Whitewater River
About
Through the Driftless Hills of southeastern Minnesota, the Whitewater River and its tributaries cut limestone valleys that became the proving ground for modern stream restoration. The system flows 38 miles through Winona, Wabasha, and Olmsted counties at an average 85 CFS, with optimal paddling between 30–200 CFS on gauge 05376500. Three main branches offer distinct fishing: the Middle Branch around Elba holds the primary trout water, the South Branch near Crystal Springs supports Class A wild brown trout populations, and the North Branch receives regular stocking of rainbow and brown trout. All three branches run Class I water over limestone and gravel. Whitewater State Park, established in 1943, pioneered the stream restoration techniques now used across the upper Midwest — channelized agricultural drainage was returned to meandering curves, and eroded banks were stabilized with native plantings. The Dakota people knew these spring-fed valleys as prime hunting and fishing grounds before European settlement transformed the watershed.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.