Wisconsin | Central Wisconsin

Lemonweir River

Mauston Dam to 19th Avenue Landing

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Start with the verdict, current conditions, route plan, and quick facts before you commit to the drive.

LevelCheckingChecking
TrendCheckingChecking 24h change
WeatherLoadingAir: No reading
RainLoadingRecent rain: Checking

Recent trend

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DifficultymoderateThe route is short and mostly gentle, but the dam-adjacent launch, immediate riffles, wooded bends, mosquitoes, private banks, and possible post-storm wood make it a cautious intermediate day rather than a casual beginner float.
PermitsNone notedNo route-specific paddling permit is known. Use only the downstream dam access and the Juneau County Lemonweir Mills public landing, and follow posted parking and launch rules.
CampingOptions nearbyTreat this as a day route. WRT mentions sandbars on the broader lower Lemonweir, but no legal public campsite was verified for this short reach.
SeasonApr-OctSpring through early fall works when the New Lisbon gauge is above the low floor. After storms, inspect the Mauston dam tailwater and the 19th Avenue bridge because fresh wood and pushy current can change the easy character quickly.

Dial in the shuttle, distance, and access.

Use this section once the route looks viable and you need to turn it into an actual trip plan.

Access, shuttle, and map

Launch below the Mauston Dam and paddle the first lower-Lemonweir reach to the 19th Avenue / Lemonweir Mills landing. The route has easy riffles and wooded scenery but sits immediately below a dam and depends on same-day wood and tailwater checks.

Start

Put-in

Mauston Dam downstream accessOpen map

Do not launch above the Mauston Dam for this route. Put in only below the dam and away from spillway current.

Finish

Take-out

19th Avenue / Lemonweir Mills LandingOpen map

Lemonweir Mills is a basic no-fee public launch without a dock or toilets. Confirm footing and current before committing as the take-out.

Pulling access map tiles. Usually under 5 seconds.

Access caveats and watch for

Access caveats

  • Do not launch above the Mauston Dam for this route. Put in only below the dam and away from spillway current.
  • Lemonweir Mills is a basic no-fee public launch without a dock or toilets. Confirm footing and current before committing as the take-out.
  • The New Lisbon gauge is direct but upstream of the route. Visual checks at the dam and 19th Avenue still control after storms or wind events.

Watch for

  • Dam tailwater, immediate riffles, fresh strainers, and blind wooded bends.
  • Low-water sandbars, mosquitoes, and private banks along the short corridor.
  • Cold water in spring and fall, plus faster current or new obstructions after rain.

Check the data behind today's call.

Use this section when the page shows stale data, limited confidence, or a call you want to verify before driving.

Read quality
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Today's data confidence is checking

Data confidence mostly comes down to three things: how direct the gauge is, how clear the range is, and how fresh the data is.

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Tomorrow and weekend

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Gauge, thresholds, and timing

These are the live readings and threshold notes behind today's score.

Gauge siteLemonweir River at New Lisbon, WI
DischargeChecking
Gauge heightChecking
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Ideal rangeNeeds paddler reports
Known low-water floor170 cfs
High thresholdNot calibrated yet
Data confidence behind the rangeLocal route guidance
Gauge observedChecking
Paddle Today updatedChecking
Main source behind this scoreWisconsin River Trips Mauston route and Miles Paddled Lemonweir gauge floor
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What to know before you go

These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.

  • Exact route reportMauston Dam to 19th Avenue Landing, 5 miles

    Wisconsin River Trips documents this route with a Mauston Dam put-in, 19th Avenue take-out, three-hour trip time, and 0.9 ft/mi gradient.

    Source

  • Exact route level240 cfs at New Lisbon was good depth

    Wisconsin River Trips ties the exact Mauston route to USGS 05403500 and reports 240 cfs as good depth for the trip.

    Source

  • Conservative low floor170 cfs minimum-only floor

    Miles Paddled ties lower Lemonweir paddling to the New Lisbon gauge and gives 170 cfs as a conservative minimum for the route family.

    Source

  • Official take-outJuneau County Lemonweir Mills Boat Launch

    Juneau County lists Lemonweir Mills on 19th Avenue as a no-fee public launch for kayaks, canoes, and small boats.

    Source

  • Current gauge check291 cfs and 3.96 ft at 2026-07-16 16:00 CDT

    USGS Water Services returned current discharge and stage for the direct Lemonweir River at New Lisbon gauge during this run.

    Source

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Lemonweir River paddling FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Lemonweir River?

Paddle Today watches Lemonweir River at New Lisbon, WI and uses 170 cfs as the conservative low-water floor for this route. The ideal range still needs more paddler reports.

Where does this Lemonweir River route start and end?

This route starts at Mauston Dam downstream access and ends at 19th Avenue / Lemonweir Mills Landing, about About 5 mi on the water.

Is this Lemonweir River route good for beginners?

This is listed as a moderate route. Expect more planning than an easy float, and use the live score, route notes, and source links before committing.

See something outdated?

Access, hazards, wood, and shuttle details change. Send a quick correction if something looks off.