Gauge Description:

A boater's gauge is painted on the downstream end of the middle bridge pier in Rainsville. While some report reasonable runs (and fun) at readings of 6", a reading of 1' gives a more enjoyable float trip with decent (tame) play possible. Two feet makes pretty good play, 3' is sweet. Above that is great, but gets pushy, and some of the features on the lower part of the run wash out (though some build to be very nice).

*The cited gauge is for the N.Fk.Vermilion in Illinois, which is the immediately adjacent watershed to the west of the Mud Pine / Big Pine. It is a relatively similar sized stream, and usually provides a pretty good indication of runnability here. Obviously, much will depend upon the track (and the overall width and size) of storms, so correlation is not assured. (I.E., cited gauge may imply river is too low when it may be runnable or vice versa.)

Boaters who frequent this reach have been reporting a pretty fair 'rule of thumb' is that each 1000cfs on the cited gauge equates to (roughly) a foot on the boaters gauge. Again, this correlation will not always be 100% 'on', but shouldn't be too far off most of the time.

Using this rule-of-thumb, the listed 'minimum' reflects this 6" level on the boater's gauge. While it is no doubt possible to float the stream less than this, it would be more of a bump-and-scrape swiftwater/flatwater trip than real whitewater. The listed 'maximum' is only an indication of higher, pushier levels. Many boaters love these levels, and will look for this run to 'go purple'. In truth, with the requisite skill and knowledge of the river and the concerns any river in flood can pose, this reach should be boatable at virtually any high level.

The best indicator is to watch weather patterns, 'live' weather radar, and rainfall totals for the LaFayette, IN area. Also, if you monitor the Hoosier Canoe Club Message Board, readings of the painted gauge are often posted when the stream is runnable (or when folks are hoping it may be).

Linked Reaches

Search Results

Station Description