See all 9 routes on Tradewater River
Kentucky | Western Kentucky
Tradewater RiverFishtrap Bridge Ramp to Granger Landing Ramp
Long lower Tradewater float from Fishtrap Bridge Ramp to Granger Landing Ramp. KDFWR supports the chained 20.1-mile public route with official access-to-access mileage, public endpoint coordinates, and the Providence gauge as the closest same-river route signal.
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 Fishtrap Bridge Ramp and take out at Granger Landing Ramp for a long lower Tradewater day. Because no gauge sits on this exact reach, use the upstream Providence gauge as a conservative same-river check and stand down quickly when flashy weather pushes the river out of band.
Access map
Put-in
Fishtrap Bridge RampFishtrap is a small bridge landing with minimal parking and no amenities, so settle the vehicle plan before launching.
Take-out
Granger Landing RampGranger Landing is an uncomplicated public ramp near Sturgis, yet the lower river still runs past private banks and limited shoreline services. Do not assume open stopping points away from the ramp.
Road shuttle
Stage the take-out at Granger Landing first, then drive back to Fishtrap. This is a long lower-Tradewater shuttle with few services, so inspect both access roads before committing and leave enough daylight for an all-day float.
Additional access notes
- KDFWR limits bank and wade fishing to the public access areas because adjacent property is private. Do not plan on informal bank stops or camping along the route.
- This route effectively combines the official Fishtrap-to-VFW and VFW-to-Granger segments, so it needs a fuller daylight, hydration, and fatigue plan than either shorter float alone.
More route and safety guidance
- Woody debris, braided channels, and strainers are ordinary hazards on this corridor even when the upstream gauge is near the recommended band.
- Both public accesses border private property or limited public shoreline; use the signed ramps and legal public landings rather than treating banks as open stops.
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
Tradewater River near Providence, KY. 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.
- Official route chainFishtrap Bridge Ramp to Granger Landing Ramp, about 20.1 mi
KDFWR lists Fishtrap to VFW as 9.5 miles and VFW to Granger as 10.6 miles, supporting a combined public Tradewater route of about 20.1 miles.
- Official level band5-50 cfs / 10-15 ft at Providence
KDFWR rates the Providence gauge low below 5 cfs or 10.0 ft, good from 5.0 to 50.0 cfs or 10.0 to 15.0 ft, and high above 50.0 cfs or 15.0 ft.
- Put-in accessFishtrap Bridge Ramp, 37.3988, -87.9049
KDFWR lists Fishtrap Bridge Ramp as a free carry-down access with published coordinates at the bridge landing.
- Take-out accessGranger Landing Ramp, 37.5463, -88.0189
KDFWR lists Granger Landing Ramp as a free paved public ramp with published coordinates near Sturgis.
- Gauge check during route review · June 26, 2026USGS 03384100 at 195 cfs / 12.50 ft
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.
- Route characterFlashy rural river with wood and braided channels
KDFWR describes the Tradewater as a gentle but extremely flashy river with woody debris, braided channels, riffles, runs, and deeper pools along this lower corridor.
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 Tradewater River
All 9Nearby 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.