See all 6 routes on Mecan River
Wisconsin | Central Wisconsin
Mecan RiverHighway 22 to Germania Marsh Dam
Lower Mecan marsh route from Highway 22 through Germania Marsh to the dam access, with an optional fish-barrier take-out and strong navigation, wind, barrier, and dam caveats.
Checking current river conditions…
Route location
Loading the route map.
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.
Permits, camping and season
Access and shuttle
Launch at Highway 22 and paddle downstream through the Germania Marsh corridor to the dam access. This route is short on paper but carries more logistics than the upstream Mecan cards because of marsh navigation, wind exposure, fish-barrier signs, and the mandatory dam stop.
Access map
Put-in
Highway 22 Mecan River accessThe Highway 22 launch is public but small; inspect parking, footing, and bridge clearance before committing.
Take-out
Germania Marsh Dam accessWRT notes an electric fish barrier warning and an alternate take-out near Duck Creek about 1.1 miles above the dam. Treat that as a real decision point if signs or conditions warrant stopping early.
Road shuttle
Stage Germania Marsh Dam first and confirm that the ramp/gate/access setup is usable that day. Consider marking the Duck Creek / fish barrier alternate take-out before launching from Highway 22.
Choose a shorter tripOptional
Access planner
Choose your launch and take-out
This changes launch and take-out logistics, not today's river score.
Highway 22 Mecan River access to Germania Marsh Dam access is about 5.8 mi. Use the planner to compare shorter access pairs.
Additional access notes
- The Germania Marsh Dam take-out must be confirmed before launch, including seasonal gate or ramp access. Do not drift into the dam corridor.
More route and safety guidance
- Respect the electric fish barrier signs; WRT notes a take-out/portage option at the barrier and overgrown path conditions.
- Carry GPS or a reliable map for the marsh, and avoid strong wind, storms, and low-visibility conditions.
Plan this paddle
Choose your trip times
No account needed. Check the selected access points above, then choose both dates and times. For an overnight paddle, set take-out to the following date.
Times use the selected time zone. Check it against the river’s location before saving or sharing.
Browser plans stay on this device. Sharing opens your device’s share tools or gives you text to copy.
Download GPX Route geometry only; no schedule required.
Conditions
Check the forecast and local water levels before launching.
Recent trend
Checking preferred range.
Checking trend.
Gauge source
--Checking timestampDetailed weather
Weather
Hourly forecast
Checking weather.
Loading today's forecast.
Next 8 hours
Short-route forecast
Checking the next several hours.
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.
Waiting on forecast.
Waiting on forecast.
Station details and river cameras
Station observations
USGS measurements
Measurement notes and coverage
These are observations at the station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Chaffee Creek at I-39 near Coloma, WI. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Photos and recent reports
Look for recent access, obstruction and hazard observations. Context photos may show a different part of the river.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Share a recent access update, hazard observation or photo.
Sources and methodology
Review source dates and published guidance below. We have not inspected this trip in person.
NotesPublished evidence and verification notes
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Route reportHighway 22 to Germania Marsh Dam, 5.8 miles
WRT documents the exact route, Highway 22 access, fish-barrier warning, marsh navigation, Germania Marsh Dam access, and Chaffee Creek stage bands.
- DNR Mecan system contextMecan Fishery Area canoeing and parking
Wisconsin DNR lists canoeing as a recreational opportunity in the Mecan River Fishery Area and notes numerous parking areas across the system.
- Gauge check during route review · 2026-07-223.62 ft / 11.6 cfs at 2026-07-22 20:00 CDT
This reading was saved when we checked the guide. It is not today’s water level. Check the current gauge and local conditions before paddling.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Other routes nearby
More on Mecan River
All 6Nearby routes within 75 miles
Flag a change
See something outdated?
Access, hazards, wood, and shuttle details change. Send a quick correction if something looks off.