Poplar

Running parallel to (and not far away from) Middle River, the Poplar River shows an area of gradient right in the small community of Poplar, Wisconsin. A dam (which formerly impounded a lake upstream (southeast) of the main intersection in town) was removed in 2012/2013. From aerial views it looks as though nothing of very much interest was revealed in the former impoundment area. Just downstream of that site the river passes under the 'Tri-County Corridor' and U.S.Hwy.2. Drainage area at this point is 22 square miles, enough to generate decent flows in spring and after heavy rains. The first mile drops about 60 feet, which should be enough to create some whitewater features (with adequate flows).

Access for the indicated put-in should be fine. What may be more problematic is finding a convenient/legal take-out. It may be necessary to seek permission from some property owner. (See 'River Features' for info on possible take-outs.)

After the first mile, the gradient generally falls in the 20-30 FPM range virtually the rest of the way to Lake Superior. While that gradient often means mild whitewater interest, aerial views show minimal evidence of any significant features.

So, has anyone ever looked at any of this stretch? Or boated it? Help out your fellow boaters with a Trip Report!

A fine, long report (edited) from 'MankatoDave' (April, 2012 ... before the dam was removed):

'I bushwhacked/hiked/scouted a LONG section of the Poplar river through town... following the river ... until it looked like most of the bigger gradient was petering out.

There were just small riffles after the (former dam location), until an old railroad trestle just upstream from the Hwy 2 bridge.

The rapids started abruptly, with a narrow 3'-4' ledge, located directly under the trestle, and bedrock rapids afterward. The first ledge looked runnab

...