What water level is good for paddling Sturgeon River — Wolverine Run?

This section is generally runnable at 120–700 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.

How do I check Sturgeon River levels?

We read USGS gauge 04127997 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is Sturgeon River — Wolverine Run good for beginners?

This section is rated Class II. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle Sturgeon River here?

Typically May–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float Sturgeon River — Wolverine Run?

This reach is about 8 miles, roughly 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Sturgeon River — Wolverine Run: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class II8 mi · ~3 hrSturgeon RiverMichigan

Verdict · updated Aug 27, 5:30 PM UTC

Good to paddle

Levels are within the typical runnable range for this section.

Estimated range

223 cfs

2.9 ft gauge height

USGS gauge 04127997

Runnable 120 – 700 cfs

0120700816

What this means today

At 223 cfs the Sturgeon River is inside the runnable range but only 103 cfs above the 120 cfs floor, so it is sitting at the shallow end of what this reach runs at. A dry few days would take it under.

Over the last 24 hours it has barely moved, 210 cfs to 223 cfs. Daily means over the past 7 days have run between 203 cfs and 222 cfs, ending roughly where it started.

Paddling Wolverine Run

Sturgeon River at Wolverine Run is a 8-mile Class II run in Michigan — bouncy wave trains and the occasional small rapid. Most paddlers put in at Wolverine access and take out at Trowbridge / Haakwood area, a trip that runs about 3 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 120–700 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Much below that and the Sturgeon River gets low and bony, so you end up scraping gravel and walking the shallows; well above the top of the range it turns fast, cold and pushy, which is a more serious day than most casual boaters want. We read USGS gauge 04127997 about every 30 minutes and compare the live number to that window, so the verdict at the top of this page reflects conditions right now rather than a monthly average.

Flows here are usually most dependable May–October. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class II
Length: 8 mi
Float time: ~3 hr
Best months: May–October
Put-in: Wolverine access
Take-out: Trowbridge / Haakwood area

Reading USGS gauge 04127997 — STURGEON RIVER AT WOLVERINE, MI ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Sturgeon River — Wolverine Run?: This section is generally runnable at 120–700 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Sturgeon River levels?: We read USGS gauge 04127997 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Sturgeon River — Wolverine Run good for beginners?: This section is rated Class II. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Sturgeon River here?: Typically May–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Sturgeon River — Wolverine Run?: This reach is about 8 miles, roughly 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

Good to paddle · 181 cfs