: River Level Map  (use Quick Zoom feature to choose Straight River water trail)

 Whitewater River:  There is a flood gauge near Whitewater Park that I use. If the guage is about 10.4 it is good for paddling. NOTE: This River is not for beginners. There may be trees down across the channel and there are tree strainers and frequent snags since this route is not maintained by the DNR. The water level and current usually is good throughout the summer even in near drought conditions, but flashes up after heavy rains and can be very dangerous. See "Canoeing the Driftless" book for detailed route information. River Level Map  (use Quick Zoom feature to choose Whitewater River water trail and click on the guage dot for more information)