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Below Independence, the W

apsi flows through a combina-tion of timbered valleys and wooded bluffs with occasional limestone rock outcroppings. One of the most scenic one-day excursions lies be-tween Independence and Quasqueton, especially in fall when the oaks are chang-ing colors. Another popular section to paddle lies between Central City and Stone City, but Ana-mosa to the Newport Mills Access offers as much if not more in the way of natural beauty. Here, the W

apsi passes through some of the most rugged little cliffs and limestone formations on the entire river. Cedar Rock State Park offers tours of a house built by Frank Lloyd W

right in 1950. The boathouse can be seen from the river. Call in advance for tour information: 319-934-3572.

Smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye are common below the dams, and in the rocky areas of this stretch. Channel catfish enjoy the areas near log jams and fallen trees.

From Anamosa to the Mississippi, the Wapsi is a free flowing river with no dams,

allowing fish from the Mississippi unimpeded access to this 95-mile stretch. Lunker flathead catfish weighing as much as 40 pounds or more may be caught here. The W

apsi here averages 2 to 4 feet deep with many deep holes for lunkers to hide. The abundant number of sandy beaches offers numerous places for camping, fish-ing, and swimming.

Northern PikeW

alleyeSmallmouth Bass

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There are eight low-head dams along the Wapsipinicon River, indicated

with the dam icon: n. Paddlers need to avoid these dams, portaging well

above and launching far below them. Dangerous currents below these dams are capable of trapping and holding you underwater for extended periods of time. Even the most experienced paddlers recognize that dams must always be avoided.

Wapsi Below Anamosa

Expedition &

Fishing Guide

Water Trails

Iowa

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Quasqueton ParkPine Creek Area

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Great Blue Heron

Be safe out there!

Wear a life jacket!They really do save lives. It won’t work if you don’t wear it.

Don’t boat under the influenceFor your safety, don’t use alchohol or drugs on the water.

Watch for hazardsOn rivers, hazards like dams, fences, snags, rocks, and bridge abuttments may be present. Dams and snags in particular can be killers. Avoid them!

Plan to get wet!You may capsize, so dress for the weather. When the water and/or weather get cold, warm-when-wet clothing and a wetsuit are needed.

Stay legal!

Camping on sandbars is allowed on the Wapsipinicon River from Central City to the Mississippi River. Most areas along the Wapsi above Central City are privately owned – these waters are navigable, but you must respect private property.

Littering is a crime – pack out everything you bring in. Report littering or dumping by calling 888-NOLITTR.

Resources

Water trails and recent listing of canoe/kayak liverieswww.iowadnr.gov/watertrails/

River gageswaterdata.usgs.gov or www.rivergages.com

Federal regulations prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap. State law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, or disability. If you believe you have been discrimi-nated against in any program, activity or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to the Iowa DNR, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, Iowa, 50319.

Wapsipinicon River

The Wapsipinicon River begins its journey from Taopi, Minnesota and flows for 255 miles through Northeastern Iowa until it empties into the Mississippi River where it forms the border between Scott and Clinton counties. The stretch that flows through Mitchell, Howard, and Chickasaw counties is too small to support large populations of gamefish or float a canoe during normal water levels. However, like any natural stream, the “Wapsi” is a great place for wildlife viewing and a variety of other recreational activities along its entire length.

In Bremer and Black Hawk counties, the Wapsi flows through a long, swampy greenbelt of lowland river birch and silver maple woods, with backwaters extending over most of the flat bottomed valley. The river corridor between Sweet Marsh and the confluence with the Mississippi River has been designated a Protected Water Area by the Iowa Depart-ment of Natural Resources because of its scenic and natural qualities. Northern pike are common in the backwater ar-

eas of this river stretch. Channel catfish are abundant and can be caught near the numerous log jams and trees that have fallen into the river. Smallmouth bass and walleye are also common in the rock riffle areas. The Littleton

Dam is an historic structure that has always been a popular place to fish. Sweet Marsh, originally created with hunters in mind in the 1940s, also serves as one of the top bird watching areas in the state and offers many

other types of recreational opportunities, such as, fishing, paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Wapsi above Independence has been designated a Bird Conservation Area (BCA) due to its great diversity of

bird species.

Sweet Marsh

Channel Catfish