Brule

A) Hwy.189 to FS2150 (15.8 miles)

DifficultyI-II
Length16 mi
Avg Gradient7 fpm
GaugeBrule River at Us Highway 2 Near Florence, Wi
Flow Rate as of 37 minutes
270 cfsI-IIlow runnable
Reach Info Last UpdatedJuly 31, 2022

River Description

Longer (mostly flatwater) trips available. Alternative access points may allow shortening this trip as well. It appears (via maps) the trip may be 'halved', and the lower portion may be almost 'halved' as well. (Convenience of access unknown, nor is the specific location of rapids, therefore unknown what accesses to use for 'best' whitewater on shortest reach.)

Adding some info...this isn't really a whitewater river at all, atleast not from the lake near Nelma to Paint River Pond. You can paddle a continuous 50 mile section of river with no portages, however the biggest 'rapid' you'll find is a small 2 foot ledge. Beyond that if you want a scenic kayak camping trip that you could also canoe camp that flows when everything else is low this is perfect. There are a few established campsites along the way, one being just after that small ledge. -Jake


River Features

Put In

Distance: 0 mi
Access Point

Drainage: ~163 sq.mi.

Distance: 0 mi
Other
Drainage: ~163 sq.mi.

Drainage area at our listed put-in is approximately 163 sq.mi. (as calculated via USGS StreamStats Beta software). By our listed take-out, it has increased to 316 square miles (94% increase).

Possible island/wave/ledge?

Distance: 1.125 mi
Other
Possible island/wave/ledge?

Aerial view shows some possible obstruction/interest at this location which could (at some flows) create waves or playable features?

Confluence: Outflow from Wisconsin Slough

Distance: 2.08 mi
Other
Confluence: Outflow from Wisconsin Slough

A small stream enters from the right. This is just an outflow from a ponded area known as Wisconsin Slough.

Island String

Distance: 5.65 mi
Other
Island String

A string of islands constrict the river and there appears (from aerial view) to be some minor shoals through this area. The combination may create some pleasant swiftwater and waves for possibly the next half mile?

Confluence: Iron River

Distance: 6.5 mi
Other
Confluence: Iron River

Iron River enters from the left. Just downstream, a (private?) bridge, and some minor swifts/shoals may be found.

USGS lists a (former) sampling site on the Brule just upstream of this confluence, showing drainage as 68.5 square miles.

Scott Lake Rd/National Forest Rd.2152

Distance: 7.3 mi
Access Point
Scott Lake Rd/National Forest Rd.2152

Roads approach the river from both sides, but no bridge spans the gap. Access may be possible here (one side or both).

Rapids?

Distance: 9.6 mi
Other
Rapids?

Using Google satellite views to 'walk' down the river, the only visible apparent rapids occur at this location. (This is not to say other whitewater in the form of individual ledges may not exist, only that they are not generally apparent from satellite views.)

Possible minor rapids?

Distance: 10.6 mi
Other
Possible minor rapids?

Pentoga Rd (WI) / Cherry Ave (MI) Bridge

Distance: 12.1 mi
Access Point
Pentoga Rd (WI) / Cherry Ave (MI) Bridge

Possible Short Ledge

Distance: 14.1 mi
Playspot
Possible Short Ledge

Island

Distance: 15.25 mi
Other
Island

A fair sized island splits the flow. Minor rapids may exist to each side.

Take Out

Distance: 15.8 mi
Access Point

No trip reports yet.