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Wisconsin | Southern Wisconsin

West Branch Sugar RiverFritz Road to County Road PB

Quiet wet-grass tributary paddle from Fritz Road to County Road PB, with WRT route-specific Verona gauge bands and Miles Paddled endpoint GPS support.

Route location

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DistanceAbout 5.2 mi
DifficultyModerate
Typical timeAbout 2 hr to 3 hr
ShuttleCar or bike
The West Branch Sugar River flows past eroded banks before watershed restoration work in Dane County, Wisconsin.
River contextWest Branch Sugar River restoration site river-level photo — not necessarily this exact reach.Photo by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Route overview

Trip details

Access rules, camping and seasonal notes.

Permits, camping and season
PermitsNone notedNo route-specific paddling permit is known. Follow Wisconsin boating/PFD rules and use only public bridge right-of-way or clearly permitted access points.
CampingOptions nearbyTreat this as a day route. No public on-route camping is documented, and adjoining farm/pasture banks should be treated as private unless clearly signed otherwise.
SeasonApr-NovWRT says the route remains navigable at low Verona flows, but spring/fall or recent-rain windows are more satisfying. Above 300 cfs, expect bankfull water, pushier corners, and poorer visibility around wood.

Access and shuttle

Launch at Fritz Road and paddle the quiet West Branch Sugar wet-grass corridor to County Road PB. The route is low-gradient and scenic, but it is not a groomed water trail and requires attention to fresh wood, blind bends, and bridge exits.

Access map

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Start

Put-in

Fritz Road bridge access
DirectionsOpen map

Fritz Road is a bridge launch with grass/ditch footing rather than a formal ramp; inspect footing at both sides of the bridge before unloading.

Finish

Take-out

County Road PB bridge access
DirectionsOpen map

County Road PB is a so-so bridge take-out with a steep bank/shoulder and nearby farm access. Do not block the field entrance noted by WRT.

Road shuttle

Stage County Road PB first, leaving room for traffic and farm access, then return to Fritz Road. WRT recommends the west-side bike shuttle over busier PB when riding.

Driving shuttle routeShuttle in Apple MapsOpenStreetMap
Additional access notes
  • The Sugar River near Verona gauge is a basin proxy, not a direct West Branch gauge, so visual depth and wood checks at both bridges control the final go/no-go.
More route and safety guidance
  • County Road PB is a bridge/shoulder exit near farm access, not a full launch. Keep vehicles clear of traffic and farm-field entrances.
  • The Verona gauge is a proxy; make same-day visual checks at Fritz Road and County Road PB before committing.
Terms and safety
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Conditions

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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 and mileageFritz Road to County Road PB, about 5.2 mi

    Wisconsin River Trips calls Fritz Road to County Road PB probably the best West Branch leg and documents the current access and hazard notes.

    Source

  • Endpoint GPSFritz 42.90312,-89.59752; PB 42.87922,-89.55877

    Miles Paddled documents the same Fritz Road-to-County Road PB route and publishes put-in and take-out GPS coordinates.

    Source

  • Threshold ladder41-70 cfs average/fine; 300+ cfs bankfull caution

    WRT ties the route to the Sugar River near Verona gauge and describes low, average, high, very high, and 300+ cfs bankfull bands.

    Source

  • Gauge check during route review · 2026-07-23USGS 05435950 38.0 cfs / 2.88 ft at 2026-07-23 15:00 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.

    Source

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

Nearby routes within 75 miles

Sugar RiverBelleville Community Park to County Road X · about 4 straight-line mi awayEasy · 10.25 mi

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