Despite Mississippi River’s Low Flow, Paddling Trips Continue as Normal

(KNSI) – As Minnesota experiences abnormally dry weather conditions this summer, the Mississippi River’s water level and flow at St. Cloud is considered low, according to the Department of Natural Resources. However, the lower water levels for the Mississippi and some area lakes aren’t keeping paddlers from getting on the water.

Sandra Meer, co-owner of Clear Waters Outfitting in Clearwater, says canoers, kayakers and other paddlers going out on the Mississippi are able to do so as normal.

“The river’s wide enough here between St. Cloud and Becker that there’s generally a channel somewhere, and if the paddlers are paying attention, they are not running up on sandbars and they’re able to paddle the whole length of the river,” Meer said.

The only difference: since the Mississippi is low, the flow of the river is slower.

“They’re expecting to be on the water two hours, it might be three hours,” Meer said.

Meer adds that Warner Lake, another site where Clear Waters offers paddling rentals and trips, is a bit lower than usual, but that hasn’t had an impact on their business.

“We are just as busy, if not more,” Meer said of business now compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. “The only reason that we’re not as busy is because we don’t have equipment and staff to keep up with the demand.”

Due to a shortage of rental equipment and staff, Meer says Clear Waters is only open five days a week instead of its usual seven.

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