Little Wabash River in Illinois

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Me and a buddy went down the Little Wabash River just north of Effingham, IL the other day and it was great!

The water was low and that is why it got a rating of moderate plus it was a little tricky getting in and out. We had to do a little portaging over a few shallow spots but nothing big. We started the trip at about 11am and slowly paddled and fished along the way catching mostly little bluegill. I think it was about 5-6 miles in all.

Along the way we saw many bluffs/rocks hanging out over the water. We stopped and ate lunch on a large rock that over looked the little river. At this point we could see 1/4 mile in both directions. The only strait part we came across. About 2/3 the way through the trip we came across an old rope swing that little like it might have been fun if the water was up and in a little newer condition.

The last 1/3 of the trip we really fished more than kayaked. I ended up catching a nice 5lbs catfish. In the shallows the water was really running fast for central IL, at times I didn't even have to paddle (which is good around here). We never came across any other bridges except for when we put in and when we took out. We got off the Little Wabash at about 7PM just off HWY 32/33.

Accommodations:

None

Fees:

No

Directions:

To Put in:
If you start at the I-57 and North Keller Drive (HWY 33/32) and go north to N 1200th street and take a RIGHT, This road will come to a "T", take a right here onto 1800th Ave. Travel about 1 mile and take a RIGHT at the bottom of a big hill onto N 1300th Ave. Take this road 1.75 miles until you hit another "T" which will be E 1975 St take a RIGHT. Travel about 1/2mile until you get to the bridge for the Little Wabash River. We put in right off to the side of the bridge. You could leave a car along the road here if needed.

Take out:
We took out just before we got to HWY 33/32. There was a little creek we walked up that met with N 1200th where we were parked and we took out.

Resources:

County Map
Google Earth

Trip Details

  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location