From Hobbs Landing (Eau Claire) to Caryville Landing (Caryville)
Date: April 14, 2023
Distance: 12.9 miles
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Weather: Mostly sunny, 75, Southwest Winds 10-25 mph
Average kayak speed: About 7.4 minutes per mile. The strong SW winds slowed the forward speed on occasion.
Our opinion: Great time checking out the Chippewa River below Eau Claire. Some nice scenery, sand and sandstone bluffs, unusual submersion of land, and awesome speed. Under the current river discharge--not for the feint of heart.
Water Conditions: Cold (40 F), turbid, flooded conditions with fast flow. Estimated water speed is 10-15 mph (that log that was going down the river kept pretty good pace with me). From a distance, the river surface appears flat; at hand, conditions are notably turbulent (swirls, boils) capable of turning or changing direction of a boat's headed direction. Mostly wood detritus on surface; some Styrofoam and plastic soda bottles.
Boat landing conditions: Flooded.
Safety: Yes, Yes, Yes! The river--under these flooded, turbulent conditions--should be approached with great respect and safety in mind. This is a time when experience and capability are better suited for this paddle. A wet/dry suit is highly recommended along with all other kayaking/water safety gear.
Animal and plant life: Plenty of waterfowl (mostly mallards), a few eagles, other small riparian birds. Little to no growing vegetation, few buds on trees. No note of fish.
Notes:
1. The strong wind gusts had the potential of turning the boat in a different direction too. The gusts heightened awareness.
2. The strong winds against the colder water lowered the air temperature to about 60F on the river.
3. All islands (land surface) are submerged. You can see island/land shore trees--good. Recommend sticking to main channel to avoid unknown submerged objects, like rocks or stumps or getting pulled toward shoreline trees.
4. The current is stronger and more turbulent in Eau Claire. Stay in between bridge abutments, piers, and foundations especially in Eau Claire. The current is stronger adjacent to the piers where you can see mounding and increased water speed--another water safety hazard. From Hobb's Landing to I-94--about 2 miles--it took less than 15 minutes--just under 8 minute/miles.
5. A dry/wet suit is recommended to protect from hypothermia should a fall into the water occur. Your calves will also appreciate the wet/dry suit as they sit across the bottom of your boat which is cold because of the river temperature.
6 The cutoff at the Silver Mine ski jump meander seems paddle-able with plenty of water heading into the cutoff. We opted for the meander, so actual cutoff condition is unknown. Caution: If you are river right near the entry of this cutoff, be alert to your intentions/direction, the current into the cutoff is strong. You may end up heading into the cutoff.
7. Can't see too far into the water--maybe 9-12 inches.