The Conservation Boards of Henry, Jefferson,
Keokuk and Washington county and the Jefferson County Trails Council, hope that
this publication will entice more people into enjoying the natural resources of
the Skunk River corridor in southeast Iowa.
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The real natural beauty of the Skunk River can be enjoyed best
by navigating the river in a motor boat, canoe or kayak. After the North
and South Skunk River join just south of Sigourney, the river meanders
freely for most of its 100 miles through farmland and wooded areas until
it joins the Mississippi River. Make sure you take along your fishing
pole and bait.
The Skunk River is notoriously known for it’s excellent fishing. The
shoreline of nearly every stretch and bend of the river is littered with
fallen trees, creating excellent habitat for channel catfish, flathead
catfish, freshwater drum and carp. |
| The Skunk River, as any river, should be enjoyed with caution and
great respect. After heavy rains, the river can rise rapidly resulting
in strong currents and floating debris causing dangerous situations. Be
respectful of the river, others who use it and the people who live along
its shores. Please dispose of refuse properly and wear your life jacket! |
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Suggestions on what gear to take on a float trip:
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Extra paddle |
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Personal floatation device |
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A first aid kit |
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A sponge for bailing and keeping your boat clean |
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A secure place for car keys |
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Food and plenty of drinking water |
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Sunscreen and insect repellent |
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Extra clothing in a water proof bag |
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Water shoes or old sneakers |
Safety Tips:
1. Basic safety rules are important for enjoyable river paddling. Use the
following points as a guide for your float trip.
2. Be sure each passenger wears an approved Personal Floatation Device that
fits.
3. Don’t overload with either passengers or gear. Waterproof personal gear.
Fasten all ropes so there is no entanglement danger.
4. If paddling alone, let someone know your put-in and take-out points and
estimated arrival time.
5. Portage around danger including low head dams and major log jams. Remember,
it in doubt get out!
6. Beware of overhanging tree, log jams, brush piles and other obstacles that
the water flows through rather than around. You can be pinned against them,
possibly under the water, by the force of the current. Pass them on the safe
side. Do not grab limbs or debris to control the boar’s direction. That’s a
quick way to capsize!
7. Do not try to run the low head dams. You can be trapped in the recirculating
current at the bottom. Approach docks from the downstream only.
8. If you overturn, stay on the upstream side of the watercraft so you will not
be crushed between it and a rock. In most cases, stay with the boat since it
won’t sink. Don’t try to stand in the fast current. Float down stream on your
back, feet first, with your toes out fo the water. This will keep your feet from
catching on the bottom.
9. Cold water can be paralyzing to both mind and body. Get out of it quickly. Do
not lose your life trying to save your boat or equipment.
10. Be alert to changing weather conditions while on the water. Get out of the
water before a storm hits.
For more information on the Skunk River Water Trail in your
area, contact the following county conservation boards:
Henry County Conservation Board
2593 Nature Center Drive
Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641
319-986-5067
Jefferson County Conservation Board
2003 Libertyville Road
Fairfield, IA 52556
641-472-4421
Keokuk County Conservation Board
P.O. Box 323
Sigourney, IA 52591
641-622-3757
Washington County Conservation Board
2943 Hwy. 92
Ainsworth, IA 52201
319-657-2400 |
