Flambeau River — North Fork (Lower): Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?
Flambeau River · Class II · Wisconsin
Current verdict
High — use caution — rising fast
Flows are above the comfortable range. Expect strong current, pushy water, cold temperatures and fewer places to stop. Experienced paddlers only — many should wait.
USGS gauge 05360500 · updated Jul 9, 8:00 AM UTC
7-day flow trend
Section facts
- Difficulty
- Class II
- Length
- —
- Float time
- —
- Best months
- April–October
- Put-in
- Nine Mile / Holts Landing area
- Take-out
- Flambeau Lodge / Agenda Landing area
Reading USGS gauge 05360500 — FLAMBEAU RIVER NEAR BRUCE, WI ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)
FAQ
What water level is good for paddling Flambeau River — North Fork (Lower)?
This section is generally runnable at above 400 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 Flambeau River levels?
We read USGS gauge 05360500 — 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 Flambeau River — North Fork (Lower) 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 Flambeau River here?
Typically April–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.