WATER LEVELS & THE CLINTON RIVER
The topography of the Clinton River changes dramatically from Oakland to Macomb County. In some areas of the river, the elevation drops significantly, which is what creates the Class II and III conditions, and allows for exciting, experienced paddling trips. As the river flows out of Oakland County into Macomb, the elevation and floodplain levels out a lot, giving way to a flatter, calmer ride for novice paddlers. Water flow fluctuations greatly affect this river, and the U.S. Geological Survey department monitors actual water flow on a bi-hourly basis, which we use to monitor water levels for both the upper and lower sections of the Clinton River, via their website.
Because even slight variations in water flow/ levels affect the type of experience paddlers will have on the river, we monitor the USGS Water Levels frequently, especially during and after heavy rains, for discharge and velocity information. These levels- which we sometimes combine with readings from several gages-like Paint Creek and Moravian- along with visual observations and many years of paddling experience, give us a good indication of whether certain sections are safe for paddling, or whether certain sections won't have enough water to paddle at all!
Not only is the Clinton River the best place to “Get Your Paddle On,” it is Southeast Michigan’s premier trout fishery! Fed by Paint Creek and Stoney Creek, the waters of the Clinton River provide habitat for numerous fish species such as brown trout, steelhead, pike, and various others. Along with fish, the river is home to many types of birds, and bird sanctuaries like the Great Blue Heron Rookery, the largest rookery in S.E. Michigan!
Discover what the Mighty Clinton River has to offer from the unique vantage point of a canoe or kayak!
Because even slight variations in water flow/ levels affect the type of experience paddlers will have on the river, we monitor the USGS Water Levels frequently, especially during and after heavy rains, for discharge and velocity information. These levels- which we sometimes combine with readings from several gages-like Paint Creek and Moravian- along with visual observations and many years of paddling experience, give us a good indication of whether certain sections are safe for paddling, or whether certain sections won't have enough water to paddle at all!
- Rule #1: Your safety is our #1 priority, so keep in mind we reserve the right to cancel trips if we feel safety could be compromised.
- Rule #2: Paddlers assume all risk when on the river (that goes for those with their own boats, too)!
- Rule #3: Please do some research, respect the river, and NEVER paddle alone!
Not only is the Clinton River the best place to “Get Your Paddle On,” it is Southeast Michigan’s premier trout fishery! Fed by Paint Creek and Stoney Creek, the waters of the Clinton River provide habitat for numerous fish species such as brown trout, steelhead, pike, and various others. Along with fish, the river is home to many types of birds, and bird sanctuaries like the Great Blue Heron Rookery, the largest rookery in S.E. Michigan!
Discover what the Mighty Clinton River has to offer from the unique vantage point of a canoe or kayak!
Terrain360 -Clinton River Yates Mill
Take a look at Terrain360 Virtual tour of the Clinton River Yates Mill run!
