WISCONSIN RIVER, PRAIRIE DU SAC

(Sauk Co., WI, 2 mi. north of Sauk City)

LENGTH 75 yds., CLASS II, GRADIENT: NA

SEASON: Beginner training grounds throughout the summer.

PUT-IN: base of the Prairie du Sac Dam on the Wisconsin River.

TAKEOUT: same

GAGE: Visual from the parking lot. Most of the time the river is at a good level with some nice eddies and a couple of surfing spots. At lower water the rocks begin to appear, but do not usually create any problems. During periods of highwater, typically after several days of rain up north, everything can become washed out. The USGS gage upstream of this dam near Wisconsin Dells and the gage downstream at Muscoda may provide some information relevant to this section. You can also call 800-242-1077 for discharge information.

FUN FACT: Where many Madison paddlers receive their first taste of whitewater

SHUTTLE: You will not need a shuttle, but directions from Madison may be helpful. From the west side of Madison, take Hwy. 12 towards Sauk City. Less than a mile before you reach Sauk City turn right on Hwy. 188 towards Wollersheim Winery (if you miss this turn just head into Sauk City and turn right onto Hwy. 78). Once you pass the winery you will come to Hwy. 60. Turn left towards the bridge across the Wisconsin River. Once across the river turn right onto Hwy. 78 which you will stay on for approximately 1.5 miles. Look for a narrow road on your right that heads towards the river and crosses the railroad tracks. If you reach Hwy. Z you went just a little bit too far. When you find the road to the river, stay to the right to park below the dam.

This short little stretch of whitewater below the dam provides a great area for beginners to learn how to execute an eddy turn and how to ferry. There is a boat launch and parking area on river right below the dam. From the launch you can paddle upstream into the big eddy and peel out into the main current to ride the big wave train down. Turn back into the eddy to do it again or ferry across to one of the other eddies. During most of the year you will find several fisherman along the river banks. Their fishing lines can create trouble so you may want to find a different part of the rapid or if you come with a large group they will often pack it in for the night--what happens usually depends on who outnumbers who. You can find a couple of nice surfing spots if the water is just right. One particularly mean hole develops at intermediate water levels a few feet from the river right bank near the top of the rapid, but it can be fun play if you are aggressive and in the mood for a good trashing. Most of the time you will have to carry your boat up and drop into it as you will not be able to paddle up to it from below. This stretch of river is also a good place to squirt boat if you are looking to try something different. The deep water and powerful eddy lines characteristic of this stretch of river are not very common in the Midwest.

The major danger at this rapid is the lowhead dam right at the top of the rapid. It forms a regular wave that extends across the length of the river. Usually you can not even paddle up to it, but if you approach it closely you would have a good chance of becoming sucked in and thrashed about with no hope of ever getting out. It is extremely dangerous so if you are not sure you can recognize it you should go with someone who knows what this hazard is so they can point it out to you. Of the deaths on rivers in the Midwest over the past few years, a number have been at lowhead dams similar to this one.

The lowhead dam aside, this stretch of whitewater is relatively safe as long as you have proper gear and friends experienced in river rescue. The flatwater starts right at the end of the rapid so as long as you have support you can pick up the pieces after a swim and paddle up to try it again.