Cold Creek and The Chute

Trip Overview

We entered Cold Creek from the boat ramp on the north side of the creek adjacent to Crutcher Lake Road. There was almost no current in the creek. We paddled about three miles upstream then returned downstream.
The creek's name is accurate - the water is much cooler than lakes in the West Tennessee summertime, indicating that some spring-fed streams must flow into the creek.
Banks are relatively steep on the upstream paddle and lined with cypress trees and other rich vegetation. The water is clearer than most West Tennessee streams, which tend to be muddy due to the geology of the region (clay/sand/silt and few or no rocks). Going upstream we could see plenty of short nose and spotted gar near the surface, mostly smaller than 24" but occasionally a larger gar would surface.
This stream also has a population of Asian silver carp. Kayaks and canoes don't usually trigger massive jumping episodes, but during the paddle one carp jumped right across the boat in front of my face.
After exploring the upstream channel we went downstream about 3/4 of a mile to see The Chute, which is a very large lake, half a mile wide and over 3 miles long, safely separated from the Mississippi River though the outflow from Clear Creek and The Chute goes into the Mississippi via a spillway on the Southwest end of The Chute across Yankee Bar. We decided not to explore the lake as we had already paddled over 7 miles and didn't want to fight the wind and the chop on the lake.
Beautiful stream, easy paddle, no technical areas. Plenty of fish and other wildlife to see. Some fishermen in powerboats passed us, mostly local folk who were friendly and slowed down to avoid wakes. Everyone either waved or said hello.
Very easy access with entry and exit at the same location - little or no current.