Pecatonica River – Mineral Point Branch

While not frequented by paddlers, this is a surprisingly nice paddling stream.  Scenory will include rolling hills, some cow pasture, riffles, and even some nice rock outcrops.

Trip Reports

Ludden Lake Boat Ramp to North Oak Park Road


Date Paddled: May 5th, 2018
Distance: 4.8 miles
Time: 3 hours 29 minutes (atypical...expect 2.5 hours)

If you can catch the Mineral Point Branch with enough water you'll be rewarded with a nice paddle through open pastures, rolling green hills,  sandstone outcrops, and light rapids.

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Oak Park Road to Hwy O


Date Paddled: July 16th, 2023
Distance: 4.6 miles
Time: Expect 2 hours

This was a surprisingly nice trip on an overlooked stretch of the Mineral Point Branch.  The big highlight of this stretch are its many bankside outcrops.

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Detailed Overview

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Comments

Nov 30th, 2021 - Aaron from Dell Creek
Thanks for the feedback. When I did the trip, water levels were pretty high and I likely took that for granted. This definitely sounds like a trip you don't want to do when low.
Nov 30th, 2021 - Otter from Mineral Point Branch
We did this summer of 2021. Water was rather low. Only some water on the left side (facing) of the dam. Checked a few days earlier and it would have been better then, the dam had water coming down across the whole length and water at the start of the stream was 5-8 inches higher. We started at the bottom of the dam. In higher water I can see this being a nice trip, in low water I would not do it again. Water was very smelly and we really did not want to step in it. Unfortunately, we had to walk a large number of sections. Only obstacle was just past the 39 bridge, you can see it if you stop there. In the low water we could sneak under a tree, not sure if you could in higher water. Overall, it was a pretty trip. Getting in and out is super easy other than a little walk from the parking area at the start. The "old dam that was washed out" is actually an old bridge. Back in the day, High street ran straight from down town Mineral Point to this bridge, then close to the existing road from 39.

How did your trip turn out? Questions or comments? Feel free to leave your feedback.

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