Housatonic
3. Bulls Bridge Dam to Power Plant(Bulls)
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportGroup of paddlers. Video shows different sections (labeled).
Bulls Bridge is usually running anytime the river levels are listed at 1400 cfs or above. The power station uses about 1000 cfs, so that would be 400 cfs. Pretty low and technical but fun. At this level we usually hike back a mile on the Appalachian trail on river right after the gorge because the river widens and gets very scratchy. When the gauge says 2000 cfs Bulls will be a blast. The top rapid, known as staircase or (stairway to the locals) is more of a class V than a IV. Its steep and technical with some mean holes at high water and lotds of big potholes in the bedrock. Scout it out! If in doubt of the level or the power plant status you can call the local Outfitter and Kayak Shop, Clarke Outdoors at 860-672-6365.
The map is incorrect, and does not match the description of the take-out (the described take-out is south of the put-in).
This is the flume at bulls bridge at 2 feet on the boaters gauge
There are two holes above the flume. The hole on the right is notorious for grabbing your stearn and sending you over the flume upside down. Catch the right shoulder of the first hole and skip past the second one.
Example of impacts to Bulls Bridge
section from hydropower diversions.