Trip Overview
Started taking this stretch when some friends purchased a cottage near by. Previously we had kayaked from Sturgeon Valley road to Ford Lake Rd at Pigeon River State forest campground and other stretches downstream. Our first trip down, the dam at the Golden Lotus yogi camp was still intact and generating power.
The stream was fast and small at the put-in, then with in a mile it slowed and was the back waters of the pond. They had a nice portage around the dam and a great swimming hole downstream. Then they had a problem that year and released a bunch of silt down stream killing fish. The state told them the dam had to go. They slowly started lowering the lake level. Interesting to see the lake slowly turn into a mud hole with small creeks cutting across it. One trip was a real pain because the muck was deep and sucked your boat down. Eventually the current found it's way back down to gravel/rock bottom.
Great trip now, fast water, lots of wild life, eagles, elk, fox, fishers, mink, deer.
Safety Notes
A cottage owner has a bridge across the river.
May have to limbo.
Conditions
The river in this stretch flows through private property, from Old Vanderbilt to Sturgeon Valley Rd.
Respect private property.
Portage Notes
May have to portage if beavers have been busy or recent rains bring high water and float some logs in.
Trip Details
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Trip Dates:
7/25/2008-10/1/2016
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Sport/Activity:
Kayaking, Canoeing, Kayak Fishing
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Skill Level:
Beginner
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Water Type:
River/Creek (Up to Class II)
