Playfairville to Stewart's Island, Mississippi River

This fall, I’m trying to keep paddling to the end of October.  We’ll see after that; deer hunting starts in early November.  So on a cold (10C) and cloudy October afternoon, I headed out to Playfairville to explore access to the Mississippi River below the rapids.

Playfairville Track 8.3 km (kayak)

Google Earth view

There is a put-out in Playfairville for white water kayaks coming down the Sheridan rapids. A canoe/kayak put-in for going downriver is not so obvious. At the parking area across from Iron Mine Road, the put-out for white-water boats was too rocky and steep for me to launch my 14ft Widgeon kayak.  Launching a canoe or kayak at the rocky put-out is probably do-able with two people. By walking to the northeast end of the parking area, I noticed a grassy path going down to the water.  The path is right next to a fence and a private residence.  I assumed that the path was on public land and proceeded to launch my kayak.  It would be nice to find out for sure.  A better option for launching would be at the Casawinati campground.  Click here.

Rapids below Playfairville bridge

I was excited to get in the water at Playfairville and be able to paddle down the Mississippi River to Stewart’s Island.  The Playfairville to Stewart’s Island river section would complete my exploration of the Mississippi stretch from Playfairville to Fergusons Falls (19 km). This section of the Mississippi River is relatively isolated and has some unique features – Clyde River, Fall River, Stewart’s Island, Stafford’s Island, rocky shores, wetlands, and a good variety of wildlife.  It’s my favourite stretch of the Mississippi River – so far!

On October 16, I found the currents below Playfairville to be light (maybe 2 km/hr). But, this river access might be better avoided in the spring.  After 1.5 km downriver, the river widens, and the currents at this point should be manageable all year long.

At the point where the river widens, I spotted a trio of River Otters in the water. The otters were climbing on a muskrat den and playing on top (or looking for a muskrat meal).  The only other wildlife I saw in today’s paddling outing was a pair of Common Merganser Ducks.

After about 4 km of paddling, I reached Stewart’s Island. I was happy to start the return paddle to Playfairville -- the weather was still looking unsettled. On the way back, I did make a pit stop on the southeast shore for a break and a snack. Then, it was back in the kayak heading upriver to look for the River Otters. I found them at the same spot – the three of them on top of the muskrat den. I got a few pics from a distance, but before I could get into a better position, they were all off in the water and reappear on the river’s far bank. Hopefully, I’ll get a chance for better pics next time!

Common Merganser Ducks