Introduction
Lynne and Robert Diebel featured a 12-mile stretch of High Island Creek in their book: Paddling Southern Minnesota - 85 Great Trips By Canoe And Kayak (to order a book www.trailsbooks.com) . According to the Diebel's, the creek is great fun to run for expert paddlers when it's running high and a favorite of the Mankato Paddling Club. In their book they talk about long chains of standing waves and a narrow, twisting channel making for a challenging and exciting paddling.

Water Levels:
High Island Creek is a flashy system with water levels reacting quickly to storm events, especially out in the western part of the watershed. Because the creek drops quickly paddlers will want to check the water level at the USGS gage near Henderson by clicking onto http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?site_no=05327000. The Diebels call for a minimum of 3.9 feet for paddling with an optimal of 4.5 to 6 feet. At 8.86 feet of 1,290 cfs the creek overflows its banks.

Put In Point:
At 371st Avenue - a quiet gravel road that can be reached by turning west off County Highway 12 onto 240th Street. At the intersection of 37 1st Avenue turn south. The Diebel's say, "Downstream right offers the best access. It's a steep bank but not too brushy."

Take Out Point:
The last bridge crossing High Island Creek is on County Highway 6 north of Henderson. This is the location of the USGS gage station. Parking is available at the Jessenland Town Hall, located on the north side of the stream. The best spot to take out is on the southeast side of the bridge. Here the bank isn't too steep and there is a approach off the highway.

Hazards:
* Be prepared for barbwire fences strung across the creek.
* Deadfalls could be across the channel in this heavily wooded section.
* You will need to portage around a carp dam at around 5.9-mile and be prepared for no warning sign.
* There are a number of footbridges across the creek, including a low one at 7.3 miles.

Source: Paddling Southern Minnesota - 85 Great Trips by Canoe and Kayak by Lynne and Robert Diebel